Lolcs_pine_meadow

Jeff Green | Jun 22, 2006

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LOLCS:PineMeadow NursingHome by Cheryl Hartwick

Land o’ Lakes Community Services’ Board of Directors owns and manages the long-term care facility Pine Meadow Nursing Home, as well as the Community Counselling and Support Services that are the Adult Protective Services Program, North Rural Women’s Program and Community Support Program.

The Board of Directors of LOLCS along with other community organizations and individuals had long talked about the possibility of a long-term care facility for our community. This idea fit well into the mission statement of LOLCS, which is, “Land o’ Lakes Community Services plans, develops and provides a continuum of services so that care is available for the well being of all members of the community. The agency will encourage self-reliance among clients while delivering services.” A nursing home would “provide a continuum of services” for the people of the community.

Approval for a 60-bed LTC facility was received in 1988, the name Pine Meadow Nursing Home was chosen (from a local contest), the building was started and staff were hired, then on April 21, 1993 the Ministry of Health inspected the new building and gave its approval to open the doors. On April 26, 1993, the first resident was admitted. Since then, Pine Meadow has always maintained a full occupancy of its 60 beds (with a waiting list) and employs approximately 75 people from the surrounding area.

The Pine Meadow Management Committee oversees the operations of the facility and reports and makes recommendations to the Board of Directors of LOLCS. The committee currently consists of the Chairperson and another member of the Board of Directors and representatives from the Land O’ Lakes Lions Club, the townships of Addington Highlands and Frontenac, a community member-at-large and a resident advocate.

Kim Harvey is the Administrator/Director of Care of Pine Meadow; she has held this position for 5 years. Kim strongly believes in the Pine Meadow Vision, which states, “We are dedicated to providing a unique and loving home for those who are in need of specialized care. We recognize and nurture the essence and integrity of the individual, striving to be on the leading edge of the evolving needs of those we care for. We are committed to continuous quality improvement focused on providing ethical care, empowerment, education and to promote an enriched quality of life for our residents.”

Pine Meadow is an important asset to our community. It gives local people, requiring long term-care, a great place to live. Before Pine Meadow, individuals were placed away from the local community, making it difficult for family and friends to visit.