Anger, aggression, and unpredictable behaviour are sometimes an unfortunate reality of caregiving. However, there are ways to keep yourself and your client safe and to reduce the risk of client aggression.

Review the client’s file before your visit

• Take extra care if the client has a history of anger, aggression or abuse.
• Be prepared if the client has a condition that may lead to unpredictable behaviour such as substance abuse, Dementia or Alzheimer’s.
• Use the ALC checklist to evaluate the client’s condition and speak with your Client Services Supervisor if you notice any changes.

Be aware of your surroundings

• Be aware of any other residents, caregivers, or visitors in the home.
• Ensure that pets are secured.
• Try to position yourself so that you can easily reach an exit if you need to.

Monitor client behaviour

• Learn to recognize the early signs of aggressive behaviour, such as fidgeting, heightened breathing, or a flushed face.
• If you notice these warning signs, slow down or stop what you are doing and give them space to calm down.
• Speak in a calm, neutral, respectful and empathetic way.
• It can be difficult to remain calm, but your attitude can help ease your client’s distress while keeping yourself safe.

If your client becomes aggressive or violent

• Step outside of your client’s personal space and avoid standing directly in front of them.
• When it is safe to do so, remove yourself from the situation and exit the area.
• Call Circle of Care to report the incident.

Circle of Care office hours at 4211 Yonge Street will be modified for the holidays:

• December 24 – Closed at 1pm
• December 25 – Closed
• December 26 – Closed
• December 31 – Closed at 3pm
• January 1 – Closed

There will be no supply pick-ups at 4211 Yonge Location on these dates.

UPS holiday closures will be December 25, 26 and January 1 and early closure on December 24 at 4:00 pm. UPS delivery dates will change to Tuesday December 24 and Tuesday December 31.

Thank you for everything that you do. Happy Holidays!

The following policies have been updated:

• Recreational Marijuana and Alcohol Use
  • Clarity on off-duty use and its impact at work
  • Disciplinary Actions Process
  • Employee Support for Substance Abuse
  • Prohibited Behaviours
• Personal Vehicle Policy
  • Addition of Reporting Incidents
  • Consequences for Non-Compliance
• Employee Personnel Files
  • Addition of File Retention Periods
  • File Disposal Procedure
  • Who can access Employee Files in what circumstances
  • Employee + HR Responsibilities

As part of our Occupational Health & Safety Program, Circle of Care’s immunization guidelines help us to prevent and control the spread of infectious diseases and to safeguard the health of our employees and our clients.

All employees and students who have direct client contact are required to have immunization against the following vaccine-preventable diseases:

• Mumps
• Tetanus
• Diphtheria
• Measles (Rubeola)
• German Measles (Rubella)
• Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B
• Chicken Pox
• Employees are also required to complete Tuberculosis (TB) skin testing.

This information is collected via our Medical Assessment Packages during the onboarding process for new hires. All employees are required to complete an annual policy attestation to declare that they continue to be up to date with these required vaccinations.

If you are unsure of your vaccination status for any of the above listed diseases, please speak to your family doctor about your immunization status. Failure to comply with this policy, or completing a false policy attestation, could lead to progressive discipline.

Your dedication and hard work is valuable! That’s why Circle of Care is pleased to support your financial wellness by partnering with RBC Royal Bank.

Learn how to make the most of your income and assets by meeting with our Group Financial Advisor regularly to review your financial goals and plan.

As a member of our Group Advantage plan, you can also get advice on:

• Enrolling in our Group Savings Program
• Updating your beneficiary information
• Managing debt
• Managing your budget
• Applying for credit or mortgage financing
• Reviewing and making changes to your holdings
• Meeting other financial goals

RBC Group Member Support: 1-888-769-2566 (M-F 8am-8pm EST)

This year-end activity is designed to inspire and refresh your mind.

Scan the QR code above to access the puzzle and give it a try. Challenge yourself or share it with a friend!

Finished the puzzle? Scan the QR code below to check your answers!

Circle of Care welcomes our newest PSWs and Homemakers!

• Iuliia Tkachuk
• Jennifer Cortez
• Tina (Yongqin) Wang
• Valerie Palen
• Katrina Rizaldo
• Yeva Kropyvka
• Soniya Kunwar
• Nuzerat Andzie
• Joanna Johnjules
• Aastha Sukhija
• Angela Beauchem
• Yuliia Hvozdetska
• Sharine Deveaux
• Opemipo Olawale
• Monika Soni
• Gurkamal Dhillon