Fairvern Family Portal

Friends of Fairvern Pies

The Pie Freezer in the Rose Room is now stocked with the following:

Large Chicken Pot Pie - $20.00 (Only 1 remaining)

Butter Tarts – 6 to a box - $12.00.

Large Apple, Raisin, Strawberry/Rhubarb, & Bumbleberry Pies - $15.00.

COMING SOON: Apple Crisp, Strawberry/Rhubarb Crisp & Date Squares

Remember all you must do is take your choice from the freezer and & leave your money in the black cash box mounted on the wall to the right of the freezer.

All the money raised goes towards enhancing the Resident’s lives so please think of The Friends’ baking when you’re planning your next meal.

2023 Notice of Assessment

Please remember, for those residents who are eligible for a “rate reduction” for basic accommodation fees, to forward a copy of the 2023 Notice of Assessment to Debbie Biliko. These can be dropped off to the Business Office or sent by email to debbie.biliko@fairvern.ca.

Hats Off to our Volunteers

Fairvern will be hosting an appreciation celebration on April 26, 2024. Let's recognize and celebrate every volunteer and each contribution they're making to strengthen inclusivity and wellbeing in our home.

Please RSVP to Esther at ext. 4336.

Looking forward to seeing you!

March Family Council Meeting – April 30, 2024

The Fairvern Family Council will hold their monthly meeting on Tuesday, April 30^th at 6:00 pm via Zoom.

The meeting link will be circulated closer to the meeting.

All Friends and Families are invited and encouraged to attend.

Leave of Absence Books

Beginning Wednesday, March 27, 2024, Fairvern implemented Leave of Absence books that are located at the Nurses Stations on each floor. If you are leaving the home with your friend or loved one we ask that this book be filled out. The form will ask for the following information:

Date, Time, Name of Resident, Responsible Person, Time Out, Phone Number, Signature when Returning and Time Returned.

Thank you for your support and cooperation. Please reach out should you have any questions.

SOLAR ECLIPSE SAFETY

On Monday, April 8th there will be a Total Solar Eclipse visible across North America. A Total Solar Eclipse is when the moon passes between the Sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the Sun and creating darkness on a slim sliver of Earth’s surface. Read more about Total Solar Eclipses here.

When is the Solar Eclipse?

Here in Muskoka, the solar eclipse is expected to start at 2:06PM reaching its maximum of 95% obscurity at approximately 3:20PM, and ending at 4:20PM. Safety precautions should be followed for the full time.

What is the Hazard?

Looking at the sun without special protection may cause damage to your retina from radiation (solar retinopathy). Viewing any part of the bright sun through a camera lens, binoculars, or a telescope without a special-purpose solar filter secured over the front of the optics could cause severe eye injury. Proper eye protection is recommended if you are wanting to look at the solar eclipse.

Safety Considerations

·DO NOT look directly at the sun!

·Where possible, schedule task indoors during the eclipse, to reduce the likelihood of looking at the sun. Discuss with your teams the plan for this day and time.

·Where possible, AVOID travel during the eclipse.

·If driving, continue as normal and avoid looking at the sun. Depending on the sun position, use hats/shades/visors that prevent light to pass through. DO NOT drive wearing eclipse glasses and DO have headlights turned ON.

·During a Solar Eclipse, the environment will darken like dawn or dusk – prepare for distracted drivers and people. Ensure adequate lighting and wear high visibility clothing appropriate for low light conditions.

·If you want to look at the eclipse, only use safe solar eclipse viewers or filters that meet international standards ISO 12312. Please note that regular sunglasses do not provide sufficient eye protection for viewing the solar eclipse.

Updates to Enhanced Masking Mandates

The Ministry of Long-Term Care (MLTC) has been working closely with the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health (OCMOH) to monitor and assess respiratory illness in the community and LTCHs, including reassessing enhanced masking measures currently in place in LTCHs.

Recent trends have shown continued decreases in community level transmission of COVID-19, flu and RSV, as well as decreases in outbreaks in LTCHs, with lower risk of severe illness and hospitalization amongst residents, and increased vaccination rates. While outbreaks can still be expected, we anticipate entering a lower risk period of respiratory illness than we have experienced over the past three months. Based on the recent trends and projections, and the advice of OCMOH, MLTC ended the enhanced masking requirements on Monday, March 4, 2024.

Masking is still strongly recommended for caregivers and visitors, however not required. Should anyone choose to continue to wear a mask, you are free to do so and they will be available for use.

Thank you all for your continued support and understanding.

Clinical Practice Lead (CPL)

We are excited to announce, Fairvern is introducing a new addition to the Nursing Leadership Team, the Clinical Practice Lead (CPL). The CPL focus is education and continuous quality improvement of core programs and professional development among the Fairvern nursing team which will positively impact resident care. We are eager to have the CLP collaborating with families, residents, and staff to provide safe, optimal care. We are also pleased to announce that Sarina McKey was the successful candidate for this position.

Many of you will already be familiar with Sarina as she has made an impact on resident care at Fairvern for over 5 years in various roles. She began as a PSW and transitioned into the RPN role. During the past year she has also supported the team in the RAI-MDS role, completing resident assessments and Care Plan reviews to provide the best care possible.

Please join us in congratulating Sarina on her new role!

2023 Notice of Assessment

Please remember, for those residents who are eligible for a “rate reduction” for basic accommodation fees, to forward a copy of the 2023 Notice of Assessment to Debbie Biliko. These can be dropped off to the Business Office or sent by email to debbie.biliko@fairvern.ca.

March Family Council Meeting – March 26, 2024

The Fairvern Family Council will hold their monthly meeting on Tuesday, March 26 at 6:00 pm via Zoom.

The meeting link will be circulated closer to the meeting.

All Friends and Families are invited and encouraged to attend.

Friends of Fairvern Pies

The Pie Volunteers have made some yummy Chicken Pot Pies and various kinds of Butter Tarts for your enjoyment. The prices are as follows:

Large Chicken Pie is $20.00

Small Chicken Pie is $10.00

6 Butter Tarts is $12.00.

Also, there are still some Apple & Raisin Pies available for purchase.

All the money raised goes towards enhancing the Resident’s lives so please think of The Friends’ pies when you are planning your next meal.

Visioning Session

Thank you to everyone who participated in the Visioning Session with BPA on February 20. It was great to have such an amazing turnout. BPA will be sharing outcomes from this session and stay tuned for further information and opportunities for future sharing.

Activation Update

The sun is shining and snow melting. Spring is in the air!!

The home is decorated with shamrocks and green as we look forward to St Patrick’s Day. We have enjoyed some creative art projects and Travel Club trip to Ireland and will be reminiscing about the day as well as enjoying some music, treats and green beer coming up on Friday March 15 at 2pm.

We will also have some Easter activities starting this month as Good Friday will be on Friday March 29. We will share some pictures of our Easter events.

We look forward to getting outside with residents as soon as the weather allows.

Love is alive and well here at Fairvern! Our home was decorated in hearts and flowers.

Friends of Fairvern volunteer made fresh flower centerpieces for all of the tables in the dining rooms. Thank you, Marg for donating your time and Cottage Country Flowers for donating the carnations

We also enjoyed a lovely Sweetheart Lunch for some special lovebirds here at Fairvern. The pictures from the event will make you smile.

Sewing

Effective February 1, 2024 the sewing service rate will be increased to $30/hour to help offset the cost of tools and equipment. If your resident requires mending or alterations to their clothing and is not signed up for in-house service, please contact Mary Woodruff at 705-789-6011 ext. 4339.

Sweetheart Lunch

Romance is alive and well at Fairvern. We will be hosting couples for a sweetheart lunch at 12:30pm on Wednesday February 14.

We welcome couples in home as well as spouses to sign up for this event. Lunch will be served in the Activity Center. Space is limited so please sign up with Esther Murphy,

Fairvern Family Council

Fairvern Family Council will meet on January 23 at 6 pm via ZOOM. New members are always welcome and if you would like more information please contact Cate Schenk, Chair of the Council at fairvernfamilycouncil@gmail.com.

Zoom link for the January 23 meeting can be found here https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86348973461?pwd=ulFIsRZwbkZaWdu09f0scnZyvM03E6.1

Fairvern Redevelopment

Construction on the new Fairvern continues to move ahead. We have created a Redevelopment update wall in the lower level next to the Family Room. New progress photos will be added on a regular basis and we welcome you to take a look when you are visiting.

Ministry of Long Term Care Inspection

Two inspectors from the MLTC were on site in December for 4 days to complete a complaint inspection. The report will be received in January and results will be shared.

Resident Engagement Survey

Our Resident Engagement survey will be closing on January 12. Please take time to complete with your loved one or on behalf of your loved one. This information provides valuable feedback for improvements at Fairvern. The survey can be found here : https://www.engagemuskoka.ca/fairvern-family-portal/surveys/fairvern-resident-and-family-engagement-survey-dec-2023

Thanks in advance for your participation.

Nurse Practitioner

Please welcome Fairvern’s new attending Nurse Practitioner, Jennifer Juzytsch. Jennifer is with the Nurse Led Outreach Team (NLOT) through OSMH and will work closely with Fairvern’s physicians and staff to provide exceptional care. She will be visiting the home every Monday and Wednesday going forward. In this new role, she will assess/diagnose/treat any acute, episodic concerns that may occur for the residents, as well as support advanced wound care and any additional resident needs that arise in collaboration with the team. The purpose of the NLOT is to support facilities to avoid unnecessary emergency department transfers, repatriation from hospitals, and keeping residents in their home. As this new partnership unfolds, Jennifer looks forward to meeting and working with residents, family, and staff at Fairvern. Welcome to the team, Jennifer!

Post Christmas Resident and Family Christmas Party

Due to the outbreak we had to postpone our Resident and Family Christmas party back in December. We are happy to announce that we have rescheduled the party for Wednesday January 17th at 2 p.m. in the Rose Room. Please see the attached document. We look forward to seeing everyone then.

Dear Fairvern Families, Staff and Stakeholders;

The Respiratory outbreak on Second Floor at Fairvern has been declared over by Public Health on October 18, 2023.

As a reminder, please do not visit if you are feeling unwell and continue to practice hand hygiene. Masks will be available should you wish to wear one while visiting at any time.

Thank you to everyone for your cooperation and understanding over the course of the outbreak.

Warm Regards,

Carrie Acton

Administrator

Fairvern

October 6, 2023

RE: RESPIRATORY OUTBREAK STATUS – SECOND FLOOR

Dear Fairvern Stakeholder:

Please be advised that Fairvern has a declared Respiratory outbreak on Second Floor. We are cohorting the floors and continuing to monitor all residents for signs and symptoms. Those Residents who are positive have been isolated and Powers of Attorney have been notified. We are working with Public Health and should there be changes you will be notified.

At this time, only Essential Caregivers may visit Residents on the Second Floor and only visit your loved one. Please ensure Infection Protocols are followed and hand hygiene is completed. There are no restrictions to visiting Residents on the First Floor.

We are providing this message so that those wishing to visit our Home can make their own determination regarding entering the Home to visit their loved one.

In the meantime, we will continue to do our very best to keep everyone in our Home safe. Thank you for your understanding and patience.

Sincerely,

Carrie Acton

Administrator

Fairvern

epartment Recognition

Physiotherapy

Our small but mighty Physiotherapy team ensures that our Residents maintain as much independence as possible for as long as is possible. They run exercise groups and one to one programming that includes mobility and gait training, balance training, walking and stretching. These folks also ensure that Resident have the mobility equipment they need and that it is kept in tip top shape. John, our Physiotherapist, provides lift and transfer training to our staff team as well to ensure the safety of both the Residents and our staff.

A huge thank you to John and Dee, and our Coop Student Riley.

Family Council

The next Family Council meeting will be held virtually on October 24 at 6:00 pm. If you would like to join or would like more information, please email fairvernfamilycouncil@gmail.com. There is also information on the Family Council board in the Activity Centre on the lower level of Fairvern.

Fall and Winter Menus

With the changing of the seasons, comes the changing of our menu. Our residents are looking forward to the Fall and Winter menu which will be starting later this month. The new menu will feature flavours of the fall including pumpkin and apple, as well as new menu offerings and favourite dishes from past menus.

“Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower” – Albert Camus

Friends of Fairvern Frozen Pies

The Friends of Fairvern have frozen pies for sale in the upright freezer at the back of the Rose Room. A large pie is $15 each and a small pie is $8 each. Please consider supporting our volunteer organization with the purchase of a pie.

Influenza Season

With influenza season upon us and COVID still in the community, here a few reminders.

Please do not visit if you are ill.

If you have been ill with influenza or COVID you may return to visit once your symptoms have been improving for 24 hours (or 48 hours if gastrointestinal symptoms) and you have no fever.

If you were COVID positive, you should follow measures to reduce the risk of transmission for 10 days from your symptom onset/positive test, including wearing a mask and distancing from others.

Please wash your hands and/or use the alcohol based hand rub frequently.

Fairvern Residents will begin to receive influenza vaccinations (with consent) on October 10, 2023.

We encourage all staff, volunteers and visitors to receive their influenza vaccines.

Let’s all work together to keep everyone healthy and happy!

Friends of Fairvern Raffle Fundraiser

The Friends of Fairvern is the Volunteer Organization that has supported the Home since it opened in 1982. Over the years they have held various fundraising activities that has enabled them to support the Residents.

This year they are holding a Raffle Fundraiser and a large number of Muskoka Community Members, Artisans, and Businesses have generously donated items worth almost $4000.00 for this cause. Tickets are $5 each or 3 for $12. The draw is scheduled to be held at Fairvern on Friday, October 6, 2023 at 2:00 pm. Ticket holders will have an opportunity to win one of 6 prize baskets.

Margaret Dollar has volunteered to be available in the Fairvern Activity Centre to meet with staff, volunteers, and family members at Fairvern on the following dates and times to sell tickets to those who would like some and to provide booklets of tickets to those who would like to help sell our tickets:

Thursday August 10^th - 9:00 am - 2:00 pm

Friday August 18^th - 9:00 am - 2:00 pm

Thursday August 24^th - 9:00 am - 2:00 pm

For tickets after August 22^nd, please call Brenda Greer at 705-789-3829.

The Friends hope everyone associated with Fairvern will support this exciting fundraising initiative so they can meet their goal of selling 3000 tickets.

Speaking of fundraising initiatives, don’t forgot to purchase a homemade pie from the Friends’ Upright Freezer located at the back of the Rose Room. Rumour has it that they are DELICIOUS! Please spread the word to your family & friends.

Fairvern Family Council

All family members are welcome to join the Fairvern Family Council. For more information, please reach out by email to fairvernfamilycouncil@gmail.com.

Food in Resident Rooms

If you are bringing treats or snacks to your loved one to be consumed in their room, we ask that it be stored in a sealed container or baggie. This will assist in ensuring the item stays fresh and will also keep crumbs etc. to a minimum. Thank you for your cooperation.

Hairdresser – Sandra Kilgannon

Sandra will be starting with us on August 2nd and will be here on Wednesdays. Please note that she will be away August 16, 23 and 30 and then will return to her schedule on September 6.

Family B.B.Q.

Our Family BBQ held on Wednesday July 26^th was a great success. Residents, families and staff enjoyed a wonderful afternoon of music, food and great company. Thank you to everyone that came and made this a true success.

COVID-19 Response Measures Update

Effective June 26, 2023, the following measures are in place as per the Ministry of Long-Term Care for Visitors;

For caregivers and visitors:

· Masks are recommended, but not required, in all areas of the home.

· This means that caregivers and visitors may now join in for dining and sharing a meal or beverage in communal areas.

· In outbreak situations, or if a resident is on Additional Precautions, all individuals are required to comply with masking and other personal protective equipment requirements as directed by the outbreak management team and the local public health unit.

· Visitors should continue to avoid visiting a long-term care home for 10 days after symptom onset or positive test result. Clarification has been added that a visitor who is essential to the resident’s overall health and well-being (e.g., a caregiver) is able to visit within the 10-day timeframe if asymptomatic or symptoms have resolved, but must follow measures to reduce the risk of transmission for 10 days from their symptom onset/positive test, including wearing a mask.

· Getting vaccinated and staying up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines is the best way to remain protected from the most serious effects of COVID-19 infection.

Fairvern Family Council

All family members are welcome to join the Fairvern Family Council. For more information, please reach out by email to fairvernfamilycouncil@gmail.com.

Family B.B.Q.

You are invited to join us for Fairvern’s Family BBQ!

Wednesday, July 26, 2023

4:30 pm – 6;30 pm in the Back Garden

Join us for Music, Games and Food and Fun!

Please RSVP with number of guests to

administrator.fairvern@muskoka.on.ca by July 17, 2023.

This is a rain or shine event.

Limit of 4 guests per resident.

Hope to see you there!

Friends of Fairvern

Homemade frozen (unbaked) pies are once again available for sale by the Friends of Fairvern. They are located in the white upright freezer at the back of the Rose Room (main floor dining room). The Cost for a large pie is $15.00 and a small pie is $8.00. The pies available now are: Strawberry, Strawberry Rhubarb, Bumble Berry, Rhubarb, & Raisin.

Come help yourself to a pie to take home and leave your money in the Cash Box (black) located at the back of the dining room beside the freezer the pies are stored in. Money raised will go towards enhancing the lives of the Residents living at Fairvern. Please support this yummy fundraising endeavour and enjoy your pie!

Please Note: A special thank you to Aaron at Taylor's Strawberry Farm in Windermere for giving the Friends such a great deal on our strawberries this season.

New Team Member

Please join us in welcoming Christine Briden to the new position of Manager of Finance, Long-Term Care on July 10^th, 2023.

Christine has been the team lead of the District’s Accounts Payable department for the past 22 months and previously held the role of Finance Clerk II within the Water and Sewer Billing Department. Christine’s positivity and enthusiasm have made her an invaluable resource to the Finance Services team, and we are excited to support her in this new role. Christine will be leveraging the experience and knowledge she gained through obtaining her degree in Business Administration to step up to the challenge of transitioning the finance services within the District’s two long-term care homes.

Prior to working for the District Christine held positions at Casino Rama, the Martyrs’ Shrine in Midland, and Assurance Accounting. Christine’s experiences have helped her develop excellent leadership, change management, and communication skills.

When we asked Christine what she is most looking forward to in this new role she responded: “I am excited to connect with new people and learn everything I can! This will be a busy role, and I am ready to dive in!”

Hello Family and Friends,

I am pleased to share that effective June 28, 2023 at 0630 the following changes will take effect at Fairvern.

Masking Requirements

For caregivers and visitors:

• Masks are recommended, but not required, in all areas of the home. This means that caregivers and visitors may now join in for dining and sharing a meal or beverage in communal areas.

For staff, students, volunteers, and support workers:

• Masking will not be required, and instead will be based on a point-of-care risk assessment (PCRA) with every resident interaction, consistent with existing Routine Practices, and on the return-to-work protocol following COVID-19 infection.
• Staff may consider wearing a mask during prolonged direct resident care (defined as one-on-one care within two metres of an individual for 15 minutes or longer).
• Fairvern will be implementing “mask friendly” policies, including accommodating:
  • staff who prefer to continue to wear a mask beyond minimum requirements, and
  • residents (or substitute decision-makers) who request that a staff member wear a mask when providing care, in alignment with the Residents’ Bill of Rights.

In outbreak situations, or if a resident is on Additional Precautions, all individuals are required to comply with masking and other personal protective equipment requirements as directed by the outbreak management team and the local public health unit.

Visiting Residents when Ill

Visitors should continue to avoid visiting a long-term care home for 10 days after symptom onset or positive test result. Clarification has been added that a visitor who is essential to the resident’s overall health and well-being (e.g., a caregiver) is able to visit within the 10-day timeframe if asymptomatic or symptoms have resolved, but must follow measures to reduce the risk of transmission for 10 days from their symptom onset/positive test, including wearing a mask.

Thank you for your cooperation. Feel free to reach out with any questions.

Warm Regards,

Carrie

Carrie Acton (she/her)
Administrator

Fairvern Nursing Home

14 Mill Street, Huntsville ON P1H 2A4

Phone: (705) 645-2100 x4848
Fax: (705) 789-1371