The Pines Resident & Family Portal

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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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

We’re excited to share that the Spruce home area shower room renovation is now complete! Residents and staff will notice a brighter, more modern space designed with comfort, safety, and accessibility in mind. Thank you to everyone for your patience and cooperation during the renovation process — the results speak for themselves!

As part of our ongoing commitment to maintaining a high-quality living environment, we’re now turning our focus to the Cedar and Birch home areas, which are next in line for upgrades. Renovation planning is already underway, and we will be providing regular updates on the progress, timelines, and any temporary changes to routines or access that may be required.

We understand that change can be disruptive, and we are working closely with staff and residents to minimize any inconvenience. Our goal is always to enhance the quality of life in our home, and these renovations are a key step forward.

• Stay tuned for more updates in future newsletters — and thank you for being part of this journey with us!

If you have any questions, please reach out to Steve Files, Environmental Services Manager at steve.files@muskoka.on.ca

Support the Heart of The Pines - The Pines Support Committee may be small and quiet—but their impact is anything but. This dedicated team works tirelessly to raise funds that go directly toward enhancing the lives of residents at The Pines. Every dollar supports meaningful projects and essential needs within the home.

Over the years, the Committee has played a vital role in countless initiatives. But without continued support, their work cannot go on.

🌟 How You Can Help:

• Volunteer: Join the team and be part of something truly special.
• Donate: Every contribution makes a difference for those who call The Pines home.

Interested in learning more? Please reach out to Leigh Ball, Finance Team Clerk, at ext. 4803.

Pines Support Committee Phamplet

In collaboration with Public Health, we are pleased to announce that the outbreak in the Oak Home Area has officially been declared over as of October 2, 2025.

General Visitors are now well in all home areas.

We sincerely thank you for your patience and support throughout this period.

To continue safeguarding the health of our residents, we kindly ask that all visitors ensure they are symptom-free before entering and practice proper hand hygiene during their visit.

Your cooperation helps us maintain a safe and healthy environment for everyone.

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