Inside the Circle – December 12, 2023

When dealing with a client who’s upset during a home visit, your words can be a powerful tool. Check out these tips for navigating those challenging moments:

• Ask how you can help: Using easygoing language creates a comfortable atmosphere for the client.
• Listen: Show genuine interest in what the other person has to say. Focus your attention on them to let them know you’re there and listening. Don’t interrupt – give the client space to express themselves.
• Stay calm: Maintain a calm and reassuring attitude. Staying calm can help soothe an upset client.
• Always be polite: No matter how the client is behaving, stay courteous. Introduce yourself and use their name—it goes a long way.
• Show you understand: Acknowledge their feelings. Let them know you recognize they’re upset or angry.
• Repeat for clarity: Confirm your grasp of the issue by repeating what the client has shared. It ensures you’re on the same page.
• Keep it simple: Steer clear of jargon or technical talk. Stick to plain language to make communication smooth.

Don’t forget to log into Dayforce and complete your mandatory e-learning module on Workplace Violence and Harassment Prevention by December 31, 2023.  You will receive 30 minutes of paid training time for completing the course, paid out in January.

Winter in the Greater Toronto Area typically goes from December to March with unpredictable weather. Whether you’re new to Canada or a seasoned resident, here’s a handy guide to brace yourself and stay safe during the chilly months.

Temperature: Average temperatures range from -1°C to -6°C, but beware, it can reach -20°C at times. Make sure you look at the wind chill – it can make it feel even colder than the temperature listed.

Snowfall: Snow is normal in our winter. Sometimes, extreme storms can bring over 20cm of snow, disrupt daily activities, and making walking/driving risky.

Ice: Freezing rain can make roads and sidewalks slippery. Although less common, ice storms can also cause power outages.

Daylight: Winter means shorter days, so expect less daylight overall. By 5pm, the sun is setting and it starts to get dark.

Impact on Travel: Be prepared for transit delays or closures during severe weather. If weather is causing an issue with your commute, call the office to report delays. We can notify clients and reschedule accordingly.

• Transportation: Winter weather impacts transportation, including delays in public transit and potential disruptions on the roads. Using Transit or TTC apps allows you to prepare adequate planning to ensure safe commuting.
  • Weather App: Shows you the temperature, wind chill, and important information to help you prepare for the weather conditions. Please note that the weather app is installed in your Circle of Care mobile phone.
  • My TTC App – Alerts you of any delays and provides real-time TTC vehicle arrival times in Toronto.
  • Transit App – Provides Schedules and Alerts of Transit throughout the GTA.
• Clothing & Footwear: The type of clothing you wear is important when travelling outdoors. This helps keep you warm and safe from Slips, Trips or Falls.
  • As per our safe footwear policy, it’s important to make sure you wear winter boots while you are outside and commuting. Ensure these winter boots are water proof, non-slip and comfortable
  • Remember to bring a separate pair of shoes for indoors, so that you can change into something dry when indoors, preventing you from slipping.
  • Wear gloves, hats, a heavy jacket to protect you from the cold.
  • A useful tip to keep yourself warm is to layer your clothes (wear multiple layers, that you can take off indoors and put back on when you go outside).

Use Perkopolis to receive discounts on winter clothing

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:

You are not allowed to lift clients, or anything over 5kg. This policy is in place to keep you and out clients safe.

To learn more about the No Lift Policy, click the button below

When we can renew our CPR? What is your next class?

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