Inside the Circle – September 10, 2024

We Did It! Thanks to your incredible support, we’ve already surpassed our fundraising goal of $20,000 for The Grand Parade!

A huge thank you to everyone for your time, donations, and help in spreading the word—your support helps us provide essential programs for seniors in our community!

But the excitement isn’t over yet—you can still make a difference! Donate, help fundraise, support your favourite teams and walkers, and share the news to keep the momentum going.

Thank you to everyone who joined us at the Vision, Mission, and Values Open House!

Your energy and enthusiasm were incredible, and we are thrilled by the amount of thoughtful feedback we received. It was fantastic to see so many of you connecting with the leadership team and engaging in lively discussions.

Your input on our Vision, Mission, and Values will play a huge role in shaping Circle of Care’s future, and we can’t wait to share the results with you soon!

Ready, Step, Go!

During the month of September, we will be running a Wellness Challenge focused on the number of steps you take throughout the day. You can track your step count using pedometers and digital activity trackers (most of which are built in to smart phones or smart watches).

The Challenge will run from September 9 – 29. All step counts must be entered by 4:30 pm on October 3rd.  We will send out regular reminders through Inside the Circle to enter your step count and see who the Challenge Leaders are. Challenge winners will be announced in the October newsletter.

Track your steps, compete with your colleagues, and win prizes!

Prizes will be awarded to employees with the top 3 highest step counts:

• 1st place prize: $150 Walmart gift card
• 2nd place prize: $100 Walmart gift card
• 3rd place prize: $50 Walmart gift card
• Participation prize:  Starbucks gift card

All employees who log at least 42,000 steps by the end of the challenge (equivalent to 2000 steps/day) will be entered in a draw to win the participation prize.

Log your steps with our Step Count tracking sheet or email HRDept@circleofcare.com with your step count for each week.

Circle of Care is excited to offer a pilot program for PSWs to access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through GreenShield (OASSIS).

GreenShield EAP is a confidential service designed to support your overall well-being. It offers a safe space where you can comfortably discuss life challenges – such as work, family, or other areas of life – with someone outside your usual circle who can provide you with guidance and support. Whether you need a listening ear, advice, or guidance, the EAP is here to help.

What does GreenShield EAP provide?

The EAP provides access to a variety of services, including:

• Counseling Services: Speak with a professional, whether individually or as a couple, without long wait times or complicated processes.
• Health & Life Support: Receive assistance from experts on topics like work, health, nutrition, and financial or legal issues.

How can I access GreenShield EAP?

To join the program, email Kai at Ksvirida@circleofcare.com by September 20th.

We only need your first and last name to register you for the program. You do not need to specify which services you are interested in.

We are currently piloting this program for our PSWs from September to December. During the pilot period, registration will be on a first come-first serve basis, capped at 50 employees. If there is enough interest, we hope to expand the program beyond the 50 employee cap.

Circle of Care is now offering discounted home and auto insurance through our discount program, Perkopolis.

Circle of Care’s Workplace Hazard Management Tool outlines various workplace hazards. We have established Safe Operating Procedures (SOPs) which explain how employees can reduce the risk of illness or injury related to each of these hazards. SOPs are posted to the PSW portal, including information about how to prevent Slips, Trips, and Falls, Musculosketal Disorders, Workplace Violence and more.

The Hazard Management Tool and all SOPs are reviewed by our JHSC. All employees should review and be familiar with these procedures.

At Circle of Care, we prioritize the safety and well-being of all our employees. Preventing slip, trip, and fall (STF) incidents is a crucial part of maintaining a safe work environment.

Our STF Policy outlines the shared responsibility we have to keep each other safe, including:

• Our commitment to providing a safe workplace and resources to prevent STF incidents.
• Your responsibility to follow safe work practices and report any potential hazards you encounter.

Staying informed is key! Review the STF Policy on PSW portal at any time and reach out to your Supervisor/Manager or Human Resources with any questions. Let’s work together to prevent STFs and keep Circle of Care a safe space for everyone!

Here are some steps PSWs can take to prevent client falls during daily care activities:

Before each visit, review the client’s care plan, focusing on their fall risk factors and any recent changes in their condition.

On arrival, quickly check the environment. Ensure pathways are clear, furniture is stable, and there are no new hazards. Ask the client if there have been any changes in condition since the last visit, such as dizziness, weakness, or confusion.

When providing care,

• Never leave client unattended.
• Accompany the client when they need to move around the house, particularly in areas with uneven surfaces or stairs. Stand slightly behind and to the side of the client, typically on their weaker side, to provide support.
• Offer clear, calm instructions to the client.  Encourage the client to communicate if they feel tired or unsteady and need to pause.
• Use proper body mechanics and assistive devices when helping clients move from bed to chair, chair to toilet, etc.
  • Encourage clients to use grab bars or handrails if available.
  • Ensure the client correctly uses any mobility aids and that these aids are in good condition (e.g., no loose wheels on walkers).

When walking up and down stairs,

• Encourage the client to use the handrail with one hand while you support them on the other side.
• Instruct the client to place their stronger leg on the next step first, and followed by the weaker leg.
• Remind the client to lift their feet fully to avoid tripping on the stairs.
• Encourage the client to move slowly and deliberately, to maintain balance.

If assisting with bathing,

• Never leave client unattended.
• Use non-slip mats in the tub or shower, and ensure the client has something sturdy to hold onto, like a grab bar.
• Immediately dry any wet surfaces after bathing or toileting to prevent slips.
• Assist the client with getting on and off the toilet safely, using a raised toilet seat or grab bars if necessary.
• Make sure the client is sitting or standing securely before assisting with dressing or grooming tasks. Avoid having them stand on one leg or in an unstable position.

Have you had your mask fit tested and CPR training? Circle of Care requires all PSWs and Homemakers to be certified with valid and current CPR training and properly fitted for N95 masks.

Book your CPR training and mask fit sessions through First Aid Care today!

You can also book by calling 905-272-9214

Most of us have more than one social identity – this includes gender and racial or ethnic groups we belong to, but also our role as workers, family members, and members of our communities. These identities affect how we see the world and how others see us in complex ways.

Please join us for this webinar where we will explore how different identities come together and affect our experiences in the workplace.

This workshop will:

• Examine social identity & intersectionality in the workplace using the R.E.A.L. Framework
• Explore how intersecting identities can create barriers to well-being
• Apply strategies to challenge internal biases, build confidence, and lead by example

Session Details:

• Date: September 11, 12pm-2pm
• Meeting URL: https://cmhaontario.zoom.us/j/83471427734?pwd=XQzwjKqGQjdGOhBaCgFf9JVVKgAq85.1&from=addon
• Meeting ID:     834 7142 7734
• Passcode:    407183

Has someone gone above and beyond at work? Give them a High Five!

The new High Five program lets you publicly recognize staff members for their outstanding work. High Fives will be posted in your weekly Inside the Circle newsletter. To give a high five, just click on the button below or use the link in the rotating banner on the Portal home page.

A High Five for Maria Cundangan

I wanted to take moment and recognize Maria – she is always so eager to lend a helping hand to Health & Safety projects and is always ready to make sure her peers are well represented.
– Kai Van Vugt

Have a question? Submit your questions or feedback anonymously below!

Please note that it may take us longer to provide some answers. If your question hasn’t been answered yet, we will get back to you as soon as we can.