Inside the Circle – June 4, 2024

There are times as a PSW when you might be faced with requests from clients for help with tasks that are outside your scope of practice. We have put together a video with some scenarios that you might face, as well as ways in which you can address and respond to these requests.

Did you know a simple slip, trip, or fall can cause serious injuries? At Circle of Care, prevention starts with you! Here are some easy tips to stay safe:

• Be Aware: Stay focused while walking and watch out for hazards like spills or uneven surfaces.
• Don’t Rush: Trips often happen when you’re in a hurry. Take your time.
• Clean Up Spills: Clean up spills right away or report them to the appropriate staff.
• Wear Proper Footwear: Shoes with good traction are essential for preventing slips and falls.

By following these simple tips, you can help keep yourself and others safe.

Choosing the right shoes is crucial for your safety at work. Here’s what you need to know:

• Closed-Toe Shoes with Non-Slip Soles: Essential for areas where you provide direct client care.
• Good Fit and Maintenance: Make sure your shoes fit well and are in good condition.

Remember, investing in proper footwear is investing in your safety!

Take a moment for yourself today with a calming box breathing exercise by Headspace, led by Dora Kamau.

Exercise: Inhale for a count of four, hold for four, exhale for four, and hold again for four. It’s a simple yet effective way to center yourself throughout the day.

Circle of Care is moving to a new method of recognition for employees and off of the Applause platform. This means that all employees will have until June 25, 2024 to redeem their point balance via the Applause Catalogue. After this date, the points will be lost. You can transfer your point balance onto a single gift card. For detailed instructions, please refer to the linked PDF:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Zpwo4iGiM5SUpQWdbE_KzOyVm05b55uN/view

Points that are redeemed for a cash gift card (ie. VISA. MasterCard, Amazon), or over $500 total in value will be a taxable benefit.

Don’t forget to check-out the ‘Beyond Silence’ app! This is a free and confidential mental health support program to our PSWs and Homemakers. Through the app, you can access resources to support your mental well-being, and you are able to speak with a trained Peer Support Provider. You can access the app on your Circle of Care work phone, and on your personal device.

ACCESS CODE: CCYP527J8

For more information about the program, please visit: https://psw.circleofcare.com/index.php/health-safety/wellness-at-work/

June celebrates diversity in love, sexuality, and gender expression. Pride Month is a time for celebration and raising awareness about diversity and equity issues. It’s also an opportunity to educate and ensure inclusivity.

Circle of Care designed Pride pins for all of our staff! So, feel free to pick one up if you come to the office – they’re available at the front desk.

We would like to highlight our staff wearing the pins, so we invite you to take a photo wearing your pin. Send your photo to Mary at man@circleofcare.com.

In June, we celebrate National Indigenous History Month, honouring the rich history, heritage, resilience, and diversity of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples across Canada. Each group has its own unique heritage, language, cultural practices, and spiritual beliefs.

Understanding these cultures often starts with their stories. YouTube has many resources for exploring cultural storytelling. Here’s a video about Nakuset, who reclaimed her Indigenous identity with help from her Bubby.

All employees must complete a 30-minute e-learning module on Indigenous culture and its implications for healthcare professionals by July 23, 2024.

To access the course:

1. Log into your Dayforce account.
2. Select the ‘Learning Tab’.

You will receive 30 minutes of paid training, which will be paid out in August.

We invite you to submit your questions or feedback below. Please note that it may take us longer to provide some answers, so if you’ve asked a question that hasn’t been answered yet, we will get back to you in the coming weeks.