The Pines Resident & Family Portal

​

In collaboration with Public Health, Oak Unit has declared a Gastroenteritis Outbreak and remains in surveillance for suspected Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile). Currently, six (6) residents are experiencing symptoms of loose stools, with two (2) residents testing positive. Family members have been notified. We are currently waiting for test results for four (4) of the residents.

Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) can spread very easily. For this reason, proper hand hygiene and the use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) are essential. Please ensure that you wash your hands with soap and water after visiting with residents in this home area, as C. difficile is not killed by hand sanitizer.

If you have any questions about these precautions during your visit, please speak with the nursing staff.

The following infection control measures are to be implemented and followed:

• Ensure the Public Health 4 moments of Hand Hygiene are followed
• No General Visitors to the Oak Home Area at this time
• Essential Caregivers two (2) at a time for visiting only
• Resident's Hand Hygiene before all meals and regularly throughout the day
• Ensure Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is used properly- including donning before entering and removing before exiting the isolated resident’s room
• Residents are to remain in the affected home area at this time to reduce the risk of spread
• Immediate isolation of any residents with new symptom onset
• Cohorting of residents and only small group activities in the home area for unaffected residents. Isolated residents to receive one-to-one activities.
• Twice daily high-touch surface cleaning- changing disinfecting product to a 1-minute contact time and containing sporicidal

Please reach out to Stephanie Albert, IPAC Lead, if you have any questions. stephanie.albert@muskoka.on.ca or ext. 4752

We’re excited to share that the Cedar and Birch home area shower room renovation is now complete! Residents and staff will notice a brighter, more modern space designed with comfort, safety, and accessibility in mind. Thank you to everyone for your patience and cooperation during the renovation process — the results speak for themselves!

As part of our ongoing commitment to maintaining a high-quality living environment, we’re now turning our focus to the Oak and Maple home areas, which are next in line for upgrades. Renovation planning is already underway, and we will be providing regular updates on the progress, timelines, and any temporary changes to routines or access that may be required.

We understand that change can be disruptive, and we are working closely with staff and residents to minimize any inconvenience. Our goal is always to enhance the quality of life in our home, and these renovations are a key step forward.

• Stay tuned for more updates in future newsletters — and thank you for being part of this journey with us!

If you have any questions, please reach out to Steve Files, Environmental Services Manager at steve.files@muskoka.on.ca

The International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women is observed annually on November 25. The day is dedicated to raising awareness that women globally are subjected to various forms of violence and that the scale and true nature of the issue are often hidden.

The date of November 25 was chosen to honor the Mirabal sisters, three political activists from the Dominican Republic who were brutally murdered in 1960 on the orders of the country's ruler, Rafael Trujillo. Their legacy inspired global action against gender-based violence. In 1999, the United Nations General Assembly officially designated November 25 as the International Day, inviting governments, international organizations, and NGOs to organize activities and raise public awareness of the issue.

The International Day also marks the start of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign, which runs until December 10, Human Rights Day. This period provides an opportunity for individuals and organizations to call for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls. The campaign uses the color orange as a unifying theme to symbolize a brighter future free from violence.

Each year, the day highlights specific issues surrounding gender-based violence. The theme for the 2025 campaign is "UNiTE to End Digital Violence against All Women and Girls". The focus is on mobilizing action from all members of society, including governments and technology companies, to address online harassment, deepfakes, and other forms of technology-facilitated abuse that can spill into physical violence.

We invite everyone to wear purple or orange on November 25 to raise awareness.

For more information, please see: https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/maple-leaf/defence/2024/11/international-day-of-eliminating-violence.html

We truly value your feedback. So far, we’ve received only 23 responses, and every voice matters. Without your input, we can’t fully understand what needs improvement to ensure the highest standards of care and safety for our residents.

✨ Please take a moment to share your thoughts—your feedback makes a real difference.

UPDATE: Paper copies are available beside the sign-in tablets in the home for those who prefer. Please drop your completed survey at the front office.

2025 Resident and Family Engagement Survey

Please respond to the questions provided in the survey either as the resident or on behalf of the resident, if you are a person of importance. Responses for the resident should reflect your observations and experiences during your time with them.

It’s that time of year when our team reviews the Fire Plan to ensure it remains current and continues to meet the needs of our residents, staff, visitors, and home. Please find attached the updated Fire Plan for your review.

Fire Plan 2025 Reviewed November 2025

If you have any questions, please connect with Steve Files at steve.files@muskoka.on.ca

In collaboration with Public Health, Oak Unit is under Enhanced Surveillance for suspected Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile). Currently, four residents are experiencing symptoms of loose stools.

Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) can spread very easily. For this reason, proper hand hygiene and the use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) are essential. If you have any questions about these precautions during your visit, please speak with the nursing staff.

The following infection control measures are to be implemented and followed:

• Ensure the Public Health 4 moments of Hand Hygiene are followed
• No impact to Visitors at this time
• Resident's Hand Hygiene before all meals and regularly throughout the day
• Ensure Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is used properly- including donning before entering and removing before exiting the isolated resident’s room
• Residents are to remain in the affected home area at this time to reduce the risk of spread
• Immediate isolation of any residents with new symptom onset
• Cohorting of residents and only small group activities in the home area for unaffected residents. Isolated residents to receive one-to-one activities.
• Twice daily high-touch surface cleaning- changing disinfecting product to a 1-minute contact time and containing sporicidal

Please reach out to Stephanie Albert, IPAC Lead, if you have any questions. stephanie.albert@muskoka.on.ca or ext. 4752

Join us on November 22 at 10:00 a.m. for a special gathering with our residents and the Girl Guides. This event is a wonderful opportunity to connect, share, and strengthen community bonds.

✨ We’d love to see you there—your presence makes a difference!

Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) is observed each year on November 20 to honor and remember the transgender people whose lives have been tragically lost to acts of anti-transgender violence.

This day serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by the transgender community, while also affirming the importance of solidarity, visibility, and advocacy.

In the week leading up to TDOR, communities across the country recognize Transgender Awareness Week, a time dedicated to raising visibility, educating others about transgender experiences, and addressing the challenges the community continues to face.

Together, these observances encourage reflection, remembrance, and action—inviting everyone to show support, uplift transgender voices, and work toward a more inclusive and compassionate society.

“Transgender Day of Remembrance seeks to highlight the losses we face due to anti-transgender bigotry and violence. I am no stranger to the need to fight for our rights, and the right to simply exist is first and foremost. With so many seeking to erase transgender people — sometimes in the most brutal ways possible — it is vitally important that those we lose are remembered, and that we continue to fight for justice.”

– Transgender Day of Remembrance founder Gwendolyn Ann Smith

For more information, please see https://glaad.org/tdor/