Pines Resident Family Portal

Unfortunately, we have had some technical difficulties related to the recording last night. Below is the audio recording and I have also attached the slide deck so that you can follow along.

Thank you for your understanding

October Family Update.pdf

Audio Family Zoom meeting - Oct. 21.m4a

Please click on the link below to access the educational opportunities available from the Alzheimer Society of Muskoka.

Alzheimer Society Fall & Winter Educational Opportunities

• The home is always looking for support in the dining rooms during mealtime. Vaccinated volunteers are able to assist with feeding in the dining rooms.
• The home provides training, support, and complimentary meals after assistance is provided.
• We have other opportunities for volunteers in the home. If you think that you might be interested in a volunteer capacity in the home, please connect with Kim Gibbs at ext. 4841

The MLTC provided the details on funding for four hours of care, the 20% increase in allied health care, and training dollars in the Long-Term Care sector on October 15, 2021, through Minister and ADM letters. The funding is to support the government’s commitments outlined in Ontario’s LTC Staffing Plan released in December 2020.

• Funding for this fiscal year to increase the average hours of direct care provided by registered nurses (RNs), registered practical nurses (RPNs), and personal support workers (PSWs) from the system-level daily average of two hours and 45 minutes per resident, per day (based on 2018 data) to a system-level average of three hours per resident, per day.
• Increase in base funding for this fiscal year to increase the average worked hours by Allied Health Care Professionals such as physiotherapists and social workers from the system-level daily average of 30 minutes (based on 2018 data) to an average of 33 minutes per resident, per day.
• Annual base funding effective fiscal 2021-22 to support staff education and training in LTC homes.

The government has further committed to $673 million, $1.25 billion, and $1.82 billion for staffing increases in the 2022-23, 2023-24, and 2024-25 fiscal years.

The home is currently waiting for specific detail communication from the Ministry of Long-Term Care.

As of October 20, 2021, our proof of vaccination status:

• Our employees are at 90%
• Residents 3rd dose vaccination status is currently at 74.5%
• Residents with dose 1 & 2- 94%
• Essential caregivers who are fully vaccinated are currently sitting at 77%

Please also remember:

As of October 15, 2021- the home is expected to complete random rapid testing of fully vaccinated individuals entering the home. This will include staff, support workers, essential caregivers, and general visitors. It is expected that this is not completed on consecutive days and that you must have a test if you are indicated to do so.

• Metal roofing is currently being installed on the building. During installation, we are required to close affected courtyards for the safety of the residents and staff. They are working on the Spruce wing so the common courtyard has been closed for now. Signs will be posted on courtyard doors if it is unsafe to enter.
• Three (3) new dyers will be installed on October 27, 2021. We will be trying to decrease the load count in the laundry that day so adjustments are being made to routines the day before to minimize laundry use.

Please note that our Screening process has changed again related to our most recent Ministry inspection. Please be patient with the staff as they complete the process with your entry into the home. If at all possible, please avoid 1:45-2:30 pm as this is a high traffic time for employees entering the home. Thank you for your patience and cooperation.

The Ministry of LTC sent an update on October 1, 2021, which indicates that all current employees (including those on contract and people employed by an employment agency or other third party), students on an educational placement at the home, support workers as defined by the MLTC and/or volunteers. Proof of vaccine to be provided to the Pines; must be provided by November 15, 2021, or Proof of medical exemption including the reason why and the duration of the exemption.

If proof, as requested above, is not provided by November 15, 2021, individuals will not be able to attend a long-term care home to work, undertake a student placement, or volunteer. Effective immediately, October 1, 2021, any new employees, support workers, students, or volunteers must provide proof of vaccination or medical exemptions before they begin working, undertaking their placement, or volunteering in the home.

See the attached policy for more information:

In addition, to aid in the early detection of possible breakthrough cases, effective October 15, 2021, the home will be completing random testing of fully vaccinated individuals that enter the home, this includes staff, general visitors, essential caregivers, students, etc.

We enjoyed the entertainment, socializing, and food that was provided. We would also like to thank the District Council Members, District employees, Town of Bracebridge employees, and community members that attended the outside event. It was so nice to see all the support and celebration for the home.

Please click on the video below to enjoy a glimpse of the festivities.

Congratulations to our very own volunteer Sonja Smith! She was one of the recipients of a very exciting award called the Ontario Senior Achievement Award which is given out to senior volunteers throughout Ontario!

Congratulation Sonja! We are so very proud to say you are one of our wonderful volunteers. We appreciate you and everything you do for us here at the Pines!

When you see Sonja, please be sure to congratulate her on her achievement!

Ontario Recognizes Accomplishments of 15 Outstanding Seniors

Province Celebrates Senior Achievement Awards Recipients

October 01, 2021

TORONTO – The Ontario government is celebrating 15 outstanding seniors for their exceptional contributions to their communities and to the province.

"Congratulations to this year’s Ontario Senior Achievement Awards recipients,” said the Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario. “Seniors across the province have felt most directly the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and it is a delight to be able to celebrate the positive difference seniors make to our communities. Today’s recipients are role models to Ontarians of all ages."

The seniors being recognized are dedicated and compassionate individuals who are helping to improve the lives of older adults through community services and humanitarian activities. This includes fundraising, helping with Meals and Wheels programs, and volunteering in local churches, retirement homes and long-term-care homes. They support and empower seniors by serving as mentors, environmental stewards, agricultural ambassadors, and educational, cultural, and artistic organizers.

“I’m inspired and encouraged by this year’s Senior Achievement Award recipients,” said Raymond Cho, Minister for Seniors and Accessibility.” On behalf of all Ontarians, I would like to express my deepest gratitude for their exceptional service to their communities. You have all made a profound difference in the lives of seniors across our province.”

The recipients are being recognized by the Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, and Raymond Cho, Minister for Seniors and Accessibility at a virtual recognition ceremony.

You can read more by clicking on the link below:

https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1000910/ontario-recognizes-accomplishments-of-15-outstanding-seniors