The Pines Resident & Family Portal

We’ve collected consents for the Influenza and COVID vaccines. We expect to be able to order them at the beginning of October, as soon as they become available. Vaccines will be administered promptly to residents who have provided consent.

Reminder:

Please continue to follow proper hand hygiene practices to help keep yourself and our residents healthy. Vaccines are essential for your protection and the safety of others. We encourage you to receive your vaccines when you are due. Our team monitors vaccine schedules for all residents. If you have any questions or are unsure when a resident is due for a vaccine, please reach out to Stephanie Albert, IPAC Lead. stephanie.albert@muskoka.on.ca

In collaboration with Public Health, the Oak home area remains in a Respiratory Outbreak. Currently, ten (10) residents are isolated with respiratory symptoms such as a runny nose, nasal congestion, cough, and/or sneezing. Respiratory isolation only requires ONE symptom for isolation. Masks are now required in this home area, so please ensure you are following proper hand hygiene and respiratory precautions. Persons of importance to those affected have been notified.

The following infection control measures are to be implemented and followed:

• Surgical Masks are required in the Oak Home Area
• Ensure the Public Health 4 moments of Hand Hygiene are followed
• No General Visitors at this time. Only two (2) essential caregivers at a time
• Twice Daily IPAC Surveillance screening
• 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
• *If residents insist on leaving the home area, please assist them with masking or a visor and encourage outdoor visiting.
• 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

In collaboration with Public Health, the Oak home area remains in a Respiratory Outbreak. Currently, ten (10) residents are isolated with respiratory symptoms such as a runny nose, nasal congestion, cough, and/or sneezing. Respiratory isolation only requires ONE symptom for isolation. Masks are now required in this home area, so please ensure you are following proper hand hygiene and respiratory precautions. Persons of importance to those affected have been notified.

The following infection control measures are to be implemented and followed:

• Surgical Masks are required in the Oak Home Area
• Ensure the Public Health 4 moments of Hand Hygiene are followed
• No General Visitors at this time. Only two (2) essential caregivers at a time
• Twice Daily IPAC Surveillance screening
• 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
• *If residents insist on leaving the home area, please assist them with masking or a visor and encourage outdoor visiting.
• 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

In collaboration with Public Health, the Oak home area has declared a Respiratory Outbreak. There is a total of ten (10) residents with respiratory symptoms such as runny nose, nasal congestion, cough, and/or sneezing. Respiratory isolation only requires ONE symptom for isolation. Masks are now required in this home area, so please ensure you are following proper hand hygiene and respiratory precautions. Persons of importance to those affected have been notified.

The following infection control measures are to be implemented and followed:

• Surgical Masks are required in the Oak Home Area
• Ensure the Public Health 4 moments of Hand Hygiene are followed
• No General Visitors at this time. Only two (2) essential caregivers at a time
• Twice Daily IPAC Surveillance screening
• 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
• *If residents insist on leaving the home area, please assist them with masking or a visor and encourage outdoor visiting.
• 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

Residents' Council Week 2025 is celebrated from September 15th to 21st, 2025. It is an annual event in Ontario, organized by the Ontario Association of Residents' Councils (OARC), to celebrate the contributions of residents in long-term care homes.

The week-long celebration highlights the importance of residents' voices and their engagement in the life and operation of their long-term care homes. Events and activities during this time often include:

• Education events to raise awareness about the council's purpose and accomplishments.
• Award ceremonies and contests recognizing resident leaders and achievements.
• Social events like meet-and-greets with residents, team members, and family.
• Artistic and musical celebrations.

If you are looking for ways to participate or have a loved one in long-term care, I can help with specific celebration ideas or provide more information on the awards and contests available during Residents' Council Week. Would you be interested in learning more about the event's schedule or activities? Click on the website below for more information.

https://www.ontarc.com/residents-council-week.html

We will be celebrating Residents' Council week at the Pines, so please watch for events when you are visiting your loved one next week.

Join us for a Blue Light Social in support of the Alzheimer’s Society on Sunday, September 21, 2025, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Donations will be collected during the event as well as at any time during the day, and we encourage you to attend with your loved one to show your support.

We’re pleased to announce that the 4 EV parking spots installed by Lakeland Power are now active and ready for use.

These dedicated spots are equipped for electric vehicle (EV) charging and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please ensure they are used only while actively charging an EV to keep them accessible to others.

Driving electric offers several benefits, including:

• Lower fuel and maintenance costs
• Reduced greenhouse gas emissions
• A quieter, smoother driving experience
• Contribution to a cleaner and more sustainable future

We’re excited to support the shift toward greener transportation and appreciate your efforts in helping us build a more environmentally friendly workplace.

Please note that our hairdresser, Kerry, has updated the pricing due to increased costs of the supplies required to continue providing high-quality service to our residents.

The updated price list will take effect on September 19th, 2025.

If you have any questions, Kerry can be reached at extension 4885.

World Alzheimer's Month is a global campaign that takes place every September to raise awareness and challenge the stigma surrounding Alzheimer's and other dementias. The campaign is organized by Alzheimer's Disease International (ADI), a federation of over 100 Alzheimer's and dementia associations worldwide.

The purpose of World Alzheimer's Month

The campaign aims to educate the public about the realities of Alzheimer's and dementia and advocate for improved care and support for those affected. Awareness is critical because a significant portion of the public still wrongly believes that dementia is a normal part of aging.

Through activities like awareness events, fundraising, and sharing personal stories, World Alzheimer's Month works to:

• Reduce stigma: It challenges the misconceptions and stigma that often prevent people from seeking help.
• Increase understanding: It provides information on the early signs of dementia and the importance of timely diagnosis.
• Highlight support needs: The campaign draws attention to the needs of people living with dementia, their families, and their caregivers.

You can find mofre information on the AlzheimerSociety website at https://alzheimer.ca/on/en

Our team will be celebrating World Alzheimer's month. Please watch for activities and initiatives in the home.

Shower Room Upgrades for Enhanced Comfort and Care

Starting August 25th, 2025, in the Spruce Home Area, we will begin phased renovations of the shower rooms to minimize disruption to daily routines.

• Alternative bathing arrangements will be provided to ensure uninterrupted care.
• Our team is committed to making this transition smooth and respectful for all residents.

Main Kitchen Flooring Repairs

Repairs will take place on August 27th and 28th in the main kitchen.

• Some kitchen equipment will be temporarily relocated.
• Menu adjustments have been reviewed and approved by the Residents' Council to ensure continued meal service during this time.

We appreciate your understanding and support as we make these important upgrades. These improvements are not just about updating our facility—they’re about enhancing the daily experience for our residents and staff.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Steve Files, Environmental Services Manager at steve.files@muskoka.on.ca