Inside the Circle – October 22, 2024

PSWs are the backbone of the essential care we deliver every day, which is why we are always looking for ways to support you better.

We are excited to announce that on November 5, we are introducing a dedicated phone line for urgent or risk-related issues. Calls to this line will be given higher priority, which means quicker response times and better support from the office when you need it most.

Please call this line ONLY in the following situations:

• Client fall
• Reporting client death
• Injury to client
• Injury to PSW
• Abuse
• Not Seen Not Found

Future Improvements: Looking ahead, we’re planning to add new features that will allow you to communicate through multiple channels, like text and email. These changes will help you stay connected and get the response you need, when you need it. Stay tuned!

These updates are part of our ongoing efforts to give you the tools you need to do your job effectively.

Here are the steps to complete your VSS:

1. Apply: Go to your local police station (in person or online) and apply for the VSS.
   • For Toronto residents only: Our organization code is 202310TPSONDFEEA. Write this down as you will need it to complete your application with the Toronto Police Service if you live in Toronto.
2. Pay: You pay for the VSS upfront and send your receipt to klucki@circleofcare.com for reimbursement.
3. Receive Results: You will get your VSS results in about 10 business days. Please send the results to klucki@circleofcare.com within 30 days.
4. Reimbursement: After you send your results, HR will refund you within 30 days. The refund will show up in your next pay.

Who should get vaccinated?

Everyone 6 months and older should receive a flu vaccine every flu season (with rare exceptions).

Getting vaccinated is especially important for people who are at a higher risk of serious complications from influenza such as the elderly, young children, and immunocompromised people and people who spend time with any of these groups – like PSWs and homemakers.

When should I get vaccinated?

Most people should receive a dose of the influenza vaccine by the end of October, every year. This ensures you will be protected before the flu begins to spread. However, getting a vaccine later can still provide protection during the peak of flu season. (Getting vaccinated earlier than September is not advised, because the protection provided by the vaccine will decrease over time.)

Where can I get vaccinated?

You can get your FREE flu vaccine from:

• your doctor or nurse practitioner
• walk-in clinics
• community health centers
• participating pharmacies (like Shoppers Drug Mart or Rexall)
• some public health units

Public health units offering a flu vaccine this year: https://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/common/system/services/phu/locations.aspx

Can my children get vaccinated?

Yes! But there are some things to note:

• Children under 5 years of age cannot get a flu shot at a pharmacy and must visit their doctor, a nurse practitioner, or local public health unit.
• Some children may need two doses of a flu vaccine, so those children should get the first dose as soon as possible to ensure full protection during the height of flu season.

Visibility is Key

As the days get shorter and darker, it can be harder for drivers to see pedestrians. This makes it extra important to make sure you’re visible when you are walking in the community, especially early in the morning or late in the evening.

Quick visibility tips:

• Wear bright or reflective clothing, especially on gloomy days or when it’s dark outside.
• Use lights or reflective gear on backpacks or jackets if you often walk during dark hours.
• Walk facing traffic when there are no sidewalks, so you can see what’s coming.

Small steps can make a big difference. Stay visible, stay safe!

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

What is GreenShield EAP?

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.

The EAP provides access to:

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

How can I access GreenShield EAP?

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.

This service is not anonymous, but it is completely confidential. Using this service will not be held against you and your personal information will always be private. Circle of Care will not know which services you use or what you talk about.

October is Healthy Workplace Month!

The Ontario Caregiver Organization and CMHA Ontario’s Your Health Space are offering a webinar series is designed to help double-duty caregivers find balance at home and work.

These sessions are packed with practical tips and support to help you manage the demands of caregiving in both your personal and professional life.

• Oct 22 (12-1 pm): Stay empathetic without burning out
• Oct 29 (12-1 pm): Balance work and caregiving with effective tips and support

Where: Zoom (link sent after registration)

Click on the link below to secure your spot for one or all sessions. Let’s find balance together!

“Covering” is a way of describing how a person might downplay their identity to fit into the mainstream.

You can learn more about this topic in the next course in our DEI series, offered by our Learning & Development team.

Please note that all staff must complete this mandatory course by Friday November 1, 2024. You are automatically enrolled in Dayforce and you will be paid for 20 minutes after completing the training.

Stay safe at work!

If you did not complete the STF Prevention eLearning module in 2023 – or you just need to refresh your memory – it’s not too late to self-enroll through Dayforce.

Log into your Dayforce account, select the ‘Learning’ tab and then choose the STF Prevention module from the ‘Courses Catalogue’ at the top.

Experience the Human Library, an innovative event that allows you to borrow people instead of books!

This online event creates a safe space for participant ‘readers’ to challenge stereotypes and prejudices through dialogue with human ‘books’. Human ‘books’ openly share their cultural backgrounds, lifestyles, and life experiences to prompt an enriching and respectful conversation with readers.

When participating as a reader, you’ll be automatically assigned to meet 2-3 ‘human ‘books’ in groups of 6-10 people.

Upcoming sessions

• Thursday October 24 @ 9:00 AM
• Tuesday November 26 @ 9:00 AM
• Tuesday December 3 @ 9:00 AM

Keep in mind that is an interactive experience, so make sure you are available to participate for the entire duration of the session.

To register, follow the link below and click the orange ‘select a date’ in the top right corner.

Circle of Care is committed to cultivating an environment where all staff, volunteers, students, and clients feel safe and protected. We unequivocally condemn all forms of hatred, racism and discrimination including Islamophobia and anti-Muslim hate.

We encourage everyone to take this time to learn more about Islamic traditions,  explore the rich histories of the Islamic world, and celebrate the important contributions of Muslims in our communities.

Additional resources:

Guided Roots provides community resources for Muslims in Canada experiencing distress and family-related crises, including counselling and other supports.

Islamic Relief Canada works with communities to strengthen their resilience by supporting basic services such as education, water and sanitation, and healthcare, as well as by providing emergency aid.

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

The 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.

Please note: We do not accept anonymous submissions for this program. High Fives must be submitted by an individual person, whether they are a staff member or member of the community.

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.