What is the MuskokaCare Model?

MuskokaCare is care grounded in respect, relationship, purpose, and belonging—supporting people living with dementia to live meaningful lives, every day, in a community that truly feels like home.

Purpose and Vision

MuskokaCare is a made-in-Muskoka, person-centred model of care that guides how we treat people, make decisions, and deliver care and services every day. It reflects the values, strengths, and unique characteristics of Muskoka’s communities and long-term care homes.

The purpose of the MuskokaCare Social Model of Dementia Care is to support people to live well with dementia by focusing on relationships, identity, inclusion, and meaningful daily life—rather than solely on medical needs or task-based care.

MuskokaCare aligns with Ontario’s direction under the Fixing Long-Term Care Act (2021) and the Improving Dementia Care in Ontario Act (2024). This model represents the District of Muskoka’s living, locally grounded response—co-created with our staff, residents, persons of importance, and families.

Our guiding question: How do we support people to live meaningful, connected lives while living with dementia?

Context and Population

Residents in Muskoka’s long-term care homes come from a range of rural, small-town, and culturally diverse backgrounds. This includes Indigenous peoples, long-time local residents, newcomers, and individuals who have chosen to make Muskoka their home later in life. Although Muskoka’s aging population is smaller and less urban than large cities, our model of care must still respond to:

• Different life experiences and identities
• Cultural traditions and spiritual practices
• Language preferences and communication styles
• The values of close-knit rural and community-based living

MuskokaCare was intentionally developed to reflect this context while incorporating proven best practices from existing dementia care models, with a strong focus on respect, equity, diversity, and inclusion.

What is the Social Model of Dementia Care?

Within MuskokaCare, dementia is understood through a social model of care, which:

• Recognizes dementia as a disability shaped by environment, relationships, and social structures—not just a medical condition
• Prioritizes meaningful connection, choice, belonging, and inclusion
• Values who a person is, not just the care tasks they require
• Emphasizes everyday life, social engagement, and participation in community

This approach shifts the focus from managing behaviours to understanding unmet needs and supporting quality of life.

Core Principles

Personhood and Identity

Every person living with dementia has a unique history, identity, and set of strengths. What this means to practice:

• Life stories are embedded into care planning
• Preferred names, routines, and communication approaches are respected
• Residents continue meaningful roles such as helper, greeter, gardener, or mentor
• Care is individualized, not one-size-fits-all

Relationships First

Strong, trusting relationships are central to wellbeing. What this means in practice:

• Consistent assignment of care teams where possible
• Staff are supported to spend time listening and connecting—not just completing tasks
• Emotional safety is valued equally with physical safety
• Families and persons of importance are partners in care, not visitors

Meaningful Daily Life

Life in long-term care is about living, not simply receiving care. What this means in practice:

• Engagement in real, everyday activities such as folding laundry, setting tables, or watering plants
• Flexible daily rhythms instead of rigid schedules
• Choice and control over waking, eating, bathing, and resting times Opportunities for purpose, contribution, and routine

Inclusion and Citizenship

People living with dementia remain citizens of their home and community. What this means in practice:

• Shared spaces and meals that promote belonging Inclusive programming rather than separation
• Ongoing connections with the wider community, including children, volunteers, pets, and faith groups
• Avoiding language and practices that divide “us” and “them.”