The Pines Resident & Family Portal

Our Family Council will hold a closed, in-person session focused on the question: "What does moving forward look like?" We encourage you to attend if you are able—

When: Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at 6:30p.m.

Where: Fran Coleman Room, The Pines

Drinks and light refreshments will be provided.

Falls are a leading cause of injury among older adults living in long-term care, and they can have a profound impact on both residents and their families. While some falls may result in minor injuries, others can lead to fractures, head injuries, hospitalization, or a lasting decline in health. Beyond the physical effects, a fall can also affect a resident’s confidence, independence, and overall quality of life.

For families, the thought of a loved one falling can be worrying. Understanding the risks, the causes, and the steps being taken to prevent falls can help provide reassurance and support shared decision-making in care.

Why Do Falls Happen?

Falls are rarely caused by a single factor. Instead, they usually result from a combination of personal health conditions and environmental risks. Some common contributing factors include:

• Changes in balance and strength: As we age, muscles weaken, and balance may decline, increasing the likelihood of falling.
• Medications: Certain medications—or combinations of medications—can cause dizziness, drowsiness, or low blood pressure.
• Vision or hearing changes: Difficulty seeing obstacles or hearing cues can increase risk.
• Chronic health conditions: Conditions such as arthritis, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, or dementia can affect mobility and coordination.
• Footwear and mobility aids: Ill-fitting shoes or improper use of walkers and canes can contribute to instability.
• Environmental hazards: Clutter, poor lighting, wet floors, or uneven surfaces can increase the risk of a fall.

Understanding these factors helps care teams, residents, and families work together to reduce risk.

The Impact of Falls

A fall can affect more than just physical health. Many residents who have experienced a fall develop a fear of falling again, which may lead them to limit movement or activity. This can result in:

• Loss of strength and mobility
• Increased dependence on others
• Social isolation
• Reduced participation in activities they enjoy

For families, this change can be difficult to see. That is why fall prevention is about more than safety—it is about preserving independence, dignity, and quality of life.

How We Work to Prevent Falls

Preventing falls in long-term care is a shared responsibility and a key part of providing safe, high-quality care. Care teams take a proactive and individualized approach, which may include:

1. Personalized Assessments

Each resident is assessed for their unique fall risks. This includes reviewing:

• Mobility and balance
• Health conditions
• Medication use
• Previous falls

Care plans are tailored to reflect individual needs and preferences.

2. Safe and Supportive Environments

Creating a safe living space is essential. This includes:

• Keeping pathways clear and well-lit
• Ensuring call bells are within reach
• Using appropriate bed heights and supports
• Installing grab bars and non-slip surfaces where needed

3. Supporting Safe Mobility

Maintaining movement is important for overall health. Staff support residents by:

• Encouraging regular activity and exercise
• Assisting with transfers and walking when needed
• Ensuring mobility aids are properly fitted and used correctly

4. Medication Reviews

Healthcare providers regularly review medications to identify any that may increase fall risk and make adjustments when possible.

5. Proper Footwear

Residents are encouraged to wear well-fitting, non-slip footwear to improve stability.

6. Ongoing Monitoring and Communication

Staff continuously observe for changes in a resident’s condition and communicate with families about any concerns, incidents, or plan updates.

How Families Can Help

Families play an important role in fall prevention. You can support your loved one by:

• Sharing information about their history, preferences, or past falls
• Encouraging participation in mobility and exercise programs
• Providing proper clothing and footwear
• Talking openly with staff about concerns or changes you’ve noticed
• Reinforcing safety measures in a positive and supportive way

Your involvement helps ensure care plans remain meaningful and effective.

Working Together for Safer Care

Reducing falls with injury is a priority for long-term care homes because it directly impacts resident health, independence, and well-being. By combining staff expertise with resident input and family involvement, we can create a safer, more supportive environment.

Every step taken—from improving lighting to reviewing medications—helps reduce risk. Most importantly, it allows residents to continue living with confidence, dignity, and as much independence as possible.

Together, we can make a meaningful difference in keeping residents safe and supported every day.

If you have any questions or concerns about falls, please speak with or contact a member of the nursing team.

Created in 2004, this day raises awareness about the violence and discrimination experienced by people with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities or expressions, and sex characteristics.

In long-term care, this day is an important reminder of our commitment to creating safe, inclusive, and respectful environments for all residents, families, and team members. Everyone deserves to feel valued, accepted, and supported in expressing who they are.

By increasing awareness, fostering open conversations, and promoting understanding, we can help reduce stigma and build a culture of dignity and compassion. Small actions—such as using inclusive language, respecting personal identities, and supporting individual preferences—can make a meaningful difference in everyday care.

To learn more and explore resources, visit: https://may17.org/

Together, we can continue to create a welcoming environment where everyone feels they belong.

On May 10th, we pause to celebrate and honour the incredible love, strength, and selflessness of mothers everywhere. Mothers enrich our lives in countless ways—with their kindness, guidance, patience, and unwavering support.

Whether the day is marked with flowers, a heartfelt card, shared memories, or simply time spent together, Mother’s Day is a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the lasting impact of a mother’s love.

To all the mothers, grandmothers, and mother figures in our community—thank you for all that you do. You truly make the world a brighter, more loving place.

Pain is not a normal part of aging, yet many residents in long‑term care experience pain that can affect comfort, mobility, mood, sleep, and overall quality of life. Effective pain management is essential to supporting dignity, well‑being, and meaningful everyday living for residents.

Recognizing and addressing pain promptly helps residents remain as active, engaged, and comfortable as possible. It can also reduce the risk of complications such as falls, depression, social withdrawal, and functional decline.

Understanding Pain in Long‑Term Care

Pain in long‑term care may arise from chronic conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis, neuropathy, previous injuries, or other medical conditions. Some residents may have difficulty expressing pain due to cognitive changes, communication challenges, or fear of being a burden. For this reason, ongoing assessment and close observation are critical.

Signs of pain may include:

• Changes in mood or behavior
• Reduced mobility or appetite
• Facial expressions such as grimacing
• Restlessness or changes in sleep patterns

Staff, families, and care partners all play an important role in noticing and reporting changes that may indicate discomfort.

Pain Management Options

Pain management in long‑term care uses a holistic, individualized approach, combining different strategies based on each resident’s needs and preferences.

Medication Management

Medications may be used when appropriate and are carefully selected and monitored to balance pain relief with safety. These can include scheduled medications or those provided as needed, always reviewed regularly by the care team.

Non‑Medication Approaches

Many residents benefit from non‑pharmacological methods, either alone or alongside medications. These may include:

• Heat or cold therapy
• Massage or gentle touch
• Positioning and supportive devices
• Exercise, stretching, or physiotherapy
• Relaxation techniques, music, or guided imagery

Emotional and Social Support

Pain can be influenced by emotional well‑being. Social engagement, meaningful activities, reassurance, and emotional support can significantly improve how pain is perceived and managed.

If you have any questions or concerns about pain management, please speak with or contact a member of the nursing team.

Our Family Council will hold a closed, in-person session focused on the question: "What does moving forward look like?" We encourage you to attend if you are able—

When: Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at 6:30p.m.

Where: Fran Coleman Room, The Pines

Drinks and light refreshments will be provided.

Your voice matters. We need your support in shaping the future of dementia care at The Pines. Please take a few moments to click the link below and share your feedback. Together, we can make a meaningful difference.

https://www.engagemuskoka.ca/embeds/projects/20047/survey-tools/58894

Please take a moment!

Survey Closes on May 11th, so please ensure you take the time to let us know what is important to you and your loved one.

In collaboration with Public Health, we are pleased to share that the Oak Home Area Respiratory (RSV) outbreak has been declared over as of May 3, 2026. Please continue to practice diligent hand hygiene when entering and exiting the home and throughout all home areas. Consistent hand hygiene remains an essential measure in keeping everyone safe and healthy.

General visitors are welcome in all home areas at this time.

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 Oak Home Areas remain in Respiratory (RSV) Outbreak. Currently, five (5) residents have tested positive for RSV. All 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.

Infection Control Measures

• Surgical Masks to be worn in the Oak Home Area
• Follow the 4 Moments of Hand Hygiene
• Assist residents with hand hygiene before meals and throughout the day
• Use personal protective equipment (PPE) correctly: put on before entering and remove before exiting isolation rooms
• Oak Residents must remain in their home area
• If they insist on leaving, assist with a mask or visor and encourage outdoor visits
• IPAC Surveillance Screener EVERY SHIFT on Oak
• Immediate isolation for any new symptoms
• Cohort staff when possible;
• Cohort residents; small-group activities only for unaffected residents; isolated residents receive 1:1 activities
• Twice-daily high‑touch cleaning with 1‑minute dwell time
• Increased hand hygiene and PPE audits with coaching
• No General Visitors to Oak Home Area; maximum 2 essential caregivers at a time

Please ensure all IPAC practices are followed to protect residents, staff, essential caregivers, and visitors.

We will continue to provide updates as needed.

Please reach out to Stephanie Albert, IPAC Lead, if you have any questions. stephanie.albert@muskoka.on.ca or ext. 4752