The Pines Resident & Family Portal

✨ How Your Support Makes a Difference

Every dollar raised goes directly toward enriching the lives of the residents in our home. Thanks to your generosity, the committee has been able to fund meaningful improvements and experiences, including:

• 🛏️ A specialized healthcare bed for every resident
• 🌸 Beautiful enhancements to our courtyards
• 🎁 Personalized Christmas gifts for each resident
• 🎶 Paid entertainment to bring joy and connection
• ❤️ A life enrichment fund managed by our social worker
• 🌿 Essential palliative care supplies
• 🍽️ Adaptable dining tables to improve comfort and accessibility

…and so much more that brings dignity, comfort, and joy to those who live here.

On March 24, 2021, the House of Commons voted unanimously to officially designate August 1 Emancipation Day. It marks the actual day in 1834 that the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833 came into effect across the British Empire.

Canadians are not always aware that Black and Indigenous Peoples were once enslaved on the land that is now Canada. Those who fought enslavement were pivotal in shaping our society to be as diverse as it is today.

Therefore, each August 1, Canadians are invited to reflect, educate and engage in the ongoing fight against both anti-Black and anti-Indigenous racism and discrimination.

Emancipation Day celebrates the strength and perseverance of Black communities in Canada.

•Resource: https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/emancipation-day.html

If you are planning to take your loved one out of the home, please ensure the following steps are taken to support their safety and well-being:

• ✅ Sign out at the nursing station before leaving the premises.
• 💊 Speak with the Registered Nurse (RN) or Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) if the resident will be away for an extended period. This allows us to coordinate medication administration appropriately.
• 📅 For longer leaves, please contact the nursing team a few days in advance. This ensures we have sufficient time to arrange all necessary medications from the pharmacy.

For assistance, please reach out to the appropriate nursing team:

• Oak, Cedar, Spruce 705-641-0319
• Maple, Birch 705-394-2997

Thank you for helping us provide safe and seamless care for your loved ones.

We would like to inform you that PTA Jash will be taking a Leave of Absence (LOA) from Friday, August 22, to Friday, November 7, 2025. He will return to work at The Pines LTC Home on Monday, November 10, 2025.

Good news…ACHIEVA HEALTH is pleased to introduce and welcome PTA Sheena, who has been hired to cover the LOA and assist the physiotherapist to provide excellent Physiotherapy Programs and Services at The Pines LTC Home starting on Friday, August 22, 2025.

Cross-training will take place before the start date. Please help us in welcoming Sheena to the Pines.

Thank you to all the staff on Saturday evening for their swift and coordinated efforts in safely evacuating and returning residents to their rooms in Maple due to a fire alarm that was activated related to a motor failing in the air conditioner (AC) for the resident bedrooms. The Fire Department did respond and quickly determined that there was no fire and the situation was safe. The AC unit was shut down for safety, and a company was called to assess the situation. The teamwork ensured everyone’s safety and comfort during the incident.

Here’s a brief update:

• The issue was caused by a burned-out motor in the bedroom AC unit, which needed to be replaced.
• As a result, there was a lingering odour. To address this:
• Air purifiers and fans were placed in the area.
• Some air vents were taped off.
• A deodorizer was added to the AC unit.
• We are happy to report that the AC unit was repaired on Thursday, July 17th, and is back to fully functioning.

We thank you for your patience as we moved through this incident and repair.

On July 22nd, we’re excited to welcome members of Muskoka Pride to our home for a special event. They’ll be here to sing songs, engage with attendees, share educational insights, and answer questions.

At The Pines and across the District of Muskoka, we are proud to foster a home that is inclusive, welcoming, and supportive of everyone. We are committed to the principles of Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity, and Anti-Racism/Anti-Hate (IDEA) in everything we do—both as an employer and as a service provider.

Are you a current volunteer looking for ways to get involved around the home?

We’d love your help with the following activities and outings:

🚌 Upcoming Outings & Events

• July 23 @ 1:15 PM – Maple Bus Trip to Fairvern
• July 24 @ 9:15 AM – Maple & Oak Bus Trip to the Beach
• July 24 @ 2:00 PM – Fun “Whack-a-Mole” Event
• July 25 @ 2:00 PM – Spruce & Birch Bus Trip for Ice Cream

🧩 Ongoing Weekly Activities

• Scrabble Games and Euchre – Once a week
• Fish Tank Help – Assist a resident with cleaning a small personal tank (1x/week)
• Balcony Visits – Spend time chatting with residents outdoors
• Happy Hour – Every Monday, Wednesday & Friday at 3:00 PM
• Tim Hortons Hour – Every Friday at 10:15 AM
• Outdoor Walks at any time of day

🎂 Special Monthly Event

• Monthly Birthday Party – First Tuesday of each month

💌 Want to Join Our Volunteer Team?

If you're interested in becoming a new volunteer at The Pines, please contact:

Christina Rochette

📞 705-645-4488 ext. 4824

📧 Christina.rochette@muskoka.on.ca

Our team will ensure that items are placed outside of the resident's bedroom for cleaning and sanitizing.

A simple way to help keep your loved one safe from infections. Please ensure that you are sanitizing your hands on the way into the home, during your visit, and as you exit the home. If you feel unwell, please choose to visit another day.

Help us keep the residents free from illness



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