Family council is an organization run by and for families and friends of nursing home residents. A typical council is made up of fine or more family member who meet monthly. Officers are elected to plan and chair meetings, take minutes, attend to finances, and, in general, direct the ongoing activity of the group. Nursing home staff and administration, and NHRAC, lend support and assistance as the council requests. However, an effective council is self-determining and organized to meet the particular needs and interests of that family group. For this reason, each council is unique.