Inside the Circle – April 26, 2022

Congratulations to this week’s Champions of Care nominees:

• “My client called the office on a Thursday afternoon before the Easter long weekend claiming that he has no food. While I was trying to coordinate and plan for him and his 12 year old daughter, Maria Valle Perez (who was at the office picking up emergency meals for another client) heard about my client and offered to travel to his home and deliver meals and a Passover box for him as well. Thanks to Maria, my client had food stability for the weekend, prior to other supports being put in place following the weekend. Maria’s help is greatly appreciated and reflects her work ethics and support of her team!” – Elinor Gal
• “It has been nice attending the Stress Management support group and I have learned some tips from the facilitator Shayna Pilc, and others on how to apply stress management to elderly people. We are all going to get there at some point or another. I will also miss Shayna, not sure why, but she made me laugh. I looked forward to the Wednesday classes just to see her.” – Client
• “PSW Valentina Charapova answered the call – both literally and figuratively – to assist with a very challenging and complex client situation when the client’s regular worker was not available. On short notice, Valentina agreed to visit the client after a long busy day and outside of her regular hours. When she arrived at the client’s house she demonstrated excellence by providing compassionate, expert care and ensuring that the client was comfortable and safe.” – Anna Kornits

Happy Volunteer Appreciation Week! Follow our social media channels as we celebrate and highlight our volunteers.

In the midst of the pandemic emerged a new intergenerational pilot program with Circle of Care that has provided a meaningful and strong connection between two generations. “I really enjoyed the program,” said Carol P., a Circle of Care client who participated in the program. “I’m a single adult who’s not really exposed to young children and youth, so this program helped enrich my life, and introduced me to the values and interests of young people.”

Ontario has recently seen an increase in COVID-19 activity and is in the sixth wave of the pandemic. As the numbers increase, you should follow these tips to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our community:
Stay home and isolate if:

• You are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms
• You, a family member, or someone you’re living with tests positive for COVID-19.
• Someone you recently were in contact with tests positive.
• Reduce or limit your close contacts.
• Keep physical distance, when possible, especially indoors.
• If you haven’t already, get all your recommended COVID-19 vaccination doses, including any booster doses that you are eligible for.
• Wash and sanitize your hands often and when necessary.
• Wear a well-fitting mask, especially indoors.
• Wear eye protection, face-shields, or goggles, when needed.
• Choose well-ventilated spaces, when possible, to help mitigate risk.
• Clean & disinfect high traffic areas frequently and when needed.

Wearing a well-fitted, high-quality mask indoors will protect yourself and others from COVID-19 infection especially:

• If you live, work, or have contact with someone who is at high risk of COVID-19, such as someone who has a weak immune system or is a senior.
• If you are at higher risk of getting very sick from COVID-19.
• If you work or live in a crowded indoor setting that has poor indoor ventilation.