The Pines Resident & Family Portal

May 28, 2026 - Oak Home Area Outbreak Update

In collaboration with Public Health, the Oak Home Area has declared a Respiratory Outbreak on May 20th, 2026. Currently, three (3) 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.

Home Area	Current Cases	Resolved Cases	Total Cases
Oak	3	0	3

Infection Control Measures

Surgical Masks to be worn on Oak Unit
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 Area has declared a Respiratory Outbreak on May 20th, 2026. Currently, three (3) 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.

Home Area	Current Cases	Resolved Cases	Total Cases
Oak	3	0	3

Infection Control Measures

Surgical Masks to be worn on Oak Unit
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

May 27, 2026 - Oak Outbreak Update

In collaboration with Public Health, the Oak Home Area has declared a Respiratory Outbreak on May 20th, 2026. Currently, three (3) 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.

Home Area	Current Cases	Resolved Cases	Total Cases
Oak	3	0	3

Infection Control Measures

Surgical Masks to be worn on Oak Unit
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 (External link)(External link)(External link)(External link)or ext. 4752

In collaboration with Public Health, the Oak Home Area has declared a Respiratory Outbreak on May 20th, 2026. Currently, three (3) 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.

Home Area	Current Cases	Resolved Cases	Total Cases
Oak	3	0	3

Infection Control Measures

Surgical Masks to be worn on Oak Unit
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 (External link)(External link)(External link)(External link)or ext. 4752

May 26, 2026 - Oak Outbreak Update

In collaboration with Public Health, the Oak Home Area has declared a Respiratory Outbreak on May 20th, 2026. Currently, three (3) 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.

Home Area	Current Cases	Resolved Cases	Total Cases
Oak	3	0	3

Infection Control Measures

Surgical Masks to be worn on Oak Unit
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 (External link)(External link)(External link)or ext. 4752

In collaboration with Public Health, the Oak Home Area has declared a Respiratory Outbreak on May 20th, 2026. Currently, three (3) 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.

Home Area	Current Cases	Resolved Cases	Total Cases
Oak	3	0	3

Infection Control Measures

Surgical Masks to be worn on Oak Unit
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 (External link)(External link)(External link)or ext. 4752

May 25, 2026 - Oak Home Area Outbreak

In collaboration with Public Health, the Oak Home Area has declared a Respiratory Outbreak on May 20th, 2026. Currently, three (3) 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.

Home Area	Current Cases	Resolved Cases	Total Cases
Oak	3	0	3

Infection Control Measures

Surgical Masks to be worn on Oak Unit
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 (External link)(External link)or ext. 4752

In collaboration with Public Health, the Oak Home Area has declared a Respiratory Outbreak on May 20th, 2026. Currently, three (3) 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.

Home Area	Current Cases	Resolved Cases	Total Cases
Oak	3	0	3

Infection Control Measures

Surgical Masks to be worn on Oak Unit
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 (External link)(External link)or ext. 4752

May 24, 2026 - Oak Outbreak Update

In collaboration with Public Health, the Oak Home Area has declared a Respiratory Outbreak on May 20th, 2026. Currently, three (3) 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.

Home Area	Current Cases	Resolved Cases	Total Cases
Oak	3	0	3

Infection Control Measures

Surgical Masks to be worn on Oak Unit
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 (External link)(External link)or ext. 4752

In collaboration with Public Health, the Oak Home Area has declared a Respiratory Outbreak on May 20th, 2026. Currently, three (3) 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.

Home Area	Current Cases	Resolved Cases	Total Cases
Oak	3	0	3

Infection Control Measures

Surgical Masks to be worn on Oak Unit
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 (External link)(External link)or ext. 4752

May 23, 2026 - Oak Home Area Outbreak Update

In collaboration with Public Health, the Oak Home Area has declared a Respiratory Outbreak on May 20th, 2026. Currently, three (3) 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.

Home Area	Current Cases	Resolved Cases	Total Cases
Oak	3	0	3

Infection Control Measures

Surgical Masks to be worn on Oak Unit
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 (External link)or ext. 4752

In collaboration with Public Health, the Oak Home Area has declared a Respiratory Outbreak on May 20th, 2026. Currently, three (3) 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.

Home Area	Current Cases	Resolved Cases	Total Cases
Oak	3	0	3

Infection Control Measures

Surgical Masks to be worn on Oak Unit
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 (External link)or ext. 4752

May 22, 2026 - Oak Home Area Moves from Suspected Respiratory Outbreak to Confirmed Outbreak

In collaboration with Public Health, the Oak Home Area has declared a Respiratory Outbreak on May 20th, 2026. Currently, three (3) 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.

Home Area	Current Cases	Resolved Cases	Total Cases
Oak	3	0	3

Infection Control Measures

Surgical Masks to be worn on Oak Unit
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 Area has declared a Respiratory Outbreak on May 20th, 2026. Currently, three (3) 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.

Home Area	Current Cases	Resolved Cases	Total Cases
Oak	3	0	3

Infection Control Measures

Surgical Masks to be worn on Oak Unit
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

Fire Alarm System Upgrade in June

We are pleased to share an important update regarding safety improvements at The Pines Long-Term Care Home. In early June, we will be upgrading our fire alarm system from the existing EST3 panel to a newer, more advanced EST4 panel.

This upgrade reflects our ongoing commitment to maintaining a safe, reliable, and modern environment for residents, staff, and visitors.

Why the Upgrade Matters

The EST4 fire alarm panel represents the latest in fire safety technology. While our current EST3 system has served us well, the newer system offers several key advantages:

Enhanced Reliability: The EST4 system is designed with improved system stability and redundancy, reducing the likelihood of faults or downtime.
Faster Response Times: Advanced processing allows for quicker detection and response to potential fire events, helping ensure timely action in emergencies.
Improved Diagnostics: The new panel provides more detailed system information, allowing maintenance teams to identify and resolve issues more efficiently.
Future-Ready Technology: EST4 supports newer devices and software updates, ensuring the system remains up to date with evolving safety standards.
Better Integration: The upgraded system allows for improved integration with other building systems, enhancing overall facility safety management.

What to Expect During the Upgrade

The installation is scheduled for early June and will be carefully managed to minimize disruption to daily operations. During this time:

Certified technicians will be on site to complete the upgrade.
There may be brief periods of testing, including audible alarms.
Staff and residents will be notified in advance of any testing to ensure everyone is prepared
Resident comfort and safety will remain our top priority throughout the process.

Thank you for your continued trust and support.

If you have questions about the fire panel upgrade, please connect with Steve Files, Environmental Services Manager at steve.files@muskoka.on.ca

We are pleased to share an important update regarding safety improvements at The Pines Long-Term Care Home. In early June, we will be upgrading our fire alarm system from the existing EST3 panel to a newer, more advanced EST4 panel.

This upgrade reflects our ongoing commitment to maintaining a safe, reliable, and modern environment for residents, staff, and visitors.

Why the Upgrade Matters

The EST4 fire alarm panel represents the latest in fire safety technology. While our current EST3 system has served us well, the newer system offers several key advantages:

Enhanced Reliability: The EST4 system is designed with improved system stability and redundancy, reducing the likelihood of faults or downtime.
Faster Response Times: Advanced processing allows for quicker detection and response to potential fire events, helping ensure timely action in emergencies.
Improved Diagnostics: The new panel provides more detailed system information, allowing maintenance teams to identify and resolve issues more efficiently.
Future-Ready Technology: EST4 supports newer devices and software updates, ensuring the system remains up to date with evolving safety standards.
Better Integration: The upgraded system allows for improved integration with other building systems, enhancing overall facility safety management.

What to Expect During the Upgrade

The installation is scheduled for early June and will be carefully managed to minimize disruption to daily operations. During this time:

Certified technicians will be on site to complete the upgrade.
There may be brief periods of testing, including audible alarms.
Staff and residents will be notified in advance of any testing to ensure everyone is prepared
Resident comfort and safety will remain our top priority throughout the process.

Thank you for your continued trust and support.

If you have questions about the fire panel upgrade, please connect with Steve Files, Environmental Services Manager at steve.files@muskoka.on.ca

Birch Spa Room Floor Repairs – Week of June 8

We would like to inform residents and families that the Birch Spa room will be temporarily closed during the week of June 8 to allow for important floor repairs and improvements.

This work is necessary to ensure that our environment remains safe, clean, and comfortable for everyone. Maintaining high-quality flooring in wet areas like spa rooms is essential for preventing slips and falls, supporting infection control, and ensuring we continue to meet the standards of care our residents deserve.

During this time, we are committed to ensuring that all Birch residents continue to receive their regular bathing routines without interruption. Residents will be supported by staff to use the Maple Spa room, where baths and showers will continue as scheduled in a safe and respectful manner.

We understand that changes to routine can sometimes be challenging, and our team will be available to assist residents with the transition and provide reassurance and support throughout the week.

We sincerely appreciate your patience, understanding, and cooperation as we complete these necessary improvements. These upgrades are an important part of maintaining a safe, comfortable, and high-quality living environment for all.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to a member of our team.

We would like to inform residents and families that the Birch Spa room will be temporarily closed during the week of June 8 to allow for important floor repairs and improvements.

This work is necessary to ensure that our environment remains safe, clean, and comfortable for everyone. Maintaining high-quality flooring in wet areas like spa rooms is essential for preventing slips and falls, supporting infection control, and ensuring we continue to meet the standards of care our residents deserve.

During this time, we are committed to ensuring that all Birch residents continue to receive their regular bathing routines without interruption. Residents will be supported by staff to use the Maple Spa room, where baths and showers will continue as scheduled in a safe and respectful manner.

We understand that changes to routine can sometimes be challenging, and our team will be available to assist residents with the transition and provide reassurance and support throughout the week.

We sincerely appreciate your patience, understanding, and cooperation as we complete these necessary improvements. These upgrades are an important part of maintaining a safe, comfortable, and high-quality living environment for all.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to a member of our team.

Promoting Dignity and Safety: Least Restraints in Long-Term Care

Creating a safe, respectful, and supportive environment is at the heart of quality long-term care. One important aspect of this commitment is the practice of using the least restraints possible. This approach prioritizes the dignity, independence, and well-being of residents while still ensuring their safety. It also highlights the valuable role that families play in supporting their loved ones.

What Does “Least Restraints” Mean?

“Least restraints” refers to minimizing the use of physical, chemical, or environmental restrictions that limit a resident’s movement or freedom. This includes items like bed rails, belts, or certain medications used primarily to control behaviour rather than treat medical conditions.

Modern long-term care philosophy recognizes that restraints can lead to unintended consequences, such as:

Increased risk of falls and injuries
Loss of mobility and strength
Emotional distress, agitation, or depression
Reduced quality of life

Instead, care teams use person-centered approaches that focus on understanding each resident’s needs, preferences, and abilities.

Why It Matters

Reducing the use of restraints is about more than meeting guidelines—it’s about respecting each person’s rights and individuality.

Key benefits of a least-restraint approach include:

Enhanced dignity: Residents maintain greater independence and control over their daily lives.
Improved safety: Contrary to past beliefs, restraints can increase injury risk; alternatives often keep residents safer.
Better health outcomes: Movement and autonomy help preserve physical and cognitive abilities.
Stronger relationships: Trust grows between residents, staff, and families when care feels respectful and collaborative.

How Care Teams Support Least Restraints

Care providers use a variety of creative and individualized strategies, such as:

Adjusting the environment (lower beds, good lighting, clear pathways)
Providing meaningful activities and engagement
Using mobility aids and proper seating
Monitoring health conditions that may affect behaviour (pain, infections, medication side effects)
Building consistent routines that promote comfort and familiarity

These approaches reduce the need for restraints while promoting both safety and well-being.

The Important Role of Families

Family members are essential partners in supporting a least-restraint approach. Your knowledge, involvement, and advocacy can make a meaningful difference.

Here’s how families can help:

1. Share Personal Insights

Let the care team know about your loved one’s routines, preferences, and triggers. Understanding what brings comfort—or causes distress—helps staff respond effectively without using restraints.

2. Support Independence

Encourage your loved one to stay active and engaged, within their abilities. Even small actions—like walking short distances, participating in activities, or making daily choices—can help maintain function and confidence.

3. Ask Questions and Stay Involved

If restraints are ever suggested, ask about:

The reason they are being considered
Possible alternatives
The plan to reduce or remove them

Open communication ensures decisions are made in the resident’s best interest.

4. Provide Reassurance and Familiarity

Regular visits, phone calls, or personal items from home can reduce anxiety and confusion, which in turn reduces behaviours that might otherwise lead to restraint use.

5. Partner in Care Planning

Attend care conferences and collaborate with staff to ensure goals align with your loved one’s values and comfort.

Working Together for Better Care

A least-restraint philosophy is most successful when staff, residents, and families work together. By focusing on respect, understanding, and creativity, we can create a care environment where residents feel safe, valued, and as independent as possible.

Using the least restraints possible is not just a clinical practice—it’s a commitment to dignity, compassion, and quality of life. Families play a powerful role in this approach, helping ensure their loved ones receive care that is both safe and deeply respectful.

If you have any questions or concerns about the restraint policies and procedures, please speak with or contact a member of the nursing team.

Creating a safe, respectful, and supportive environment is at the heart of quality long-term care. One important aspect of this commitment is the practice of using the least restraints possible. This approach prioritizes the dignity, independence, and well-being of residents while still ensuring their safety. It also highlights the valuable role that families play in supporting their loved ones.

What Does “Least Restraints” Mean?

“Least restraints” refers to minimizing the use of physical, chemical, or environmental restrictions that limit a resident’s movement or freedom. This includes items like bed rails, belts, or certain medications used primarily to control behaviour rather than treat medical conditions.

Modern long-term care philosophy recognizes that restraints can lead to unintended consequences, such as:

Increased risk of falls and injuries
Loss of mobility and strength
Emotional distress, agitation, or depression
Reduced quality of life

Instead, care teams use person-centered approaches that focus on understanding each resident’s needs, preferences, and abilities.

Why It Matters

Reducing the use of restraints is about more than meeting guidelines—it’s about respecting each person’s rights and individuality.

Key benefits of a least-restraint approach include:

Enhanced dignity: Residents maintain greater independence and control over their daily lives.
Improved safety: Contrary to past beliefs, restraints can increase injury risk; alternatives often keep residents safer.
Better health outcomes: Movement and autonomy help preserve physical and cognitive abilities.
Stronger relationships: Trust grows between residents, staff, and families when care feels respectful and collaborative.

How Care Teams Support Least Restraints

Care providers use a variety of creative and individualized strategies, such as:

Adjusting the environment (lower beds, good lighting, clear pathways)
Providing meaningful activities and engagement
Using mobility aids and proper seating
Monitoring health conditions that may affect behaviour (pain, infections, medication side effects)
Building consistent routines that promote comfort and familiarity

These approaches reduce the need for restraints while promoting both safety and well-being.

The Important Role of Families

Family members are essential partners in supporting a least-restraint approach. Your knowledge, involvement, and advocacy can make a meaningful difference.

Here’s how families can help:

1. Share Personal Insights

Let the care team know about your loved one’s routines, preferences, and triggers. Understanding what brings comfort—or causes distress—helps staff respond effectively without using restraints.

2. Support Independence

Encourage your loved one to stay active and engaged, within their abilities. Even small actions—like walking short distances, participating in activities, or making daily choices—can help maintain function and confidence.

3. Ask Questions and Stay Involved

If restraints are ever suggested, ask about:

The reason they are being considered
Possible alternatives
The plan to reduce or remove them

Open communication ensures decisions are made in the resident’s best interest.

4. Provide Reassurance and Familiarity

Regular visits, phone calls, or personal items from home can reduce anxiety and confusion, which in turn reduces behaviours that might otherwise lead to restraint use.

5. Partner in Care Planning

Attend care conferences and collaborate with staff to ensure goals align with your loved one’s values and comfort.

Working Together for Better Care

A least-restraint philosophy is most successful when staff, residents, and families work together. By focusing on respect, understanding, and creativity, we can create a care environment where residents feel safe, valued, and as independent as possible.

Using the least restraints possible is not just a clinical practice—it’s a commitment to dignity, compassion, and quality of life. Families play a powerful role in this approach, helping ensure their loved ones receive care that is both safe and deeply respectful.

If you have any questions or concerns about the restraint policies and procedures, please speak with or contact a member of the nursing team.

The Pines Resident & Family Portal

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Promoting Dignity and Safety: Least Restraints in Long-Term Care

What Does “Least Restraints” Mean?

Why It Matters

How Care Teams Support Least Restraints

The Important Role of Families

Working Together for Better Care

What Does “Least Restraints” Mean?

Why It Matters

How Care Teams Support Least Restraints

The Important Role of Families

Working Together for Better Care

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