Inside the Circle – July 12, 2022

Last week was filled with exciting in-person developments for our Adult Day Program, including: the return of Mickey Lewin and Pat, and a violin performance from an ADP student.

Musician Mickey Lewin, and Zumba Instructor Pat, has been long-term dedicated program hosts for our clients at the Adult Day Program. We were excited to welcome the both of them back in-person for the first time after almost three years – since the beginning of the pandemic.

“It is so exciting to have them back in person. The clients were thrilled to see them and sang with them, while also taking part in their programs,” says Madeline D’Arpino, ADP Supervisor.

Mickey has been performing for Circle of Care clients for 12 years and has just returned last week with his guitar (see photo above). Pat has also been a consistent Zumba program instructor with Circle of Care’s Adult Day Program for four years. She was also excited to see our clients in person once again.

Along with Mickey and Pat’s exciting return, ADP Summer Student Zhifan Ye brought in her violin and performed a musical piece for our clients.

“We are truly blessed to have entertainers who really care about our clients and bringing joy to their day,” says Madeline.

On Friday, Rogers had a nationwide power outage affecting both internet and cellular connection for Rogers and their sub-brand Fido. Circle of Care was also affected by this disconnection creating many challenges for staff, as making phone calls and emails were nearly impossible.

Thank you to all PSWs and Homemakers who adapted to the sudden disconnection and powered through the nationwide power outage. Your persistence and commitment to providing care helped many clients during that difficult and confusing time.

On June 29, North York Elder Abuse Network held a community event on the topic of World Elder Abuse Awareness. Maria Valle Perez, Social Worker – Care Navigator (on the far left of the right image), was a guest speaker at this event, highlighting the importance of older adult safety and our services. Circle of Care also offered iRide transportation for any client interested in attending the event.

Thank you Maria and other staff members for your help in spreading awareness on elder abuse and senior safety!

During the summer months, it’s important to stay vigilant and aware of heat-related illnesses and potential heat risks. We’re sharing with you information on heat-related illnesses and their symptoms, and what to do to respond.

June Showcase: Prioritizing a Client’s Safety

We are committed to identifying, assessing and minimizing/managing risks to clients, while recognizing clients’ rights to make choices and have control over their lives. Often this can be a delicate balance, where our workers are faced with difficult conversations with clients.

PSW Madina Nur was faced with a difficult conversation with a client on June 21st. The client was refusing to use a bath chair in the shower and Madina recognized this was a safety concern that could cause a fall. Madina then called the CSS and the CSS spoke to the client to help explain that not using the bath chair increases the risk of a fall and injury to the client and Madina. The client was instead offered a sponge bath.

While we want to prioritize our clients’ preferences as often as possible, our support workers must act just as PSW Madina did to ensure that we are not in a situation where our clients and our staff could be injured.

Some helpful phrases for PSWs when clients refuse to use safety equipment in the shower include:

• “Improper shower equipment may cause you to slip and fall. It is very important that there be proper safety equipment in place so that you or I do not get injured.”
• “I can only assist you with activities that can be done in a safe manner. Unfortunately, until the safety concern has been resolved I cannot perform this task.”

As always, workers should continue to inform their CSS when there is not enough safety equipment in place to perform care safely. Great job Madina for prioritizing client safety!

Maria V: Helping Others During Difficult Times

Ever since she was young, helping others came naturally to Maria. She was then inspired to pursue a career in Social Work after her experience as a caregiver and working in a geriatrician’s office.

“My favourite part of my job is that I can make a difference and provide a positive outcome in someone’s life by delivering the right support and advocacy,” says Maria.

In June 2022, Maria was presented with Circle of Care’s Champions of Care Award for Accountability. She was nominated for this award by her colleague Sabrina from Sinai Health. Read more about her story by clicking the button below!

JULY

July 18: Body + Soul Fitness Webinar

North York Toronto Health Partners is offering a workshop style webinar where participants will be able to participate in a virtual discussion on healthy eating. The webinar will be hosted by Body + Soul Fitness, and participants will learn how to build and implement a balanced diet into their everyday routine. Following a nutritious, balanced diet helps your body stay healthy, active and well

Date: Monday, July 18th
Time: 1:00pm – 2:00pm
Location: Zoom

Congratulations to this week’s Champions of Care nominees:

• “I would like to nominate my PSW, Ms. Judith Basbas on behalf of my Mother. Ms. Basbas is a kind and affable woman whose work with my Mother in the past year has been exemplary. I am most impressed by her person-to-person demeanor, which is kind and endearing and lends itself well to working with an aging population. Judith possesses a unique client focus – she’s confident, reassuring, and has a keen sense of responsibility. She adapts her skills to meet her elderly clients’ needs despite the challenges of an ever-changing work schedule and public transportation. Ms. Basbas is a trusted member of my Mother’s care team and should be recognized for her achievements.” – Client’s daughter

• “I would like to thank your company and specifically thank Bogdana Kokovina for her excellent support. She took care of my parents. She also provided timely and helpful advice for making their life happier and easier. She let me know all the important information regarding the service provided. Bogdana was extremely attentive and she listened to all my concerns with a great deal of patience. She also ensured that I received all the information regarding my parents. For everyone, it’s very important to see our parents live in dignity and in good condition. As a daughter, I was very thankful that Bogdana explained which service will suit my parent’s needs best. Bogdana has a caring approach and she is a true professional. Please accept my gratitude towards her and your Client Care staff for their speedy and efficient services. I would especially like to commend Bogdana for her professionalism and superlative skills.” – Clients’ Daughter

• “iRide Driver Sheldon Rittenberg went above and beyond the call of duty. Upon arrival at the medical office at 2175 Sheppard Ave East, he was told by the specialist to take the client to Sunnybrook Hospital Emergency department due to a heart condition. Sheldon immediately called dispatch to report this and I made arrangements so he can do so. Upon arriving at the Emergency Sheldon took the client by hand and registered her to see the Specialist who she was supposed to see and waiting for her. Sheldon is truly a very good driver but even a better person. This is what Circle of Care is all about. Thank you Sheldon!” – Claudio Gasparini