The Pines Resident & Family Portal

Our team remains deeply committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone who calls our home their own. We continue to enhance our Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Anti-Racism Cultural Competency Plan, incorporating valuable input from residents, staff, persons of importance, and other key stakeholders.

We invite you to review the attached plan to learn more about our ongoing efforts and shared vision for a more equitable and respectful community.

The Pines Long Term Care Cultural Competency Plan 2025

It’s that time of year again—our updated, home-specific Outbreak Plan for 2025–2026 is now available. Please click the link below to review the latest protocols and ensure we’re all doing our part to keep our community safe.

As a reminder, when visiting:

• Stay home if you're feeling unwell
• Practice proper hand hygiene upon arrival and throughout your visit
• Check in before visiting to confirm the home is not in outbreak status
• Follow all required procedures and protocols during your visit

Your cooperation helps protect the health and well-being of our residents, staff, and visitors. Thank you for your continued support.

Home Specific Outbreak Plan 2025

We would like to inform you that PTA Chilka will be on a Leave of Absence (LOA) from Monday, November 10, to Friday, November 28, 2025. She is scheduled to return to The Pines Long-Term Care Home on Monday, December 1, 2025.

Good news! ACHIEVA HEALTH is pleased to welcome PTA Sheena, who will be covering during Chilka’s absence starting Monday, November 10. Sheena is already familiar with our residents, as she is currently covering another leave.

Additionally, PT Kinjal will be relocating, and her last day at The Pines will be Friday, November 7, 2025. We sincerely thank Kinjal for her contributions and wish her all the best in her future endeavors.

More good news! We are pleased to welcome PT Heena Sindhi, who will be joining us as Kinjal’s replacement beginning Monday, November 10, 2025. Heena brings valuable experience in long-term care and is excited to become part of The Pines team.

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!