Inside the Circle – March 22, 2022

Circle of Care is able to provide additional mask fit testing sessions through our partnership with Ontario Health. These sessions are running from March 22 – April 2 and appointments can be booked online or via phone.

Dates and Times Available: Monday – Friday, 9:30am – 4:30pm, Saturday: 9:30am – 1:00pm
Location: Carefirst Seniors & Community Services Association – 420 Highway 7 East, Unit 104A, Richmond Hill, ON L4B 3K2

Register online here or contact 416-646-5108 to secure an appointment.

Employees who attend these sessions are asked to email a copy of their mask size to HRDept@circleofcare.com following the fit test, so that we can have a current record of your size on file.

Important Reminders:

• Be prepared to attend the fit test for 30 minutes.
• Please register for an appointment outside of your regular availability. If you need any scheduling changes, please speak to your Service Coordinator.
• 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.

The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (IDERD) is observed annually on March 21. Today, we reflect on the fact that while progress has been made, racialized communities in Canada continue to face racism and discrimination every day. It is also a day to re-commit our efforts to combat all forms of racial discrimination, injustice, and systemic racism to ensure a world where everyone is respected, safe, and has equitable access to contribute meaningfully to all aspects of society

All Circle of Care employees have been enrolled in an e-learning course that discusses race, racial discrimination and human rights protections under the Ontario Human Rights Code. This e-module called ‘Call it Out: Racism, Racial Discrimination and Human Rights’ is available in Dayforce as a non-paid training opportunity.

Naturally, the goal is not to fall but the possibility of a fall still exists especially in slippery conditions. There are safer ways to fall, please watch below video of Chiropractor Stacy Irvine for some simple tips and demonstrations on what you can do to protect yourself from a fall:

Recommended tips:

• If you are losing your balance, keep your knees bent to get yourself closer to the ground and turn in on the fall.
• Tuck your chin in to your chest, turn your head to the side
• While falling, twist or roll your body to the side. The objective is to have the meaty parts of your body contact the surface as much as possible to spread out the impact of the fall. Keep your wrists, elbows and knees bent.
• Do not try to break the fall with your hands or elbows. You want to protect your hands by either crossing them or getting them out of the way to avoid injuries to your wrists.
• If you drive, take extra precaution or care when getting in and out of your car. Stepping in or out of the vehicle causes a sideways force on your outside foot. If that foot is on an icy surface, it can slip out from under you. Get a firm grip and hold on to your car for support as you get in or out from your car.

Congratulations to this week’s Champions of Care nominees:

• “Since my dad returned home from the hospital, he has been very weak and unwell. PSW Sylvester Bartley handles my father in such a professional way. Sylvester is such a kind person and my father feels really comfortable with him. He even handles small tasks so well and in such a nice way. He provides care like no other and ensures my father is safe, dry, and comfortable all night. I look forward to his scheduled days and hope to see him everyday!” – Client’s daughter
• “PSW Ayrin Taguiam has shown exceptional and heartfelt care in every way with my mother! She does everything with compassion – from helping with daily chores to initiating communication in our native language using the Google Translate app. My mother says that Ayrin uses her brain as well as her heart. It is such a relief to know that Ayrin is devoted to make my mother truly happy and feel cared for! I am totally grateful for Ayrin’s presence in our lives!” – Client’s daughter

For several months, Meals on Wheels volunteers Vera and Russ drove a total of four hours to and from their cottage each time they volunteered. Their long commute was worth it, they said, thanks to the responses of heartfelt thanks they received each time they delivered a package of meals.