Inside the Circle – December 5, 2023

Our HR team has put together a list of resources that may help you or your family in times of crisis or need. We have put together a list of community resources, mental health and crisis support resources, employment and social services, medical services, food services, financial resources and support, housing resources, and legal resources. Click the button below for more information.

To keep you safe and comfortable in your client’s home, we suggest doing a quick check before you start helping them. Look out for things that might make them upset or agitated:

• Pay attention when you set limits or during certain activities.
• Check if there’s resistance to the visit from the client or others in the home.
• See if the client has any health issues that might lead to aggressive behaviour, like a head injury or substance abuse.

Remember to mention any of these behaviours when you’re filling out the ALC checklist, so your CSS can follow up if needed.

When you’re out in the community, it’s important to stay aware and take care. Here are a few tips:

• Don’t wear noise-cancelling headphones, so you can hear what’s happening around you.
• Plan where and how you are travelling.
• Keep important phone numbers handy, like taxi services, your supervisor, and the office.

Let’s work together to make sure everyone stays safe and supported!

We also encourage you to review this a recording of a Community Safety webinar that was presented in 2022 by Police Constable John Sconza.

We have also compiled a list of free self-defence classes that are available (either online or in person).

Your safety is our top priority at Circle of Care. All PSWs and Homemakers must be certified with valid and current CPR training and be properly fitted for N95 masks.

Good news! There are CPR sessions available on December 12. Ready to book your spot? Just head to http://register.firstaidcare.ca/ or give them a call at 905-272-9214.

And stay tuned, we’re sorting out more dates for CPR and Mask Fit for January, February, and March. Once the dates are set, we’ll let you know.

We are pleased to announce that we have two upcoming sessions scheduled to talk about trauma, how it affects work, and ways to care for ourselves. We’ll explore trauma-informed care principles and learn techniques for debriefing and compassionate curiosity. These sessions are here to help us cope with the emotional side of current events. Join us for guidance and support!

Please refer to the webinar details below and note that you need only attend one of the sessions:

Feeling a bit down lately? You’re not alone! Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is like a mood slump that hits around the same time each year, usually in fall or winter. Blame it on the shorter days and less sunlight exposure.

Here are some signs that you may be experiencing SAD:

• Sleeping more and feeling extra tired during the day
• Losing interest in stuff you used to love
• Carrying around guilt and hopelessness
• Having trouble concentrating or focusing
• Dealing with physical issues like headaches or a sensitive stomach

Here are some things you can try to boost your mood:

• Sunshine Time: Step outside or hang by a window for a bit each day. Sunlight works wonders to relieve minor symptoms.
• Small Wins: Break big tasks into smaller ones. Focus on what you can actually get done.
• Talk It Out: Share your feelings with friends or family. No need to keep it all to yourself!
• Stay Positive: Take it one day at a time. Patience is key, and focusing on the good stuff helps!

If things still feel rough, reach out to your family doctor or a walk-in clinic for additional assistance.

Recently my client mixed Javex (bleach) and vinegar in her toilet bowl because of calcium build up. Please let everyone be aware of the deadly effects of mixing things, especially with our beloved clients who sometimes can clean so much. She was not aware that mixing these two produces poisonous gas.

Thank you for the suggestion. We will include this as one of the topics in one of our next client newsletters, which goes out once a month. 

I have a friend who is on a visitor’s visa. She is working as a homemaker. Is Circle of Care open to sponsorship? Thank you, your reply is highly appreciated.

Thank you for your question. Circle of Care can only hire people who are legally able to work in Canada already (they are either citizens, permanent residents, or have a valid work visa). We unfortunately do not sponsor people. Your friend would need to obtain a valid work visa in order to apply to work with us.

Is there any promotions for our payments?

Thank you for your question.  Our current collective agreement will be due for renewal in June 2024. We will be discussing wage increases when we negotiate a new collective agreement.