The Pines Resident & Family Portal

June 30th, we welcomed the Honourable Minister Natalia Kusendova-Bashta, Ontario’s Minister of Long-Term Care, and MPP Graydon Smith, for a tour of The Pines Long-Term Care Home in Bracebridge.

The Pines has proudly cared for Muskoka residents since 1971, providing compassionate, family-focused long-term care in a warm and welcoming environment. Owned and operated by the District Municipality of Muskoka, The Pines is home to 160 residents and is committed to delivering high-quality care every day.

During their visit, Minister Kusendova-Bashta and MPP Smith heard the history behind 55 years of caring for the community while meeting residents who call The Pines home and the dedicated staff who make it all possible.

Learn more about The Pine Long-Term Care Home visit: https://bit.ly/4eQdGsH

#ThePines #LTCMuskoka #ThePinesLTC #Muskoka Town of Bracebridge

Resident safety is at the heart of everything we do at The Pines. We are pleased to share that we have recently installed EvacQSlide evacuation devices under each resident's mattress as part of our ongoing commitment to emergency preparedness and resident safety.

The EvacQSlide is a specialized evacuation system designed to assist staff in safely moving residents during an emergency situation, such as a fire or other event requiring evacuation.

The device allows residents to be transported more efficiently on stairways and through corridors when traditional evacuation methods may be challenging.

The installation of these devices enhances our emergency response capabilities by:

• Supporting the safe evacuation of residents with mobility challenges.
• Increasing staff preparedness during emergency situations.
• Improving our ability to respond quickly and effectively if an evacuation is required.
• Strengthening our overall emergency management program.

In addition to the installation of the EvacQSlides, staff receive training and participate in regular emergency drills to ensure they are confident and prepared to use this equipment if needed.

While we hope these devices are never required, this investment reflects our commitment to providing the safest possible environment for residents, families, staff, and visitors.

If you have any questions about our emergency preparedness measures, please feel free to speak with a member of our leadership team.

Maintaining mobility is an important part of healthy aging and plays a key role in enhancing quality of life for residents in long-term care. Mobility is more than just walking—it includes all movement that helps residents stay as active, independent, and engaged as possible.

At The Pines, our team works closely with residents to encourage safe movement throughout the day. Whether it is participating in exercise programs, walking to meals, taking part in recreational activities, or simply changing positions regularly, every movement matters.

Why Mobility Matters

Regular movement can help residents:

• Maintain strength, balance, and flexibility
• Support independence with daily activities
• Reduce the risk of falls and injury
• Improve circulation and overall physical health
• Enhance mood, confidence, and social engagement
• Promote better sleep and overall well-being

Even small amounts of activity can make a meaningful difference in a resident’s comfort and quality of life.

How Families Can Support Mobility

Families play an important role in encouraging and supporting mobility. During visits, consider:

• Taking a short walk with your loved one, if appropriate
• Participating in recreational or fitness activities together
• Encouraging them to attend programs and social events
• Celebrating mobility milestones and achievements
• Providing comfortable, properly fitting footwear and clothing that supports movement

Every resident has unique abilities and goals, and our care team develops individualized approaches that promote safe and meaningful activity.

Working Together

Our interdisciplinary team, including nursing staff, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, recreation staff, and care partners, is committed to helping residents maintain the highest level of mobility possible. By working together with families, we can support residents in staying active, engaged, and independent for as long as possible.

Thank you for partnering with us as we continue to promote health, wellness, and quality of life for all residents at The Pines. Every step, stretch, and movement contributes to a healthier and more fulfilling day.

Browse our collection of books and resources designed to support residents, families, and persons of importance. Feel free to borrow a resource and return it when you're finished. Below is a very supportive novel available to borrow.

The health, comfort, and safety of our residents remain our top priority during periods of extreme heat. During the heat warnings, our team takes additional precautions to help keep residents safe and comfortable.

What We Are Doing

• Encouraging residents to spend time in air conditioning whenever possible.
• Offering fluids frequently throughout the day, not just at meal times, to support hydration.
• Providing water, juice, and other approved beverages regularly, while following individual care plans and any prescribed fluid restrictions.
• Keeping resident rooms and common areas as cool and comfortable as possible.
• Encouraging lightweight, comfortable clothing.
• Limiting outdoor activities and exposure to direct sunlight during the hottest parts of the day.

Monitoring Resident Well-Being

Our staff are closely monitoring residents for signs of heat-related illness, including:

• Excessive sweating
• Dizziness or weakness
• Headaches
• Nausea
• Increased confusion or changes in behaviour
• Fatigue or lethargy

Extra attention is being given to residents who may be at greater risk, including those who:

• Have chronic medical conditions
• Take medications that can affect hydration or body temperature regulation
• Live with cognitive impairment and may not recognize or communicate symptoms
• Require assistance with fluid intake

How Families Can Help

If you are visiting during the heat warning, please encourage your loved one to drink fluids (if permitted within their care plan) and spend time in cooler indoor areas. We also encourage lightweight clothing and limiting outdoor activities during peak heat hours.

Thank you for being so supportive as we work together to keep our residents safe and comfortable throughout the warm weather.

In collaboration with Public Health, the Spruce Home Area has declared a Respiratory Outbreak on June 22nd, 2026. Currently, two (2) 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 on Spruce 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
• Spruce 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 Spruce
• 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 Spruce 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)(External link)or ext. 4752

In collaboration with Public Health, the Spruce Home Area has declared a Respiratory Outbreak on June 22nd, 2026. Currently, five (5) 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 on Spruce 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
• Spruce 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 Spruce
• 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 Spruce 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 Spruce Home Area has declared a Respiratory Outbreak on June 22nd, 2026. Currently, five (5) 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 on Spruce 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
• Spruce 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 Spruce
• 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 Spruce 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 Spruce Home Area has declared a Respiratory Outbreak on June 22nd, 2026. Currently, four (4) 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 on Spruce 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
• Spruce 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 Spruce
• 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 Spruce 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 Spruce Home Area has declared a Respiratory Outbreak on June 22nd, 2026. Currently, four (4) 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 on Spruce 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
• Spruce 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 Spruce
• 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 Spruce 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