The Pines Resident & Family Portal

In collaboration with Public Health, the Cedar & Birch Home Areas remain in a Respiratory Outbreak with one (1) resident testing positive for COVID. Currently, four (4) residents in Birch and seven (7) in Cedar are experiencing symptoms of cough, congestion, and/or runny nose. Family members have been notified. We are currently waiting for test results for two (2) of the residents.

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:

• Ensure the Public Health 4 moments of Hand Hygiene are followed
• No General Visitors to the Cedar and Birch Home Areas 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

In collaboration with Public Health, the Cedar & Birch Home Areas remain in a Respiratory Outbreak with one (1) resident testing positive for COVID. Currently, four (4) residents in Birch and six (6) in Cedar are experiencing symptoms of cough, congestion, and/or runny nose. Family members have been notified. We are currently waiting for test results for two (2) of the residents.

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:

• Ensure the Public Health 4 moments of Hand Hygiene are followed
• No General Visitors to the Cedar and Birch Home Areas 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

In collaboration with Public Health, the Cedar Home Area declared a Respiratory Outbreak. While the Birch Home Area remains in a Respiratory Outbreak with one (1) resident testing positive for COVID. Currently, three (3) residents in Birch and five (5) in Cedar are experiencing symptoms of cough, congestion, and/or runny nose. Family members have been notified. We are currently waiting for test results for two (2) of the residents.

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:

• Ensure the Public Health 4 moments of Hand Hygiene are followed
• No General Visitors to the Cedar and Birch Home Areas 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

In collaboration with Public Health, the Birch Home Area remains in a Respiratory Outbreak with one (1) resident testing positive for COVID. Currently, three (3) residents are experiencing symptoms of cough, congestion, and/or runny nose. Family members have been notified. We are currently waiting for test results for two (2) of the residents.

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:

• Ensure the Public Health 4 moments of Hand Hygiene are followed
• No General Visitors to the Birch 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

In collaboration with Public Health, the Birch Home Area has declared a Respiratory Outbreak with one (1) resident testing positive for COVID. Currently, three (3) residents are experiencing symptoms of cough, congestion, and/or runny nose. Family members have been notified. We are currently waiting for test results for two (2) of the residents.

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:

• Ensure the Public Health 4 moments of Hand Hygiene are followed
• No General Visitors to the Birch 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

As 2025 has drawn to a close, we are excited to reflect on a year of incredible progress and share our heartfelt gratitude. It's been a busy and rewarding 12 months, and we are thrilled to share some key celebrations and a sneak peek into what's ahead for 2026.

Here are some of the highlights from this past year:

Environmental Team: Celebrating the completion of new bedroom furniture for all residents, significant shower room upgrades, and the implementation of dedicated 'float' staff assignments to enhance cleaning and disinfection protocols across the home.

Dietary Team: Celebrating our continued collaboration with residents to ensure personalized meal satisfaction, including the popular addition of 'around the world' themed dining experiences.

Activities Team: Celebrated many successful festive activities, including lots of bus trips, entertainment, and themed lunches-always a resident favorite!

Nursing Team: Celebrating the success of our recruitment and retention initiatives, which have nearly achieved full staffing across all lines. We have also introduced vital new equipment, includ­ing bladder scanners and Jubo vital sign machines, to significantly enhance resident care.

Our Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) program has improved immensely, and we remain committed to ongoing compliance efforts.

In 2026, we eagerly anticipate several exciting projects, including:

• Installation of accessible doors in all home areas.
• Further flooring replacement.
• Upgraded heating and cooling units.
• Enhanced front landscape improvements with the generous support of the Pines Support Committee.

... and much more!

We are deeply grateful for these achievements and for the privilege of caring for our residents. From our home to yours, we wish you and your loved ones a very happy holiday season and a healthy, prosperous new year.

Our home recently completed an inspection with the Ministry of Long-Term Care in December 2025. We are currently implementing a comprehensive action plan to address all areas of concern and ensure we meet the highest standards of care. Please be reminded that we continue to strictly follow all Public Health Guidelines regarding isolation and testing to protect our residents. You can view the full report on the MLTC Public Reporting Website. Please reach out to pines.administrator@muskoka.on.ca

A 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.

Hand hygiene is the single most effective way to prevent the spread of infections and communicable diseases in long-term care (LTC) settings. Its importance centers on protecting highly vulnerable residents and maintaining a safe healthcare environment that also serves as their home.

Key Reasons for Importance

• Prevention of Outbreaks: LTC facilities are highly susceptible to outbreaks. Proper hand hygiene can significantly reduce the transmission of pathogens like Norovirus, influenza, and C. difficile.
• Reduction of Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs): Adherence to hand hygiene standards can prevent up to 50% of avoidable infections acquired during care.
• Combatting Antibiotic Resistance: By preventing infections, hand hygiene reduces the need for antibiotics, thereby slowing the rise of multidrug-resistant organisms such as MRSA and VRE.
• Dignified, Person-Centered Care: For residents, performing their own hand hygiene reinforces independence, self-worth, and dignity.

When Hand Hygiene is Required

Everyone should follow the 4 Moments for Hand Hygiene:

1. Before initial contact with a resident or items in their environment.
2. Before performing an aseptic procedure (e.g., wound care, medication prep).
3. After-care involving exposure to body fluids.
4. After contact with a resident or their immediate environment

Best Practices in Long-Term Care

• Preferred Method: Alcohol-Based Hand Rub (ABHR) with at least 60–70% alcohol is the preferred standard when hands are not visibly soiled. It is faster, more effective at killing germs, and less irritating to the skin than soap.
• Gloves Are Not a Substitute: Hand hygiene must be performed before putting on and after taking off gloves. Pathogens can still contaminate hands through glove defects or during the removal process.

For more information on the importance of hand hygiene and how to perform it. Please see the Public Health Website.

The Diversity and Inclusion Calendar highlights days that may hold special meaning for LTC residents, caregivers, and team members. It includes religious and spiritual days of significance, cultural celebrations, awareness days, and health promotion days. Being aware of these days and planning activities around them can help create an inclusive home, 365 days a year. All events below are hyperlinked for additional information. The Diversity and Inclusion Calendar is not an exhaustive list and is not intended to be used for accommodation requests.

The calendar will be updated as needed. We welcome any feedback you may have: info@clri-ltc.ca

Learn more about our Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in LTC Program: clri-ltc.ca/resource/EDIinLTC

2026 Diversity and Inclusion Calendar