The Pines Resident & Family Portal

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

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

Friday, May 1, 2026, marks National Physicians’ Day in Canada, a time to thank physicians for their dedication to patient care.

The day honours the legacy of Dr. Emily Stowe, the first female physician to practice in Canada.

In long‑term care, physicians play an essential role in supporting seniors with complex needs. Working closely with care teams, they help ensure residents receive compassionate, personalized, and high‑quality care.

Following the challenges of the pandemic, this year’s focus also highlights the trust Canadians place in doctors, the importance of physician well‑being, and the need to reduce administrative burdens so physicians can continue to focus on what matters most — patient care.

On National Physicians’ Day, we extend our sincere thanks to the physicians who support our residents, families, and care teams every day.

The launch of our Spring/Summer menu will take place on May 4th, and our barbecues will begin on Thursday, May 28th, in the Spruce Courtyard. The barbecue schedule will be posted soon.

May 5th is the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG)

• Also known as Red Dress Day, this is a day to remember, honour and fight for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit people, who are disproportionately affected by domestic and police violence.
• Resource: https://humanrights.ca/resource-guide/missing-and-murderedindigenous-women-girls-and-2slgbtqi-people