What is Palliative Care?

Palliative care in LTC focuses on comfort, dignity, and quality of life for residents with serious or life-limiting illnesses—not just at the end of life, but throughout illness progression.

Goals of Palliative Care

• Relieve pain and symptoms (e.g., breathlessness, anxiety, nausea)
• Support emotional, spiritual, and psychosocial needs
• Maintain resident dignity and preferences
• Involve residents and families in care decisions and advance care planning

Key Components in LTC

1. Person-Centered Care

• Respect resident wishes, cultural values, and beliefs
• Use advance directives and goals-of-care discussions

2. Symptom Management

• Pain control (regular assessment and timely intervention)
• Managing common symptoms:
• Shortness of breath
• Agitation/confusion
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite

3. Interdisciplinary Team Approach

• Nurses, PSWs, physicians, social workers, and spiritual care
• All Team members have a role to play
• Collaboration ensures holistic care

4. Communication

• Honest, compassionate conversations about:
• Prognosis
• Goals of care
• End-of-life expectations
• Regular updates to families or persons of importance

5. End-of-Life Care

• Focus shifts to comfort and dignity
• Support during the final days and hours
• Provide a calm, respectful environment
• Initiating our Butterfly Program to support the resident, their family members and their persons of importance

Grief affects not only families and persons of importance but also residents and staff.

Who Needs Support?

• Families or persons of importance of residents who are declining or have passed
• Residents grieving the loss of peers
• Staff experiencing cumulative loss (compassion fatigue)

Types of Grief in LTC

• Anticipatory grief – before death occurs
• Acute grief – immediately after loss
• Complicated grief – prolonged or intensified grief
• Disenfranchised grief – grief that is not openly acknowledged (common in staff)

Supporting Families or Persons of Importance

Key Approaches:

• Provide clear, compassionate communication
• Encourage time with loved ones (flexible visiting where possible)
• Offer privacy and a peaceful space
• Provide information on what to expect near end of life
• Follow-up support after death (bereavement calls, resources)

Supporting Residents

• Acknowledge losses (friends, independence, health)
• Provide opportunities to:
• Talk and share memories
• Participate in the Walk of Life
• Participate in the Celebration of Life
• Offer emotional and spiritual support

Supporting Staff

LTC staff frequently experience grief due to close relationships with residents.

Strategies:

• Debrief after resident deaths
• Encourage peer support
• Provide access to counseling or EAP
• Promote self-care and resilience
• Recognize and validate grief

Meaningful Practices at the Pines

• Remembrance boards
• The Walk of Life - honouring the resident
• Celebration of Life
• Candle placed at the dining room seat of the resident who has passed

Risks if Support is Lacking

• Burnout and compassion fatigue in staff
• Emotional distress in families
• Reduced quality of care

Key Takeaway

Palliative care at the Pines is about living well until the end, while grief and loss support ensures no one—resident, family, or staff—faces that journey alone.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to speak with a member of our leadership team, or Social Worker (Andrea Groomes), or a member of the Registered Staff.

We are pleased to share an important safety update at The Pines. During the week of June 8, we will be upgrading our fire alarm system from the existing EST3 panel to a newer, more advanced EST4 panel.

This upgrade reflects our ongoing commitment to maintaining a safe, reliable, and modern environment for residents, staff, and visitors.

Why This Upgrade Matters

The new EST4 fire alarm system offers several important benefits:

• Enhanced Reliability – Improved system stability reduces the risk of faults or downtime
• Faster Response Times – Quicker detection helps ensure timely action in emergencies
• Improved Diagnostics – More detailed system information allows for faster troubleshooting
• Future-Ready Technology – Supports newer devices and evolving safety standards
• Better Integration – Works more effectively with other building safety systems

What to Expect During the Week

• Certified technicians will be on-site to complete the upgrade
• There may be brief periods of alarm testing, including audible alerts
• Residents and staff will be notified in advance of any testing

To further ensure safety during this transition, a Fire Watch will be in place throughout the week. This added precaution provides continuous monitoring and helps reduce any potential risk while the system is being upgraded.

Our Commitment

Resident comfort and safety remain our top priority. We will take every step to minimize disruption and ensure everyone feels informed and supported throughout the process.

Thank you for your continued trust and cooperation as we complete this important safety improvement.

Please contact Steve Files, Environmental Services Manager, if you have any questions or concerns about this project.

steve.files@muskoka.on.ca

Important Reminder for Residents and Families

The Maple Spa Room will be temporarily closed during the week of June 8 to allow for necessary floor repairs and improvements.

This work is essential to maintaining a safe, clean, and comfortable environment. High-quality flooring in spa areas plays a key role in preventing slips and falls, supporting infection control, and ensuring we continue to meet the high standards of care our residents deserve.

What to Expect

• Maple residents will continue their regular bathing routines without interruption
• Bathing services will take place in the Birch Spa Room during this time
• Staff will provide full support to ensure comfort, dignity, and safety throughout the transition

We recognize that changes to routine can be challenging. Our team will be available to offer reassurance and assistance to help make this transition as smooth as possible for residents.

Thank You

We sincerely appreciate your patience, understanding, and cooperation as we complete these important upgrades. These improvements help us maintain a safe and welcoming home for all.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to speak with a member of our team.

Change is a natural part of life—yet for residents in long-term care, it can sometimes feel overwhelming. Whether it’s adjusting to a new routine, changes in health, or transitioning into a new environment, these experiences can impact comfort, confidence, and overall well-being.

At The Pines, we recognize that supporting residents through change requires patience, understanding, and a compassionate approach.

Supporting Residents Through Change

Residents may respond to change in different ways. Some may become withdrawn, restless, or uncertain, while others may simply need extra reassurance. Our team focuses on:

• Consistency and routine to provide a sense of stability
• Personalized care that reflects each resident’s history, preferences, and needs
• Meaningful activities to promote engagement and comfort
• Open communication with residents and families to ease transitions

Small, thoughtful actions—such as familiar items from home, regular visits, or maintaining traditions—can help residents feel more secure and connected.

The Important Role of Caregivers & Families

Family members and caregivers are vital partners in helping residents adjust to change. Your presence, encouragement, and insights make a meaningful difference. By sharing information about your loved one’s routines, interests, and life story, you help us provide care that feels familiar and reassuring.

Caring for Yourself, Too

Supporting a loved one through change can also be emotional for caregivers. It’s important to remember that your well-being matters.

Here are a few gentle reminders for caregiver self-care:

• Take time to rest and recharge—even small breaks help
• Stay connected with friends, family, or support groups
• Ask for support when needed—you are not alone
• Acknowledge your feelings and give yourself grace
• Celebrate small moments of connection and positivity

Caring for yourself allows you to continue supporting your loved one with strength and compassion.

Moving Forward Together

At The Pines, we are committed to creating a supportive environment where residents feel safe, valued, and at home—especially during times of change. By working together, we can ease transitions, strengthen connections, and promote well-being for both residents and their families.

If you have any questions or would like to share insights about your loved one, our team is always here to listen and support you.

Ensuring the safety and well-being of residents is a top priority at the Pines. One important safety concern is elopement, which occurs when a resident leaves a safe area without staff awareness or supervision. This can place individuals at risk, particularly those living with cognitive impairments such as dementia.

What is Elopement and Why Does It Happen?

Elopement is often unintentional and typically linked to a resident’s unmet needs or confusion. Residents may try to leave because they are:

• Looking for familiar places or people
• Experiencing anxiety, restlessness, or boredom
• Trying to maintain a sense of independence
• Responding to environmental triggers or routines from their past

Understanding that these behaviours often have meaning behind them helps shift the focus from “preventing wandering” to supporting the person’s needs safely and compassionately.

How The Pines Supports Prevention

The Pines take many steps to reduce the risk of elopement, including:

• Secured entrances and exits
• Individualized care plans and risk assessments
• Monitoring systems and alert devices (Roam Alert)
• Structured routines and meaningful activities
• Staff training on responsive behaviours

However, preventing elopement is a shared responsibility—and families play a key role in supporting these efforts.

The Important Role of Families

Families bring invaluable knowledge about their loved one’s history, habits, and preferences. This information helps staff create personalized approaches to care. Here’s how families can support:

1. Share Personal Insights

Provide details about past routines, favourite places, occupations, and triggers. For example, a resident who always “went to work” at a certain time may need structured activities during that period.

2. Communicate Changes

Let staff know about any noticeable changes in behaviour, mood, or health. Even small updates can help adjust care strategies early.

3. Support Care Planning

Participate in care conferences and discussions about safety measures. Your input helps ensure plans reflect the resident’s needs and preferences.

4. Bring Familiar Comforts

Photos, meaningful objects, or familiar items can reduce anxiety and help residents feel more at ease in their environment.

5. Encourage Engagement

Encouraging involvement in social and recreational activities can reduce restlessness and provide a sense of purpose and belonging.

6. Follow Safety Practices During Visits

Be mindful of secure entry/exit procedures when visiting. Always ensure that doors close properly and notify staff when leaving with or returning a resident.

Working Together for Safety and Quality of Life

Preventing elopement is not only about safety—it is also about respecting dignity, independence, and quality of life. By working in partnership, families and care teams can better understand each resident’s needs and create supportive environments that reduce risk.

Together, through communication, collaboration, and shared commitment, we can ensure residents remain safe while continuing to feel valued, understood, and at home.

Celebrating Family Council Week: Strength in Partnership

Family Council Week is a special time each year to recognize and celebrate the vital role Family Councils play in long-term care homes across Ontario. These councils bring together family members, caregivers, residents, and staff to foster open communication, collaboration, and a shared commitment to enhancing quality of life for everyone who calls the home their community.

At its heart, Family Council Week is about connection. It highlights the meaningful partnerships that form when families and care teams work side by side, sharing insights, experiences, and ideas. These partnerships help ensure that residents’ voices are supported, care is person-centered, and the home environment remains welcoming and responsive.

As we mark Family Council Week, we extend our appreciation to all who participate in and support Family Councils. Your dedication helps create a culture of respect, inclusion, and continuous improvement. Together, we are building stronger communities and enriching the lives of residents every day.

Let’s continue to connect, collaborate, and celebrate the power of partnership in care.

In collaboration with Public Health, the Oak Home Area Respiratory Outbreak was declared on May 31st, 2026. We will continue to follow all recommended guidance to ensure the safety of everyone in our home.

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to our residents, families and persons of importance for your patience, understanding, and continued support during the recent respiratory outbreak in the Oak Home Area. Your cooperation and care for the well-being of our residents and team members have been truly appreciated.

We are pleased to share that general visiting has now resumed. We kindly ask that all visitors continue to follow infection prevention and control practices while in the home to help protect our residents, fellow visitors, and staff.

Thank you once again for your ongoing partnership and support. If you have any questions, please contact Stephanie Albert, IPAC Lead at stephanie.albert@muskoka.on.ca

In collaboration with Public Health, the Oak Home Area has declared a Respiratory Outbreak on May 22nd, 2026. Currently, three (3) residents remain symptomatic, experiencing coughing, congestion, and/or a runny nose and are continuing isolation. Families have been notified, and test results are pending from Public Health.

The Ministry of Long-Term Care is advising residents and families of an upcoming adjustment to co-payment rates for long-term care (LTC) homes across Ontario.

Effective July 1, 2026, an inflationary increase of 2.1% will be applied to co-payment rates for both basic and preferred accommodation.

Updated Basic Accommodation Rate

The daily co-payment rate for basic accommodation will increase:

• From $68.56 per day ($2,085.37 per month)
• To $70.00 per day ($2,129.17 per month)

This reflects an increase of $1.44 per day.

Preferred Accommodation Rates

Residents in semi-private or private accommodation pay a premium in addition to the basic rate. These premiums will also increase by 2.1%, effective July 1, 2026.

Please refer to your home’s bulletin for the updated preferred accommodation rates.

How the Increase is Determined

In accordance with Ontario Regulation 246/22, annual co-payment rate adjustments are:

• Based on the previous year’s Canadian Consumer Price Index (CPI)
• Capped at a maximum of 2.5%

As the CPI increased by 2.1%, the full 2.1% adjustment will be applied for 2026

Updates to Dependent Deductions

Consistent with existing regulations, the 2.1% increase will also apply to maximum dependent deduction amounts for residents eligible for reduced co-payment rates:

• Up to $1,647.04 per month for the first dependent
• Up to $710.13 per month for each additional dependent

Important: Rate Reduction Renewal

The current 2025–2026 Rate Reduction cycle ends on June 30, 2026. Residents who are eligible for reduced co-payment rates must reapply for the 2026–2027 cycle, beginning July 1, 2026, to continue receiving this support.

For additional details, residents and families are encouraged to review the accompanying materials or speak with the Finance Team, Leigh Ball or Christine Briden.

Co-Payment LTCH Bulletin 2026-2027