The Pines Resident & Family Portal

Breaking the chain of infection involves interrupting the transmission of pathogens at any point in the process. This can be achieved through various preventative measures such as proper hand hygiene, vaccination, and respiratory hygiene. By effectively addressing these links, individuals can significantly reduce the spread of infectious diseases.

The Chain of Infection:

The chain of infection refers to the sequence of events required for a pathogen to spread from one person to another. It consists of the following links:

1. Infectious Agent: The germ or pathogen (e.g., bacteria, virus, fungi) that causes the infection.
2. Reservoir (Source): The place where the infectious agent lives and multiplies (e.g., a person, animal, or environment).
3. Means of Exit: How the agent escapes from the reservoir (e.g., coughing, sneezing, shedding).
4. Mode of Transmission: How the agent is transmitted (e.g., airborne droplets, direct contact, contaminated surfaces).
5. Means of Entry: How the agent enters a new host (e.g., respiratory tract, skin break).
6. Susceptible Host: An individual who is at risk of becoming infected.

Breaking the Chain of Infection:

Breaking any of these links can prevent the spread of infection. Here are some key strategies:

• Hand Hygiene: Washing hands regularly with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rubs can effectively remove or kill pathogens, disrupting the mode of transmission.
• Respiratory Hygiene: Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow and disposing of used tissues properly can prevent the spread of airborne droplets.
• Vaccination: Staying up-to-date on recommended vaccines protects against many infectious diseases by stimulating the immune system to recognize and fight off pathogens.
• Environmental Control: Regularly cleaning and disinfecting surfaces, especially high-touch areas, can prevent the transmission of pathogens through contaminated objects.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Using PPE such as gloves, masks, and gowns can protect against exposure to infectious agents.
• Isolation: Isolating residents with infectious diseases, especially in healthcare settings, can prevent further transmission.

By understanding the chain of infection and implementing these preventive measures, individuals can significantly reduce the risk of contracting and spreading infectious diseases.

National AccessAbility Week takes place every year, starting on the last Sunday in May.

This year, join us from May 25 to 31 to celebrate:

• the valuable contributions and leadership of persons with disabilities in Canada
• the work of allies, organizations, and communities that are removing barriers
• ongoing efforts to become a more accessible and disability inclusive Canada

If you would like more information, click on the link below:

• https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/campaigns/national-accessability-week.html

A Public Inspection and Order Report has been posted on the ministry's Reports on Long-Term Care Homes website, and can be accessed through this link.

In collaboration with Public Health, the Cedar Home Area Outbreak has been declared over as of May 28, 2025. Six (6) residents remain isolated, but can come out of their rooms with a mask. This isolation will be finished as of midnight tonight. General Visitors are now welcome in the home area. Please ensure that you screen yourself prior to visiting your loved one, and if you are feeling unwell, that you postpone visiting.

In collaboration with Public Health, the Cedar home area remains in a Respiratory Outbreak. There is a total of nine (9) residents with respiratory symptoms such as runny nose, cough, and/or congestion. Respiratory isolation only requires ONE symptom for isolation. Masks are now required on this unit, so please ensure you are following proper hand hygiene and respiratory precautions. Family members of those affected have been notified.

The following infection control measures are to be implemented and followed:

• Surgical Masks are required in the Cedar Home Area
• Ensure the Public Health 4 moments of Hand Hygiene are followed
• Twice Daily IPAC Surveillance screening
• Resident's Hand Hygiene before all meals and regularly throughout the day
• Ensure Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is used properly- including donning before entering and removing before exiting the isolated resident’s room
• Residents are to remain in the affected home area at this time to reduce the risk of spread
• *If residents insist on leaving the home area, please assist them with masking or a visor and encourage outdoor visiting.
• Immediate isolation of any residents with new symptom onset
• Cohorting of residents and only small group activities in the home area for unaffected residents. Isolated residents to receive one-to-one activities.
• Twice daily high-touch surface cleaning- changing disinfecting product to a 1-minute contact time and containing sporicidal
• No General Visitors at this time. Only two (2) essential caregivers at a time.

In collaboration with Public Health, the Cedar home area remains in a Respiratory Outbreak. There is a total of fourteen (14) residents with respiratory symptoms such as runny nose, cough, and/or congestion. Respiratory isolation only requires ONE symptom for isolation. Masks are now required on this unit, so please ensure you are following proper hand hygiene and respiratory precautions. Family members of those affected have been notified.

The following infection control measures are to be implemented and followed:

• Surgical Masks are required in the Cedar Home Area
• Ensure the Public Health 4 moments of Hand Hygiene are followed
• Twice Daily IPAC Surveillance screening
• Resident's Hand Hygiene before all meals and regularly throughout the day
• Ensure Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is used properly- including donning before entering and removing before exiting the isolated resident’s room
• Residents are to remain in the affected home area at this time to reduce the risk of spread
• *If residents insist on leaving the home area, please assist them with masking or a visor and encourage outdoor visiting.
• Immediate isolation of any residents with new symptom onset
• Cohorting of residents and only small group activities in the home area for unaffected residents. Isolated residents to receive one-to-one activities.
• Twice daily high-touch surface cleaning- changing disinfecting product to a 1-minute contact time and containing sporicidal
• No General Visitors at this time. Only two (2) essential caregivers at a time.

In collaboration with Public Health, the Cedar home area remains in a Respiratory Outbreak. There is a total of fifteen (15) residents with respiratory symptoms such as runny nose, cough, and/or congestion. Respiratory isolation only requires ONE symptom for isolation. Masks are now required on this unit, so please ensure you are following proper hand hygiene and respiratory precautions. Family members of those affected have been notified.

The following infection control measures are to be implemented and followed:

• Surgical Masks are required in the Cedar Home Area
• Ensure the Public Health 4 moments of Hand Hygiene are followed
• Twice Daily IPAC Surveillance screening
• Resident's Hand Hygiene before all meals and regularly throughout the day
• Ensure Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is used properly- including donning before entering and removing before exiting the isolated resident’s room
• Residents are to remain in the affected home area at this time to reduce the risk of spread
• *If residents insist on leaving the home area, please assist them with masking or a visor and encourage outdoor visiting.
• Immediate isolation of any residents with new symptom onset
• Cohorting of residents and only small group activities in the home area for unaffected residents. Isolated residents to receive one-to-one activities.
• Twice daily high-touch surface cleaning- changing disinfecting product to a 1-minute contact time and containing sporicidal
• No General Visitors at this time. Only two (2) essential caregivers at a time.

Thank you to those who attended the Family Education Meeting hosted by Family Council this month to explore the process of Ministry of Long Term Care Inspections and Reports. Below is the recording of the meeting.

May Family Council Recording

Passcode: *r5TdS?5

If you have questions and want to learn more about Family Council. Please reach out to Christina Rochette, Life Enrichment Manager, and Family Council Liaison to connect you with a member of the Family Council.

This week, we focus on respiratory etiquette to reduce the risk of spreading germs. If you are feeling unwell, please ensure that you postpone your visit with your loved one. Residents are at a higher risk of serious illness and complications related to bacteria and viruses. A minor illness for a healthy adult can be detrimental to an elderly person. Thank you for helping to protect our residents and your loved ones.

In collaboration with Public Health, the Cedar home area has declared a Respiratory Outbreak on May 16, 2025. There is a total of fifteen (15) residents with respiratory symptoms such as runny nose, cough, and/or congestion. Respiratory isolation only requires ONE symptom for isolation. Masks are now required on this unit, so please ensure you are following proper hand hygiene and respiratory precautions. Family members of those affected have been notified.

The following infection control measures are to be implemented and followed:

• Surgical Masks are required in the Cedar Home Area
• Ensure the Public Health 4 moments of Hand Hygiene are followed
• Twice Daily IPAC Surveillance screening
• Resident's Hand Hygiene before all meals and regularly throughout the day
• Ensure Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is used properly- including donning before entering and removing before exiting the isolated resident’s room
• Residents are to remain in the affected home area at this time to reduce the risk of spread
• *If residents insist on leaving the home area, please assist them with masking or a visor and encourage outdoor visiting.
• Immediate isolation of any residents with new symptom onset
• Cohorting of residents and only small group activities in the home area for unaffected residents. Isolated residents to receive one-to-one activities.
• Twice daily high-touch surface cleaning- changing disinfecting product to a 1-minute contact time and containing sporicidal
• No General Visitors at this time. Only two (2) essential caregivers at a time.