The Pines Resident & Family Portal

In collaboration with Public Health, the Birch & Oak Home Areas remain in Respiratory Outbreak. Currently, two (2) residents have tested positive for RSV. All residents remain symptomatic, experiencing coughing, congestion, and/or a runny nose and are continuing isolation. Families have been notified, and test results are pending from Public Health.

Infection Control Measures

• Surgical Masks to be worn on Oak & Birch Units
• Follow the 4 Moments of Hand Hygiene
• Assist residents with hand hygiene before meals and throughout the day
• Use personal protective equipment (PPE) correctly: put on before entering and remove before exiting isolation rooms
• Oak Residents must remain in their home area
• If they insist on leaving, assist with a mask or visor and encourage outdoor visits
• IPAC Surveillance Screener EVERY SHIFT on Oak & Birch
• Immediate isolation for any new symptoms
• Cohort staff when possible;
• Cohort residents; small-group activities only for unaffected residents; isolated residents receive 1:1 activities
• Twice-daily high‑touch cleaning with 1‑minute dwell time
• Increased hand hygiene and PPE audits with coaching
• No General Visitors to Oak or Birch Home Areas; maximum 2 essential caregivers at a time

Please ensure all IPAC practices are followed to protect residents, staff, essential caregivers, and visitors.

We will continue to provide updates as needed.

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

In collaboration with Public Health, the Birch Home Area has declared a Respiratory Outbreak on April 17th, 2026. The Oak Home Area remains in outbreak. Currently, two (2) residents have tested positive for RSV. All residents remain symptomatic, experiencing coughing, congestion, and/or a runny nose and are continuing isolation. Families have been notified, and test results are pending from Public Health.

Infection Control Measures

• Surgical Masks to be worn on Oak & Birch Units
• Follow the 4 Moments of Hand Hygiene
• Assist residents with hand hygiene before meals and throughout the day
• Use personal protective equipment (PPE) correctly: put on before entering and remove before exiting isolation rooms
• Oak Residents must remain in their home area
• If they insist on leaving, assist with a mask or visor and encourage outdoor visits
• IPAC Surveillance Screener EVERY SHIFT on Oak & Birch
• Immediate isolation for any new symptoms
• Cohort staff when possible;
• Cohort residents; small-group activities only for unaffected residents; isolated residents receive 1:1 activities
• Twice-daily high‑touch cleaning with 1‑minute dwell time
• Increased hand hygiene and PPE audits with coaching
• No General Visitors to Oak or Birch Home Areas; maximum 2 essential caregivers at a time

Please ensure all IPAC practices are followed to protect residents, staff, essential caregivers, and visitors.

We will continue to provide updates as needed.

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

If you have any questions about Advanced Care Planning or would like support or resources, please feel free to reach out to Andrea Groomes, Social Worker, who is available to provide guidance, answer questions, and assist residents of The Pines through the process. andrea.groomes@muskoka.on.ca

Advanced Care Plan Information Sheet

It is that time of year again when we review our Emergency Preparedness Manual. As part of this annual review, a few updates have been made to further align with current best practices.

Please review the attached Manual for further details and updated information.

The Pines Emergency Preparedness Manual 2026

In collaboration with Public Health, the Oak Home Area has declared a Respiratory Outbreak on April 15th, 2026. Currently, three (3) residents remain symptomatic, experiencing coughing, congestion, and/or a runny nose and are continuing isolation. Families have been notified, and test results are pending from Public Health.

Infection Control Measures

• Surgical Masks to be worn on Oak Unit
• Follow the 4 Moments of Hand Hygiene
• Assist residents with hand hygiene before meals and throughout the day
• Use personal protective equipment (PPE) correctly: put on before entering and remove before exiting isolation rooms
• Oak Residents must remain in their home area
• If they insist on leaving, assist with a mask or visor and encourage outdoor visits
• IPAC Surveillance Screener EVERY SHIFT on Oak
• Immediate isolation for any new symptoms
• Cohort staff when possible;
• Cohort residents; small-group activities only for unaffected residents; isolated residents receive 1:1 activities
• Twice-daily high‑touch cleaning with 1‑minute dwell time
• Increased hand hygiene and PPE audits with coaching
• No General Visitors to Oak Home Area; maximum 2 essential caregivers at a time

Please ensure all IPAC practices are followed to protect residents, staff, essential caregivers, and visitors.

We will continue to provide updates as needed.

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

Your voice matters. We need your support in shaping the future of dementia care at The Pines. Please take a few moments to click the link below and share your feedback. Together, we can make a meaningful difference.

https://www.engagemuskoka.ca/embeds/projects/20047/survey-tools/58894

Please take a moment!

Happy Easter from our Pines family to yours!

We hope you enjoy this special time with your loved ones as we celebrate renewal and rejoicing.

As a gentle reminder, Easter lilies are not permitted in the home due to allergies some individuals may have. We appreciate your understanding and support in helping us keep everyone safe and comfortable.

May this season bring you moments of reflection, renewal, and joy. We wish you all the very best this Easter.

🌾 Celebrating Vaisakhi 🌼

Tuesday, April 14, 2026 - Join us as we celebrate Vaisakhi, a joyful festival that marks the beginning of the spring harvest and is especially significant in Punjabi and Sikh culture. Vaisakhi is a time of gratitude, renewal, and community, celebrating the fruits of the harvest and the arrival of spring.

Residents are invited to enjoy a festive atmosphere with opportunities to learn about the cultural meaning of Vaisakhi, share in conversation, and celebrate together. We look forward to recognizing this important tradition and welcoming the season of growth and new beginnings.

As part of our ongoing commitment to providing high‑quality care and a positive living, we would like to share an update on our Quality Improvement Plan (QIP) and the results of our recent Resident and Family Engagement Survey.

Quality Improvement Plan (QIP)

Our Quality Improvement Plan outlines specific goals and actions designed to enhance care, safety, and overall quality of life for residents. The QIP focuses on areas such as resident satisfaction, responsiveness to concerns, safety practices, and continuous learning for our team. Progress on these goals is reviewed regularly, and improvements are made throughout the year to ensure we are meeting the needs of residents and families.

Engagement Survey Results

Thank you to everyone who took the time to complete our engagement surveys. Your feedback is extremely valuable and helps guide our quality improvement efforts.

Overall, survey results showed many positive responses, particularly in areas such as staff kindness, respect, and commitment to resident care. We also received thoughtful suggestions on where we can continue to improve, including communication, activities, and responsiveness.

Next Steps

Using this feedback, our leadership team has:

• Reviewed survey results in detail
• Identified key priorities for improvement
• Developed targeted action plans
• Sharing progress with residents, families, and staff

We appreciate your continued participation and feedback. Together, we are committed to strengthening the quality of care and creating a safe, supportive, and welcoming community for everyone.

Please click on the link to review this information in detail: 2026-2027 Long-Term Care Quality Improvement Plan

At The Pines, we are committed to providing a safe, respectful, and supportive home where every resident is treated with dignity. An important part of this commitment is the Resident Bill of Rights, which outlines your rights as a resident and guides everything we do.

Your Rights Matter

Every resident has the right to:

• Be treated with dignity and respect. You deserve courtesy, kindness, and consideration at all times.
• Live in a safe and secure environment. Your health and safety are a top priority.
• Be free from abuse or neglect. Physical, emotional, verbal, or financial abuse is never acceptable.
• Have privacy and confidentiality respected. This includes your personal space, your health information, and your communications.
• Make choices about your care and daily life. You have the right to participate in decisions about your care, routines, and activities
• Practice your religion, culture, and beliefs. Your values, traditions, and spiritual needs are respected.
• Communicate freely. You may voice concerns, ask questions, and express opinions without fear of reprisal.
• Receive visitors and maintain relationships. Connections with family, friends, and your community are encouraged.
• Be informed, you have the right to information about your care, services, and any changes that may affect you.

Our Commitment to You

Our team is dedicated to upholding these rights every day. We listen, we respect your voice, and we continuously work to provide care that supports your independence, comfort, and well-being.

If at any time you have questions, concerns, or would like to discuss your rights further, we encourage you to speak with a member of our care team or leadership team. Your feedback helps us grow and improve. email: administrator.pines@muskoka.on.ca

We're Here to Support You

Living at The Pines means being part of a community where your rights, choices, and dignity are honored. Thank you for trusting us with your care.

Together, we create a place you are proud to call home.

Here’s what’s happening this week—join us for fun, connection, and creativity! Take a look at the activities and events planned for the upcoming week.

Mondays

10:00 am – Drawing 101 with Michael Barnes

📍 The Country Kitchen

Wednesdays

10:00 am – Jamming Time with Russ Allman

📍 The Family Room

1:30 pm – Knitting Circle with Paulette and Judy

📍 The Maple Lounge

🐣 Easter Events

Easter Egg Hunt

🕙 10:00 am – Sunday, April 5

📍 First Floor

Easter Drop‑In Social

🕑 2:00 pm – Sunday, April 5

📍 The Country Kitchen

🌷 Special Activities

Mocktails & Spring Resolutions

🕜 1:30 pm – Monday, April 6

📍 Cedar & Spruce

Family Board Games Night

🕡 6:30 pm – Tuesday, April 7

📍 The Family Room

🙌 Volunteer Week

April 19–25

Details about upcoming events coming soon!

🌟 Volunteer at The Pines – There’s a Place for Everyone! 🌟

Volunteering at The Pines can be as relaxed or as structured as you’d like! Whether you’re interested in supporting our programs, dropping in for a friendly visit, or bringing along a well‑behaved pet to spread some smiles, there are lots of meaningful ways to get involved.

With so many volunteer opportunities available, we’re confident there’s something that’s just the right fit for you—or a member of your family.

👋 Students Welcome!

Know a teenager looking to complete their community service hours?

The Pines is a wonderful place for students to give back, connect with residents, and earn their volunteer hours in a welcoming and supportive environment.

📞 Get in Touch

If you’d like to learn more or get started, please connect with

Christina Rochette at ext. 4824 or by email at christina.rochette@muskoka.on.ca

✨ We can’t wait to hear from you and welcome you to our volunteer community! ✨