The Pines Resident & Family Portal

In collaboration with Public Health, the Oak Home Area Respiratory Outbreak was declared on May 31st, 2026. We will continue to follow all recommended guidance to ensure the safety of everyone in our home.

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to our residents, families and persons of importance for your patience, understanding, and continued support during the recent respiratory outbreak in the Oak Home Area. Your cooperation and care for the well-being of our residents and team members have been truly appreciated.

We are pleased to share that general visiting has now resumed. We kindly ask that all visitors continue to follow infection prevention and control practices while in the home to help protect our residents, fellow visitors, and staff.

Thank you once again for your ongoing partnership and support. If you have any questions, please contact Stephanie Albert, IPAC Lead at stephanie.albert@muskoka.on.ca

In collaboration with Public Health, the Oak Home Area has declared a Respiratory Outbreak on May 22nd, 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.

The Ministry of Long-Term Care is advising residents and families of an upcoming adjustment to co-payment rates for long-term care (LTC) homes across Ontario.

Effective July 1, 2026, an inflationary increase of 2.1% will be applied to co-payment rates for both basic and preferred accommodation.

Updated Basic Accommodation Rate

The daily co-payment rate for basic accommodation will increase:

• From $68.56 per day ($2,085.37 per month)
• To $70.00 per day ($2,129.17 per month)

This reflects an increase of $1.44 per day.

Preferred Accommodation Rates

Residents in semi-private or private accommodation pay a premium in addition to the basic rate. These premiums will also increase by 2.1%, effective July 1, 2026.

Please refer to your home’s bulletin for the updated preferred accommodation rates.

How the Increase is Determined

In accordance with Ontario Regulation 246/22, annual co-payment rate adjustments are:

• Based on the previous year’s Canadian Consumer Price Index (CPI)
• Capped at a maximum of 2.5%

As the CPI increased by 2.1%, the full 2.1% adjustment will be applied for 2026

Updates to Dependent Deductions

Consistent with existing regulations, the 2.1% increase will also apply to maximum dependent deduction amounts for residents eligible for reduced co-payment rates:

• Up to $1,647.04 per month for the first dependent
• Up to $710.13 per month for each additional dependent

Important: Rate Reduction Renewal

The current 2025–2026 Rate Reduction cycle ends on June 30, 2026. Residents who are eligible for reduced co-payment rates must reapply for the 2026–2027 cycle, beginning July 1, 2026, to continue receiving this support.

For additional details, residents and families are encouraged to review the accompanying materials or speak with the Finance Team, Leigh Ball or Christine Briden.

Co-Payment LTCH Bulletin 2026-2027

We are proud to share that the home has achieved a Three-Year CARF Accreditation. CARF (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities) is an independent, international organization that sets rigorous standards for quality, safety, and service excellence in health and human services.

Receiving a three-year accreditation is the highest level awarded and reflects that our programs, services, and practices meet or exceed these internationally recognized standards. It demonstrates our ongoing commitment to continuous improvement, person-centered care, and accountability.

This achievement would not be possible without the dedication of our staff, the engagement of our residents and families, and our shared focus on providing high-quality care in a safe and supportive environment.

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated in and supported our recent Alzheimer Walk and the ever-popular Pie in the Face event!

Thanks to your enthusiasm, generosity, and community spirit, both events were wonderful successes. Together, we raised valuable funds in support of the Alzheimer Society and our Residents’ Council, helping to enhance programs, services, and quality of life for those we serve.

It was inspiring to see residents, families, staff, and community members come together for such meaningful causes—whether walking side-by-side or sharing a moment of fun and laughter with a pie!

Your continued support makes a real difference. Thank you for helping us build a caring, connected, and vibrant community.

We look forward to seeing you at future events!

June is recognized as Seniors Month in Ontario. This year’s theme, “Ontario Seniors — Let’s Get Moving,” highlights programs and initiatives that promote wellness, social engagement, and education for seniors and older adults.

Some of these initiatives include:

• Seniors Active Living Centres (SALC) Program – Celebrating over 60 years of supporting wellness through social interaction, education, and active living opportunities to help seniors stay healthy and independent.
• Seniors Community Grant Program – Provides funding to local not-for-profit groups and organizations that work to reduce isolation and promote well-being.
• Guide to Programs and Services for Seniors – Offers helpful information on health, finances, housing, transportation, and safety.

Seniors Month is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the important contributions of older adults in our community and to support active, engaged lifestyles.

In collaboration with Public Health, the Oak Home Area has declared a Respiratory Outbreak on May 22nd, 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.

Please join us in welcoming our community partner, the Alzheimer Society of Muskoka, which will be running a structured, dementia-focused program designed to support individuals living with early- to mid-stage dementia while providing meaningful daytime respite for caregivers.

Starting Monday, June 1^st and running until February 2027, the Muskoka Day Program will be offered in the Fran Coleman Room every Monday and Thursday from 9:30 a.m.-3:15 p.m.

If you have questions about this program, please reach out to the Alzheimer Society of Muskoka.

Responsive behaviours—such as aggression, agitation, wandering, or resistance to care—are common among residents in long-term care, particularly for those living with dementia. These behaviours are not intentional or “difficult,” but rather meaningful responses to unmet needs, discomfort, or changes in the environment.

A Positive Approach to Care

At the heart of quality long-term care is a person-centred, positive approach. This means recognizing that each behaviour is a form of communication. Instead of focusing on “managing” behaviours, care teams aim to understand what the resident may be trying to express.

Some key strategies include:

• Knowing the person – understanding life history, preferences, and routines
• Identifying triggers – such as pain, hunger, fatigue, or overstimulation
• Creating calm environments – reducing noise, improving lighting, and promoting familiarity
• Using gentle, respectful communication – approaching slowly, explaining care, and offering reassurance

When staff respond with empathy and curiosity, residents are more likely to feel safe, respected, and supported.

Recognizing the Gap

While great progress has been made in improving dementia care practices, there can still be gaps in consistently applying these approaches. These gaps may include:

• Limited time for individualized care
• Staff training needs in behavioural supports
• Challenges with communication across care teams
• Difficulty identifying underlying causes of behaviours

Addressing these gaps requires ongoing education, teamwork, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

The Essential Role of Families

Families play a vital role in supporting responsive behaviour care. They know their loved one best and can provide invaluable insight into:

• Personal history and routines
• Likes, dislikes, and triggers
• Effective calming strategies
• Meaningful activities or comforts

Partnership with families helps care teams deliver more personalized and effective support. Open communication between staff and families ensures that care plans remain relevant and responsive to changing needs.

Moving Forward Together

By working collaboratively—residents, families, and care teams—we can create environments where responsive behaviours are better understood and compassionately addressed.

A shared commitment to dignity, respect, and person-centred care ensures that every resident feels heard, valued, and cared for.

If you have any questions or concerns about the restraint policies and procedures, please speak with or contact a member of the nursing team.

The Ministry visited at the end of April to complete a complaint inspection. Please see the attached report for additional details.

Public Inspection and Order Report has been posted on the ministry's Reports on Long-Term Care Homes website, and can be accessed through this link.

A hard copy of the report is also available for review outside the Celebration Dining Room. The findings have been shared with both the Residents’ Council and families.

If you have any questions or would like further information, please don’t hesitate to reach out.