Inside the Circle – February 27, 2024

March is Nutrition Month, highlighting the importance of healthy habits. Not drinking enough water can make you feel tired, give you headaches, make it hard to concentrate, and even affect your mood. Here are some key facts about hydration:

• Water is needed for our cells and organs to work properly.
• Drinking enough water helps us think clearly and stay energetic.
• Water keeps our skin healthy, helps with digestion, and boosts our immune system.
• While coffee can be nice, drinking too much can have downsides for how we feel and digest food. It’s a good idea to drink water along with coffee, or even more water than coffee, to stay hydrated and feel good.
• Everyone needs different amounts of water each day, so it’s important to drink enough to avoid feeling dehydrated.

Take Part in our Hydration Challenge in March!

How to participate: Download the WaterMinder app, which is available for iPhone and Android. This app will allow you to track your hydration levels each day, and will also send push notifications of hydration tips and water intake reminders.

At the end of the month, email a screenshot of your calendar in the app to HRDept@circleofcare.com by April 3. Those who email their screenshot will be entered into a draw to win 2500 Applause points ($25 value).

How to download the Waterminder app

Visit https://waterminder.com/ to find the links to download the app.

Circle of Care requires that all PSWs and Homemakers be certified with valid and current CPR training, and that employees be properly fitted for N95 masks.

Upcoming sessions for both CPR and mask fit are available. Appointments must be booked through our vendor, First Aid Care, and can be booked online here: http://register.firstaidcare.ca/ or by calling 905-272-9214.

Important reminders – please read:
Please arrive at the training session 15 minutes before the class begins.

• After you have booked your appointment, please speak to your Service Coordinator if you need any scheduling arrangements and have clients that you will need to be booked off from to attend the CPR and/or mask fit training. Please try to book a date/time where you do not have client visits scheduled.
• Your schedule will be blocked as ‘unavailable’ for you to attend the session. You do not need to use your phone to sign into the training.
• You will be paid a total of 4 hours for the training (CPR) and 1 hour for mask fit – this will be added to your schedule 1-2 weeks after the session has been completed and you will receive payment. The code will appear on your paystub as ‘Miscellaneous’
• All bookings/cancellations must be managed through the online portal. You will receive a confirmation email/text notification and will also receive a session reminder.

Unconscious bias happens when we treat people differently because of how they look or who they are, without realizing it. This bias can affect how we think, feel, and act towards others, leading to unfairness or discrimination.

The video below explains what unconscious bias is, how it affects us, and how we can fight it. You’ll see real examples and learn how to recognize and challenge your own biases.

Budgeting is important and helps to provide a clear picture of your financial health. Here are actionable tips to get you started:

• Create a Monthly Budget: List your income sources and set aside money for your essential expenses, like rent/mortgage payments, food, gas/transit passes, etc.
• Set Aside Money in an Emergency Fund: Aim to have three to six months’ worth of living expenses set aside in a savings account in case you have an emergency that you need to pay for.
• Track Your Spending: Use budgeting apps or spreadsheets to monitor and identify areas for potential savings.
• Set Financial Goals: Define short-term and long-term financial goals for motivation.

A great and recommended budgeting app is the Mint app. It is a free app that connects to all your financial accounts and automatically tracks your spending and saving. It also offers alerts, tips, and goals to help you optimize your finances.

As tax season approaches, understanding the basics can help you maximize your returns and minimize stress. Here’s what you need to know:

• Gather Important Documents: Collect T4 slips, T5 slips, and relevant documents.
• Explore Deductions and Credits: Research potential deductions and tax credits to optimize your return.
• Consider Professional Help: For complex situations, consult with a tax professional.
• Wealthsimple Tax: Wealthsimple is a free user-friendly, certified, and secure tax software. Learn how to file your taxes online efficiently in the video below.

Are you new to Canada and looking for essential information and resources to help you settle in? We have created a document that provides basic information and resources to assist you in settling into life in Canada. This includes:

• details on settlement services available to you for free
• legal information to help you understand your rights and responsibilities
• education services
• health care services
• and special programs offered by banks specifically for new immigrants
• Additionally, you will learn how to cope with winter weather and find community support and fun activities in your are

Click the link below to access all this information and please let us know if you would be interested in attending any of these sessions to either share and/or gain resources.

Last chance to participate in Elder Abuse training sessions happening now!

This training has been so popular most dates are fully booked, but there are some spots left for the following session:

Group P: Wed 27th March 2:30- 5:00pm Wed 10th April 3:00-4:30pm

You must attend both days!

Sign up by clicking the button below.

If you have any issues signing up please call IT or contact learning.development@circleofcare.com

Last call to please fill out the Attestations form if you haven’t done so already. Click the button below!