Fairvern Family Portal

Sewing

Effective February 1, 2024 the sewing service rate will be increased to $30/hour to help offset the cost of tools and equipment. If your resident requires mending or alterations to their clothing and is not signed up for in-house service, please contact Mary Woodruff at 705-789-6011 ext. 4339.

Sweetheart Lunch

Romance is alive and well at Fairvern. We will be hosting couples for a sweetheart lunch at 12:30pm on Wednesday February 14.

We welcome couples in home as well as spouses to sign up for this event. Lunch will be served in the Activity Center. Space is limited so please sign up with Esther Murphy,

Fairvern Family Council

Fairvern Family Council will meet on January 23 at 6 pm via ZOOM. New members are always welcome and if you would like more information please contact Cate Schenk, Chair of the Council at fairvernfamilycouncil@gmail.com.

Zoom link for the January 23 meeting can be found here https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86348973461?pwd=ulFIsRZwbkZaWdu09f0scnZyvM03E6.1

Fairvern Redevelopment

Construction on the new Fairvern continues to move ahead. We have created a Redevelopment update wall in the lower level next to the Family Room. New progress photos will be added on a regular basis and we welcome you to take a look when you are visiting.

Ministry of Long Term Care Inspection

Two inspectors from the MLTC were on site in December for 4 days to complete a complaint inspection. The report will be received in January and results will be shared.

Resident Engagement Survey

Our Resident Engagement survey will be closing on January 12. Please take time to complete with your loved one or on behalf of your loved one. This information provides valuable feedback for improvements at Fairvern. The survey can be found here : https://www.engagemuskoka.ca/fairvern-family-portal/surveys/fairvern-resident-and-family-engagement-survey-dec-2023

Thanks in advance for your participation.

Nurse Practitioner

Please welcome Fairvern’s new attending Nurse Practitioner, Jennifer Juzytsch. Jennifer is with the Nurse Led Outreach Team (NLOT) through OSMH and will work closely with Fairvern’s physicians and staff to provide exceptional care. She will be visiting the home every Monday and Wednesday going forward. In this new role, she will assess/diagnose/treat any acute, episodic concerns that may occur for the residents, as well as support advanced wound care and any additional resident needs that arise in collaboration with the team. The purpose of the NLOT is to support facilities to avoid unnecessary emergency department transfers, repatriation from hospitals, and keeping residents in their home. As this new partnership unfolds, Jennifer looks forward to meeting and working with residents, family, and staff at Fairvern. Welcome to the team, Jennifer!

Post Christmas Resident and Family Christmas Party

Due to the outbreak we had to postpone our Resident and Family Christmas party back in December. We are happy to announce that we have rescheduled the party for Wednesday January 17th at 2 p.m. in the Rose Room. Please see the attached document. We look forward to seeing everyone then.

Dear Fairvern Families, Staff and Stakeholders;

The Respiratory outbreak on Second Floor at Fairvern has been declared over by Public Health on October 18, 2023.

As a reminder, please do not visit if you are feeling unwell and continue to practice hand hygiene. Masks will be available should you wish to wear one while visiting at any time.

Thank you to everyone for your cooperation and understanding over the course of the outbreak.

Warm Regards,

Carrie Acton

Administrator

Fairvern

October 6, 2023

RE: RESPIRATORY OUTBREAK STATUS – SECOND FLOOR

Dear Fairvern Stakeholder:

Please be advised that Fairvern has a declared Respiratory outbreak on Second Floor. We are cohorting the floors and continuing to monitor all residents for signs and symptoms. Those Residents who are positive have been isolated and Powers of Attorney have been notified. We are working with Public Health and should there be changes you will be notified.

At this time, only Essential Caregivers may visit Residents on the Second Floor and only visit your loved one. Please ensure Infection Protocols are followed and hand hygiene is completed. There are no restrictions to visiting Residents on the First Floor.

We are providing this message so that those wishing to visit our Home can make their own determination regarding entering the Home to visit their loved one.

In the meantime, we will continue to do our very best to keep everyone in our Home safe. Thank you for your understanding and patience.

Sincerely,

Carrie Acton

Administrator

Fairvern

Department Recognition

Physiotherapy

Our small but mighty Physiotherapy team ensures that our Residents maintain as much independence as possible for as long as is possible. They run exercise groups and one to one programming that includes mobility and gait training, balance training, walking and stretching. These folks also ensure that Resident have the mobility equipment they need and that it is kept in tip top shape. John, our Physiotherapist, provides lift and transfer training to our staff team as well to ensure the safety of both the Residents and our staff.

A huge thank you to John and Dee, and our Coop Student Riley.

Family Council

The next Family Council meeting will be held virtually on October 24 at 6:00 pm. If you would like to join or would like more information, please email fairvernfamilycouncil@gmail.com. There is also information on the Family Council board in the Activity Centre on the lower level of Fairvern.

Fall and Winter Menus

With the changing of the seasons, comes the changing of our menu. Our residents are looking forward to the Fall and Winter menu which will be starting later this month. The new menu will feature flavours of the fall including pumpkin and apple, as well as new menu offerings and favourite dishes from past menus.

“Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower” – Albert Camus

Friends of Fairvern Frozen Pies

The Friends of Fairvern have frozen pies for sale in the upright freezer at the back of the Rose Room. A large pie is $15 each and a small pie is $8 each. Please consider supporting our volunteer organization with the purchase of a pie.

Influenza Season

With influenza season upon us and COVID still in the community, here a few reminders.

Please do not visit if you are ill.

If you have been ill with influenza or COVID you may return to visit once your symptoms have been improving for 24 hours (or 48 hours if gastrointestinal symptoms) and you have no fever.

If you were COVID positive, you should follow measures to reduce the risk of transmission for 10 days from your symptom onset/positive test, including wearing a mask and distancing from others.

Please wash your hands and/or use the alcohol based hand rub frequently.

Fairvern Residents will begin to receive influenza vaccinations (with consent) on October 10, 2023.

We encourage all staff, volunteers and visitors to receive their influenza vaccines.

Let’s all work together to keep everyone healthy and happy!

Friends of Fairvern Raffle Fundraiser

The Friends of Fairvern is the Volunteer Organization that has supported the Home since it opened in 1982. Over the years they have held various fundraising activities that has enabled them to support the Residents.

This year they are holding a Raffle Fundraiser and a large number of Muskoka Community Members, Artisans, and Businesses have generously donated items worth almost $4000.00 for this cause. Tickets are $5 each or 3 for $12. The draw is scheduled to be held at Fairvern on Friday, October 6, 2023 at 2:00 pm. Ticket holders will have an opportunity to win one of 6 prize baskets.

Margaret Dollar has volunteered to be available in the Fairvern Activity Centre to meet with staff, volunteers, and family members at Fairvern on the following dates and times to sell tickets to those who would like some and to provide booklets of tickets to those who would like to help sell our tickets:

Thursday August 10^th - 9:00 am - 2:00 pm

Friday August 18^th - 9:00 am - 2:00 pm

Thursday August 24^th - 9:00 am - 2:00 pm

For tickets after August 22^nd, please call Brenda Greer at 705-789-3829.

The Friends hope everyone associated with Fairvern will support this exciting fundraising initiative so they can meet their goal of selling 3000 tickets.

Speaking of fundraising initiatives, don’t forgot to purchase a homemade pie from the Friends’ Upright Freezer located at the back of the Rose Room. Rumour has it that they are DELICIOUS! Please spread the word to your family & friends.

Fairvern Family Council

All family members are welcome to join the Fairvern Family Council. For more information, please reach out by email to fairvernfamilycouncil@gmail.com.

Food in Resident Rooms

If you are bringing treats or snacks to your loved one to be consumed in their room, we ask that it be stored in a sealed container or baggie. This will assist in ensuring the item stays fresh and will also keep crumbs etc. to a minimum. Thank you for your cooperation.

Hairdresser – Sandra Kilgannon

Sandra will be starting with us on August 2nd and will be here on Wednesdays. Please note that she will be away August 16, 23 and 30 and then will return to her schedule on September 6.

Family B.B.Q.

Our Family BBQ held on Wednesday July 26^th was a great success. Residents, families and staff enjoyed a wonderful afternoon of music, food and great company. Thank you to everyone that came and made this a true success.

COVID-19 Response Measures Update

Effective June 26, 2023, the following measures are in place as per the Ministry of Long-Term Care for Visitors;

For caregivers and visitors:

· Masks are recommended, but not required, in all areas of the home.

· This means that caregivers and visitors may now join in for dining and sharing a meal or beverage in communal areas.

· In outbreak situations, or if a resident is on Additional Precautions, all individuals are required to comply with masking and other personal protective equipment requirements as directed by the outbreak management team and the local public health unit.

· Visitors should continue to avoid visiting a long-term care home for 10 days after symptom onset or positive test result. Clarification has been added that a visitor who is essential to the resident’s overall health and well-being (e.g., a caregiver) is able to visit within the 10-day timeframe if asymptomatic or symptoms have resolved, but must follow measures to reduce the risk of transmission for 10 days from their symptom onset/positive test, including wearing a mask.

· Getting vaccinated and staying up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines is the best way to remain protected from the most serious effects of COVID-19 infection.

Fairvern Family Council

All family members are welcome to join the Fairvern Family Council. For more information, please reach out by email to fairvernfamilycouncil@gmail.com.

Family B.B.Q.

You are invited to join us for Fairvern’s Family BBQ!

Wednesday, July 26, 2023

4:30 pm – 6;30 pm in the Back Garden

Join us for Music, Games and Food and Fun!

Please RSVP with number of guests to

administrator.fairvern@muskoka.on.ca by July 17, 2023.

This is a rain or shine event.

Limit of 4 guests per resident.

Hope to see you there!

Friends of Fairvern

Homemade frozen (unbaked) pies are once again available for sale by the Friends of Fairvern. They are located in the white upright freezer at the back of the Rose Room (main floor dining room). The Cost for a large pie is $15.00 and a small pie is $8.00. The pies available now are: Strawberry, Strawberry Rhubarb, Bumble Berry, Rhubarb, & Raisin.

Come help yourself to a pie to take home and leave your money in the Cash Box (black) located at the back of the dining room beside the freezer the pies are stored in. Money raised will go towards enhancing the lives of the Residents living at Fairvern. Please support this yummy fundraising endeavour and enjoy your pie!

Please Note: A special thank you to Aaron at Taylor's Strawberry Farm in Windermere for giving the Friends such a great deal on our strawberries this season.

New Team Member

Please join us in welcoming Christine Briden to the new position of Manager of Finance, Long-Term Care on July 10^th, 2023.

Christine has been the team lead of the District’s Accounts Payable department for the past 22 months and previously held the role of Finance Clerk II within the Water and Sewer Billing Department. Christine’s positivity and enthusiasm have made her an invaluable resource to the Finance Services team, and we are excited to support her in this new role. Christine will be leveraging the experience and knowledge she gained through obtaining her degree in Business Administration to step up to the challenge of transitioning the finance services within the District’s two long-term care homes.

Prior to working for the District Christine held positions at Casino Rama, the Martyrs’ Shrine in Midland, and Assurance Accounting. Christine’s experiences have helped her develop excellent leadership, change management, and communication skills.

When we asked Christine what she is most looking forward to in this new role she responded: “I am excited to connect with new people and learn everything I can! This will be a busy role, and I am ready to dive in!”

Hello Family and Friends,

I am pleased to share that effective June 28, 2023 at 0630 the following changes will take effect at Fairvern.

Masking Requirements

For caregivers and visitors:

• Masks are recommended, but not required, in all areas of the home. This means that caregivers and visitors may now join in for dining and sharing a meal or beverage in communal areas.

For staff, students, volunteers, and support workers:

• Masking will not be required, and instead will be based on a point-of-care risk assessment (PCRA) with every resident interaction, consistent with existing Routine Practices, and on the return-to-work protocol following COVID-19 infection.
• Staff may consider wearing a mask during prolonged direct resident care (defined as one-on-one care within two metres of an individual for 15 minutes or longer).
• Fairvern will be implementing “mask friendly” policies, including accommodating:
  • staff who prefer to continue to wear a mask beyond minimum requirements, and
  • residents (or substitute decision-makers) who request that a staff member wear a mask when providing care, in alignment with the Residents’ Bill of Rights.

In outbreak situations, or if a resident is on Additional Precautions, all individuals are required to comply with masking and other personal protective equipment requirements as directed by the outbreak management team and the local public health unit.

Visiting Residents when Ill

Visitors should continue to avoid visiting a long-term care home for 10 days after symptom onset or positive test result. Clarification has been added that a visitor who is essential to the resident’s overall health and well-being (e.g., a caregiver) is able to visit within the 10-day timeframe if asymptomatic or symptoms have resolved, but must follow measures to reduce the risk of transmission for 10 days from their symptom onset/positive test, including wearing a mask.

Thank you for your cooperation. Feel free to reach out with any questions.

Warm Regards,

Carrie

Carrie Acton (she/her)
Administrator

Fairvern Nursing Home

14 Mill Street, Huntsville ON P1H 2A4

Phone: (705) 645-2100 x4848
Fax: (705) 789-1371

Department Recognition

You don’t need to wait for a special week to recognize our wonderful Personal Support Workers, however, Fairvern’ has dedicated a week in June for recognition and appreciation of our Personal Support Workers. As members of our interprofessional team, our Personal Support Workers provide resident centred care, 24 hours a day. Fairvern’s PSWs are a crucial part of the home and care for our residents. They attend to the physical, emotional, and psychosocial well-being, and are mere aspects of the support they provide. Please join us in acknowledging, appreciating, and thanking all that our PSWs do for our residents and our Fairvern team, June 19 to 23, 2023!

2022 Notice of Assessment

Please remember, for those residents who are eligible for a “rate reduction” for basic accommodation fees, to forward a copy of the 2022 Notice of Assessment to Debbie Biliko. These can be dropped off to the Business Office or sent by email to debbie.biliko@muskoka.on.ca.

Friends of Fairvern Grandma’s Treasure Sale

The Friends of Fairvern is a group of dedicated volunteers that have been with the Home since we opened in 1982. This group of volunteers have been raising thousands of dollars for Fairvern over the years. We cannot thank the Friends enough for their continued support over the years.

The Friends are always looking for volunteers to assist their cause. If you are interested in becoming a Friend, please contact Marlene Schell at 705-789-4363

They are happy to announce that they will be hosting a fundraising event in June!

Grandma’s Treasures Sale

Saturday June 3, 2023

Time 8am

Upper Parking Lot at Fairvern

Numerous items for sale!

Including Christmas treasures!!

Fairvern Family Council

All family members are welcome to join the Fairvern Family Council. For more information, please reach out by email to fairvernfamilycouncil@gmail.com.

Pet Vaccination

Pets are welcome to visit at Fairvern. Please ensure that your pet’s up to date vaccination papers are handed into Fairvern every year. Once these have been received, we will issue a pet card.

Ground Breaking

The District Municipality of Muskoka was proud to celebrate the groundbreaking ceremony for the new location of Fairvern Long-Term Care Home in Huntsville on Tuesday, May 23, 2023. This ceremony symbolized the start of a new chapter in the lives of 160 residents, who will call this new, leading-edge long-term care home, their new home in 2025.

The project is possible because of the generous financial support of the Province of Ontario. The Province's commitment to funding additional beds is great news for Muskoka. With this investment, the Province is creating more space for individuals who need our support the most and demonstrates the government's dedication to working closely with our community to meet the growing demand for long-term care. The District is excited to expand our capacity but maintain a small home environment, ensuring every resident receives the exceptional care they deserve.

Moving Home: 2025

Fairvern will be much more than a place for our residents to live; it will be designed to provide a safe and nurturing environment, offering a personalized and intimate living experience with opportunities for meaningful interaction.

Thanks to the work of Montgomery Sisam Architects and community input, the new design principles prioritize social care over a medical approach, empowering residents to live with independence, dignity, and a sense of belonging. The site blends urban convenience and natural tranquillity and was generously donated by Sanford Investment Corp. With a large street front and a peaceful green space at the back, the property sets the stage for an unparalleled living experience for 160 residents. Built to last for generations to come, the innovative use of technology will also enhance the work environment for staff, attracting and retaining caring staff to ensure the highest quality of care to residents.

“We are building a Home, not a new facility. We are deeply proud that this new home will set a new standard for quality of life by embracing a new approach to design, based on a social model not an institutional model," said District Chair Jeff Lehman. "Our staff are truly at the heart of the care we provide – we are creating an environment that fosters their growth, supports their needs, and allows them to deliver the exceptional care and compassion our residents deserve."

“Congratulations to the District of Muskoka on this significant milestone in the redevelopment of Fairvern Long-Term Care. This forms part of our government's $6.4 billion commitment to build more than 58,000 new and upgraded long-term care beds. We’re building long-term care homes across Ontario because seniors deserve to live in the communities they helped build.”

Fairvern Residents Make Their Presence Felt

This week, Buttcon East Ltd. is breaking ground on the Fairvern redevelopment site located on Centre Street North in Huntsville. The groundbreaking ceremony was a special moment for Fairvern residents. Two residents were able to attend the event, while the rest participated in spirit from the comfort of their current home at 14 Mill Street in Huntsville. However, their contribution to the ceremony was symbolized by a shovel signed by the residents of the existing home, describing what a new residence means to them.

With its emphasis on resident dignity, quality care, and innovative technology, the new Fairvern Long-Term Care Home is scheduled for completion in late 2025, and demonstrates the District’s unwavering commitment to providing compassionate and quality care.

You have been invited to the Groundbreaking for the Fairvern Long-Term Care Home Redevelopment Project!