The Pines Resident & Family Portal

The Family Council will be taking a break over the holiday season and will reconvene in January. They extend their warmest wishes to everyone for a joyful and restful holiday, and look forward to reconnecting in the new year.

💬 Questions or Want to Learn More? Reach out to Christina Rochette, Life Enrichment Manager and Family Council Liaison, who can connect you with a Family Council member.

We look forward to seeing you there!

As part of our ongoing commitment to safety and in accordance with Ministry of Long-Term Care protocols, our team will be conducting a full-scale emergency evacuation drill on October 29. This mandatory exercise occurs every three years and is carried out in collaboration with our District and community partners.

Participants will include staff, residents, Paramedics, OPP, Fire Services, BMLSS student volunteers, and others. The drill provides a valuable opportunity to rehearse our emergency procedures and strengthen our preparedness.

Please note:

• Residents may be temporarily relocated from one home area to another.
• No residents will be evacuated outside of the home.
• Student volunteers will act as residents to help simulate full-home evacuation procedures.

We appreciate your support and understanding as we work together to ensure a safe and responsive environment for everyone at The Pines.

🐾We love seeing pets bring joy and comfort to our home! To help keep everyone safe and happy during these visits, please keep the following in mind:

• 🐶 Vaccinations: All visiting dogs must be up to date on their vaccinations.
• 🦮 Leashes: Dogs should be on a short leash to prevent tripping hazards.
• 🚽 Bathroom Breaks: Please ensure all pet bathroom breaks happen outside the home and are cleaned up promptly.

Thank you for helping us maintain a safe and welcoming environment for all residents, visitors, and furry friends!

Thank you to those who were able to join us for the meeting. We had a great discussion with some really great questions. If you are interested in watching the recording, please click on the link below.

October Family Council Meeting Recording

Passcode: 655Rx%.z

💬 Questions or Want to Learn More? Reach out to Christina Rochette, Life Enrichment Manager and Family Council Liaison, who can connect you with a Family Council member.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Our team is proud to recognize International Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) Week! Throughout the week, keep an eye out for special activities, educational resources, and helpful information designed to promote a safer, healthier environment for everyone in our home.

IPAC practices—such as proper hand hygiene, timely vaccination, and the use of personal protective equipment—play a vital role in protecting residents, care providers, and visitors alike.

If you have any questions or would like to learn more, please connect with Stephanie Albert, IPAC Lead.

Our team will be celebrating Diwali at the home on Monday, October 20th, 2025. Residents will have a menu developed around this, as well as activities and education provided. We are looking forward to exploring the traditions and practices.

What is Diwali?

Diwali is the five-day "festival of lights" celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and some Buddhists in the fall. Derived from the Sanskrit word Deepavali, meaning "row of lights," the festival is known for the brightly lit lamps, candles, and fireworks used to symbolize the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil.

Festivities and rituals vary regionally and by faith, but many observances are widely shared.

• Lights: The most prominent feature of Diwali is the lighting of lamps called diyas, candles, and lanterns to invite prosperity.
• Decorations: Homes and businesses are cleaned and decorated with vibrant, intricate patterns called rangoli, which are made with colored powders or flowers at the entrance to welcome deities.
• Feasting and gifts: Families gather for feasts, exchange sweets and gifts, and wear new clothes.
• Fireworks: Many communities celebrate with dazzling fireworks displays.
• Prayers: Worshippers offer prayers (puja) to deities like Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity, and Ganesha, the god of wisdom.

You're Invited: Family Council Gathering Join us for an evening of learning, meaningful conversation, and support with the Family Council. This month, Steve Files, Environmental Manager, will be present to provide information about our laundry department.

🗓 Date & Time: Wednesday, October 15th, 2025, 6:30 PM

📍 Location Options:

• In-Person: Fran Coleman Room at The Pines
• Virtual: Join via Zoom
• Meeting ID: 882 1040 2686
• Passcode: 815834
  

💬 Questions or Want to Learn More? Reach out to Christina Rochette, Life Enrichment Manager and Family Council Liaison, who can connect you with a Family Council member.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Vaccine Update – Influenza & COVID-19

We’ve collected consents for the Influenza and COVID vaccines. Resident Clinics will take place on October 15th, 2025. Vaccines will be administered promptly to residents who have provided consent.

Reminder:

Please continue to follow proper hand hygiene practices to help keep yourself and our residents healthy. Vaccines are essential for your protection and the safety of others. We encourage you to receive your vaccines when you are due. Our team monitors vaccine schedules for all residents. If you have any questions or are unsure when a resident is due for a vaccine, please reach out to Stephanie Albert, IPAC Lead. stephanie.albert@muskoka.on.ca



Resident Fact Sheet from the Ministry of Long Term Care regarding Seasonal Respiratory Illness Preparedness for Long-Term Care Homes 2025-26

Today marks World Mental Health Day, a global reminder of the importance of mental well-being in our lives, workplaces, and communities. This year’s theme, “Mental health is a universal human right,” encourages us to reflect on how we support one another and create environments where everyone feels safe, heard, and valued.

Mental health affects us all—whether directly or through those we care about. That’s why it’s so important to foster a culture of openness, empathy, and support. Here are a few ways we can do that together:

• 💬 Talk openly: Reducing stigma starts with honest conversations.
• 🤝 Support each other: A simple check-in can make a big difference.
• 🧘 Take care of yourself: Prioritize rest, set boundaries, and self-care.
• 📚 Use available resources: https://cmha.ca/find-info/mental-health/general-info/

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