As we celebrate Canada Day on July 1st, we reflect on the birth of our nation. This day marks the anniversary of Confederation in 1867, when Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and the Province of Canada (later Ontario and Quebec) united to form the Dominion of Canada. Originally known as Dominion Day, it was renamed Canada Day in 1982.

Today, it’s a time to celebrate our shared identity, values, and the rich cultural diversity that makes Canada so special.

The page offers tools and resources to help those working, visiting, and volunteering in long-term care (LTC) gain the skills and knowledge needed to protect themselves, their colleagues, residents, family members, and community members. The Ontario CLRI at the RIA has created infection prevention and control (IPAC) eLearning courses for team members and essential care partners. These courses combine education on IPAC core concepts with practical applications in LTC-specific situations and tasks. If you have a resource to suggest for this page, please contact us at info@clri-ltc.ca.

You can visit the page by clicking on the link below:

CLRI- IPAC Education Resource for Family Members

If you have any questions, please reach out to Stephanie Albert at stephanie.albert@muskoka.on.ca

In Ontario, the Residents' Bill of Rights in long-term care (LTC) homes, mandated by the Fixing Long-Term Care Act, 2021, ensures residents are treated with respect, dignity and are actively involved in decisions about their care. These rights cover various aspects of living in an LTC facility, including receiving quality care, having privacy, and the freedom to pursue interests and make choices.

You can click on the link below to access to full list:

Residents' Bill of Rights

Today, June 23, 2025- The Pines Flag flies at half mast related to the National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Terrorism.

“Forty years ago, innocent civilians, including 268 Canadians, were killed in the bombing of Air India Flight 182. This terrorist attack remains the deadliest attack in our country’s history – one we must never forget.

“As we mark the National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Terrorism, we remember the victims of the Air India bombing and all others who have lost their lives to terrorism.

“Canada will continue to work with our allies and partners, at home and around the world, to better detect, prevent, and respond to the threat of terrorism and violent extremism.

“Canada’s new government unequivocally stands against terrorism, and we will deliver on our mandate of change to keep communities safe.”

Thank you to everyone who attended the June Family Council Meeting. We had a great discussion, and a special thank you to Andrea for her informative presentation on Stepping In: What you may need to know.

If you’d like to review the meeting, you can watch the recording using the link below:

June Family Council Recording

Passcode: gga*W7gZ

Please let us know if you have any questions or feedback!

June 21st is National Indigenous Peoples Day in Canada, a day to celebrate the rich diversity, history, resilience, and culture of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. It's also a time to learn about Indigenous history, cultural traditions, and to commit to Reconciliation. The day coincides with the summer solstice, a date of cultural and spiritual significance for many Indigenous communities.

Get ready for Jersey Day and an exciting Hockey Tournament! It’s all happening on June 25th in the afternoon at the Fran Coleman Room—don’t miss it!

Antibiotic-resistant infections (ARO) occur when bacteria evolve to become resistant to the effects of antibiotics, making them difficult or impossible to treat. These infections, often called "superbug" infections, can lead to prolonged illness, increased healthcare costs, and higher mortality rates.

What is Antimicrobial/Antibiotic Resistance?

• Resistance development:
• Microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites can change over time, developing resistance to the medicines designed to kill or control them.
• Impact on treatment:
• When an infection becomes resistant to a particular antibiotic, that antibiotic is no longer effective in treating it.
• Consequences:
• Resistant infections can lead to longer hospital stays, more complex treatments, and an increased risk of complications and death.

Examples of Antibiotic-Resistant Infections:

• MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus):
• A type of staph bacteria resistant to many antibiotics, including methicillin.
• CRE (Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae):
• Bacteria resistant to carbapenems, a class of strong antibiotics, are often found in healthcare settings.
• VRE (Vancomycin-resistant Enterococci):
• Enterococci bacteria that are resistant to vancomycin, another powerful antibiotic.
• MDR-TB (Multi-drug resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis):
• Tuberculosis bacteria are resistant to at least two of the most powerful anti-TB drugs.

Care for Residents with AROs:

• If your loved one has an antibiotic-resistant infection (ARO), certain precautions are necessary to ensure everyone's safety. During care activities such as nursing or toileting, staff will wear personal protective equipment (PPE) to prevent the spread of infection.
• In most cases, you will not need to wear PPE during your visit. However, please follow any instructions provided by the care team to help protect yourself and others.
• Thank you for your understanding and support.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Stephanie Albert at stephanie.albert@muskoka.on.ca

Meaningful visits are those that leave a lasting emotional impact, foster connection, and enhance the well-being of the person being visited. Here are some examples:

• Reminiscing together: Bringing old photos or music from the resident’s youth and sharing memories.
• Participating in activities: Joining a bingo game, craft session, or gardening activity with the resident.
• Personalized attention: Reading aloud their favorite book or newspaper, or helping them write letters to loved ones.
• Celebrating milestones: Being present for birthdays, anniversaries, or cultural holidays with thoughtful touches.

Below is a document with more information:

Visiting Tips for Persons of Importance