Learn How to Build Resident Committees – Dementia-Friendly Resident Committees – Where Everyone Belongs
Meaningful Roles for All:
Designing Dementia-Friendly Resident Committees
New date coming soon.
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Register a Group of 3 or More – $25/Person
Before we get to the interesting stuff about the conference let’s clear something up:
The Difference Between Resident Councils and Resident Committees
While many care settings report having “resident committees,” what they often mean are resident councils—and the two are not the same.
A resident council is typically a formal group that meets to discuss concerns, share feedback with administration, and raise issues affecting residents as a whole. These councils are valuable for advocacy and resident voice, but they can be limited in scope and participation, especially for individuals living with dementia.
In contrast, resident committees are purpose-driven, action-oriented groups formed around specific interests or tasks. These might include a Social Committee, Decorating Committee, Pet Therapy Committee, or Gardening Committee, the list is endless.
The focus is less on governance and more on engagement, collaboration, and meaningful contribution. These groups offer residents a chance to take part in shaping daily life—not just talking about it, but actively doing.
Most importantly, resident committees can be designed to include people living with dementia, with adapted roles and flexible participation.
Someone might greet visitors, help choose music, arrange flowers, or prepare for an event—all based on their current strengths. This kind of involvement is often not possible in the structure of a typical resident council meeting, which tends to rely on verbal communication, memory, and abstract discussion.
The key difference between dementia-friendly resident committees and resident councils?
Resident councils talk about what’s happening in the home.
Resident committees help make things happen.
Both are valuable—but they serve very different purposes. And when it comes to meaningful engagement, committees offer powerful opportunities for inclusion, especially for those who are too often left out.
How to Build Resident Committees That Include People Living with Dementia
Creating dementia-friendly resident committees is a powerful way to provide meaningful roles, promote belonging, and enrich daily life in long-term care, assisted living, and community settings.
You’ll learn how to design and support inclusive committees where residents with and without dementia collaborate on real tasks—planning events, welcoming newcomers, decorating for holidays, selecting music, and much more.
What You’ll Learn:
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The Why: How committees support identity, inclusion, and purpose—especially for those living with dementia
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The How: Step-by-step guidance on forming, structuring, and sustaining committees that work
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The Roles: Dozens of adaptable committee roles like Greeter, Encourager, Card Writer, or Activity Assistant
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The Support: How to use visual cues, flexible participation, and one-on-one introductions to help residents succeed
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The Committees: Examples include Social Planning, Reminiscence & Storytelling, Decorating, Gardening, Pet Therapy, Spiritual Connections, and more
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The Mindset Shift: A Montessori-informed perspective that focuses on ability, not impairment
Small Adaptations. Big Impact.
Even residents with advanced dementia can:
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Help arrange flowers or decorations
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Greet others with a smile or handshake
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Choose between two options using visual aids
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Participate in group planning with a support person
With the right environment and encouragement, every resident can contribute in some way.
“We don’t wait for residents to fit our system—we shape our system to fit them.”
Who Should Attend:
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LTC, Assisted Living, or Memory Care staff
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Activity and recreation professionals
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Dementia program leaders, Behavioral Supports Ontario (BSO) teams, or behavioral support staff
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Community organizations working toward inclusion
Why It Matters:
Committees that include people living with dementia create:
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Stronger social bonds
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A shared sense of purpose
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A more vibrant, connected community
“Residents aren’t just recipients of care. They’re contributors to community life.”
Meaningful Roles for All:
Designing Dementia-Friendly Resident Committees
New date coming soon.
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Register a Group of 3 or More – $25/Person
