The Pines Resident & Family Portal

March 21st is the annual observance of the day when police in Sharpeville, South Africa, opened fire and killed 69 people at a peaceful demonstration against apartheid "pass laws" in 1960.

Racial discrimination refers to the practice of treating people differently or unjustly because of their race, ethnic origin, skin colour, language or religion.

Resource: https://www.un.org/en/observances/end-racism-day

March is indeed Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month (DDAM), a national observance first established by President Ronald Reagan in 1987. It is a time dedicated to raising awareness about the inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in all facets of community life, as well as the barriers that still exist.

The national theme for 2026, set by the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD), is "We’re Here: Then, Now, Always".

• Meaning: This theme connects the past, present, and future to highlight progress made while reinforcing the need for continued advocacy, funding, and protection of inclusion.
• Goal: The campaign focuses on how people with and without disabilities come together to form strong, diverse communities.

For more information: https://www.develop.bc.ca/march-is-developmental-disabilities-awareness-month/

In collaboration with Public Health, the Oak Home Area declared a Respiratory Outbreak. Currently, several residents are experiencing symptoms such as coughing, congestion, and/or a runny nose. Families have been notified, and we are currently awaiting test results from Public Health.

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:

• Masks required to be worn in the Oak Home Area
• 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 hope that you can join us on Zoom on Wednesday, March 18th, 2026, from 6:30 pm -8:00 pm. The link is below. We will be looking for your feedback.

Guest Speaker: Home Administrator Jennifer Ridgley will present the results of the Resident and Family Engagement Survey, provide an overview of the Quality Improvement Plan, and review the Ministry of Long‑Term Care inspection conducted in December 2025.

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/s/88210402686

Meeting ID: 882 1040 2686

Passcode: 815834

Family Council Agenda March 18, 2026

What is a Quality Improvement Plan and why is it important?

• A Quality Improvement Plan (QIP) is an annual, organization-owned document required under the Excellent Care for All Act (2010), outlining goals for better patient care, which must be submitted to Ontario Health by April 1. It serves as a, public-facing, actionable, and evidence-based roadmap for enhancing safety, efficiency, and patient experience.
• A Quality Improvement Plan (QIP) is important because it shifts healthcare from "business as usual" to a structured, data-driven system focused on better patient outcomes and public accountability.

Falls can occur in the home; however, our team puts proactive measures in place to help reduce the risk of falls and minimize potential injury. We work collaboratively with residents, family members, and persons of importance to ensure appropriate fall‑prevention strategies are implemented, while also respecting each resident’s rights and independence. If you would like more information about the home’s falls prevention program, please connect with Natasha Tobin, Clinical Lead. natasha.tobin@muskoka.on.ca

Please let us know if you have any questions about the CARF accreditation process. You are welcome to connect in person with Scot Gray, Jennifer Carriere, or Jennifer Ridgely. Alternatively, you may email administrator.pines@muskoka.on.ca for more information.

We look forward to working through this process together as we continue to support quality improvement and exceptional care for the residents of our home.

The Nursing Department is excited to share that we have new, upgraded technology to help identify a wide range of infectious agents within the home. This device, called the Cepheid, enhances our ability to assess and respond quickly. (Pictured at left: Stephanie Albert, IPAC Lead, and Catherine King, RN.)

While we certainly prefer to avoid those bothersome cold and flu viruses, the Cepheid machine allows us to diagnose infections much faster so we can provide timely and effective treatment. The system can deliver results in approximately 30 minutes for infectious diseases such as influenza, RSV, COVID‑19, and more.

Once we receive results from the Cepheid machine, they are then validated by Public Health to ensure accuracy and appropriate follow‑up.

International Women's Day (IWD) is important because it serves as a global catalyst for gender parity, a milestone for celebrating achievements, and a critical call to action against persistent inequalities.

The significance of the day in 2026 is driven by several key factors:

1. Addressing the Global Legal Gap

2. A Call for "Action over Symbols"

3. Economic and Social Prosperity

4. Safety and Human Rights

5. Historical Reflection and Solidarity

We celebrate IWD with all our residents, staff, family members, volunteers and visitors. For more information click on the Resource: https://www.internationalwomensday.com/

Nutrition Month 2026 continues with the 2025 theme: Nourish to Flourish—a reminder of the powerful connection between what we eat and how we feel. This year, we continue to emphasize how nutritious food supports overall well‑being and helps us thrive in all areas of life.

Throughout March, look forward to tips, recipes, and reflections that showcase the many ways nutrition helps us flourish. With grocery costs continuing to rise, Registered Dietitians are increasingly encouraging people to explore more plant‑based meals. These dishes are often budget‑friendly, full of flavour, and packed with nutrients.

Help us celebrate Nutrition Month by extending a warm thank‑you to our Registered Dietitian, Celine Small. We are fortunate to have her expertise and dedication supporting the dietary needs of our residents and team.