Functions and limits of residents’ committees and their autonomy
Residents’ committees of nursing homes are part of a vast network of committees established across all health facilities and social services in Quebec. Composed of residents of nursing homes and their close relatives, these committees meet to discuss their concerns and needs and to formulate requests and recommendations for management regarding the living conditions, the respect of human rights and the quality of services. Nevertheless, the status and mandate of the committees is uncertain, raising questions as to their autonomy within these institutions and their ability to change and contribute to an understanding of the issues. We show how these mechanisms for public participation insert themselves into the organization and become a management tool, yet also how they establish an autonomy, contribute new perspectives on the topics under discussion and exert an influence.