Inside the Circle – October 17, 2023

Did you happen to miss the recent webinar on preventing slips, trips, and falls? Don’t worry! Join Kai and Nasrin as they share some fantastic advice and tips to keep you safe. You can catch the entire webinar by simply clicking on the video link!

Our Learning & Development team has put together an important e-learning module all about preventing slips, trips, and falls. Mark your calendar for November 1, 2023 – that’s the date we’d like you to finish this super important e-learning. You’re already signed up on Dayforce, and the module is waiting for you there!

Complete this e-learning, and you’ll receive 30 minutes of paid training time. Let’s dive into learning and keep our workplace safe and sound!

Making sure we match the right services with the right clients is a key aspect of all our programs. At Circle of Care, we’ve adopted a two-factor identification system to double-check that every individual receives the appropriate care. This smart approach helps us prevent any mistakes like medication mix-ups, serving the wrong client, or breaching privacy.

What is Two-Factor Identification?

Before providing care or service, clients and/or family will be asked to confirm their identity using two factors. The identifiers will be the person’s full name, and at least one other client attribute, including: date of birth, confirmed home address, or confirmed phone number. This is very important, as we often have clients with the same or similar names receiving services.

Is this always required?

When you have a long-term relationship with the client, you can verify they are the right client for the right services by ensuring you are at the correct address and that you recognize the face of the person you’re providing care to. Keep in mind that in some cases, family members may have the same name as the client, and in some cases, both people could have services with Circle of Care – this has happened before!

Don’t miss out on the ‘Beyond Silence’ app! It’s an awesome mental health support program, and guess what? It’s totally free and confidential for our PSWs and Homemakers. With this app, you can tap into a bunch of resources that are here to boost your mental well-being. Plus, you get a chance to chat with a trained Peer Support Provider – how cool is that?

Exciting news alert! Our IT team is starting to roll out the app for you on your Circle of Care mobile device. So, soon enough, you’ll be able to access it right from your work phone. But, no need to wait – go ahead and download the app on your personal device right now!

ACCESS CODE: CCYP527J8

For more information about the program, please watch our video tutorial.

You are entitled to annual vacation under your Collective Agreement. Your vacation time and vacation pay is based on length of continued service, calculated as of September each year. The following is a breakdown of vacation benefits:

Please note that the time you book off for vacation is not paid, as vacation pay is paid out on an annual basis in September. If you would like to request your accrued vacation pay to be paid out in advance, you can email payroll@circleofcare.com. To submit vacation requests, please do so through the mobile app. All requests for vacation time will be reviewed by your Service Coordinator.

For any other questions about vacation time entitlement, please refer to the Collective Agreement.

Let’s talk about keeping your body in top shape! Ever heard of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs)? It’s a fancy term for muscle, nerve, tendon, and joint troubles. We’re talking muscles, bones, and nerves teaming up in what’s called “body mechanics.”

Body mechanics can be your best friend or your worst enemy, especially when it comes to your back and overall health.

So, what are the secrets of top-notch Body Mechanics? Let’s spill the beans:

• Back Basics: Keep that lower back in its happy, neutral position all the time.
• No Twists, Just Shifts: Avoid the twisty moves! Instead, take side steps, moving your torso as a solid unit from shoulders to hips.
• Sturdy Stance: Plant your feet firmly, giving yourself a wide, strong base when lifting stuff. Stability is the name of the game!
• Stand Tall: Head up, shoulders high – be confident!
• Balance is Key: Stay balanced by keeping your center of gravity low, bending those knees, and keeping your body straight.
• Hug That Load: When carrying things, pull them close to your body. It’s like giving them a supportive hug!
• Bend Smart: When you bend, use your hips and knees, not just your waist. It’s all about staying steady and balanced.
• Know Your Limits: Don’t play superhero! Be real and stay within your strength zone.

Remember, nailing good body mechanics is like giving your body a VIP treatment – no injuries, no muscle drama, just feeling awesome!

Let’s talk about the flu and why it’s so serious. The flu can bring down our immunity, making it easier for other pesky infections to tag along. Plus, if you’re dealing with health conditions like diabetes, lung problems, or heart issues, the flu can be extra tough on you.

It’s not just about feeling under the weather – sometimes, the flu can inflame crucial organs, requiring serious hospital care. But luckily, we’ve got a way to prevent the flu: getting vaccinated.

Getting a flu shot is like putting on armor against the flu. It’s proven to lower your chances of catching the flu and even if you do get it, it helps soften the punch. Studies say it can cut your doctor visit risk by 40-60%. That’s a win!

So, roll up your sleeve and join the flu-fighting squad! Stay healthy, stay strong!

We would like to welcome the following PSWs & Homemakers to Circle of Care:

• Mara Paul Reniedo
• Jonah Marie Villostas
• Kristine Santos
• Jaiminkumar Rana
• Niely Bueno
• Chantelle Noblin
• Kingsley Obhiozele
• Dhruvi Chauhan
• Vivian Okolie
• Tolulope Justin Adepelumi
• Douglas Omosa
• Joy Gayle

Other than PSW jobs, what jobs are available at Circle of Care?

We have a wide variety of jobs available at Circle of Care. Our up-to-date list of jobs that we are currently hiring for can be found on the Careers page (scroll down on the page): https://www.circleofcare.com/careers/ The page is updated regularly, as soon as we need to hire for a specific role.

Most of my co-workers don’t read Circle of Care policies, or talk to the union. If they did go to union meetings, they would know a lot more information.

In addition to attending your union meetings, we also encourage staff to read our weekly Inside the Circle newsletters, as these contain a lot of important information for you. And continue to submit your questions to us, we are here to help you if you’re unsure about something.

Why does Circle of Care not care about safety protocol anymore? My coordinator sent me to a client who does not have proper equipment for transfers. He cannot get up without help, he can’t walk, and he is very heavy. There is no pull by the bed and no lift, so anytime a PSW does a transfer for him, the PSW can end up hurting themselves and/or the client! I reported this to the office after I was almost injured myself. And I told them not to send me there because of the safety issue. But after a few weeks went by, I had him in my schedule once more, and had to call to the office to ask them to remove this client from my schedule! Why is this client still receiving transfers from us when it’s clearly unsafe?!

If you feel that any aspect of your role is unsafe you need to report it to the office and your CSS.  It sounds like you already did this, but oftentimes the mobility of a client changes or the PSW is in the home before the CSS is able to complete their in-home visit so necessary equipment needs may not have been assessed. We don’t want you to be injured in the course of your work so please report any safety concerns you have, and if you return to the client’s home and no change has been made, you should report it again to ensure that something is being done. In the meantime, you are allowed to refuse unsafe work. This is covered in the orientation.  Once your CSS is aware of the situation, they will work with the client/family, funder, OT and the PSW to come up with a solution, which could include an short-term solution while they wait for equipment.  This could include modifying the care plan to providing a bed bath until the appropriate transferring devices are available.