Highlights from this week
- Workplace Violence and Harassment – Pre-visit Client Assessment
- Lincoln Alexander Day
- Annual Mandatory Policy Attestation
- Emergency Car Kit Checklist
- Discount Winter Boots
- Pay What You Can Psychotherapy Services
- Psychological Illness Prevention Program
- Workplace Violence and Harassment Training
- Unjudge Someone: The Human Library Experience
- Mask Fit and CPR Sessions – January 22
- Retirement Announcement – Paul Yang
- Welcome New Staff!
- High Fives
- Ask Us Anything
Workplace Violence and Harassment – Pre Visit Client Assessment
To reduce the risk of Workplace Violence & Harassment in your client homes, always do a ‘pre visit client assessment’ prior to assisting your clients. This assessment will help you to be more aware of specific factors in the clients’ history or environment that could trigger violent or aggressive behaviour.
For example:
- Does the client have any medical conditions that may predispose them to violent or aggressive behavior – e.g. head injury, substance abuse, or cognitive impairment?
- Is there resistance to the visit from either the client or other people in the home?
- Does the client react strongly when limits are set or during specific activities/events?
It is important to note any of these behaviours when completing the ALC checklist, so that this can be flagged to your CSS for follow up.
How Can I Manage Challenging Behaviour?
Challenging behaviours can often be a way for individuals to express unmet needs or frustration. This insightful video explains why these behaviours occur and offers practical strategies for managing them with empathy and understanding.
Click on the button below to watch a short video about managing challenging behaviour.
Lincoln Alexander Day
Who Was Lincoln Alexander?
Lincoln Alexander was an advocate for antiracism, education, and a passionate force for change in Canada. Born in Toronto on Jan 21 1922, Lincoln Alexander began as a lawyer, before going on to become the first Black Canadian to sit in the House of Commons, the first Black Canadian to be appointed as Lieutenant-Governor, and the first Black chair of the Workers Compensation Board. Throughout his impressive career he also served as Minster of Labour, Chairman of the Canadian Race Relations foundation, and a chancellor for the University of Guelph.
Lincoln Alexander Day serves as a celebration of his legacy, an inspiration for the next generation, and a reminder of the importance of building a more inclusive society.
Reminders and Announcements
Annual Mandatory Policy Attestation
Annual Policy Attestations are due by 28 February 2025 for all Circle of Care staff.
PSWs will be paid for 15 minutes of ‘training’ for completing the form. This will appear on your paystub after the deadline.
You can complete the form online by clicking on this link: https://psw.circleofcare.com/index.php/2025/01/07/policy-attestations/
You can also access the form using the QR Code below.
Health and Safety
Emergency Car Kit Checklist
If you drive, having a fully stocked emergency car kit is essential, especially during the winter months. An emergency kit can keep you safe and comfortable during unexpected breakdowns, severe weather, or roadside emergencies.
Use this checklist to build your 72-hour emergency car kit.
Essential Items to Keep in Your Car:
- Non-Perishable Food – Energy bars or ready-to-eat snacks that won’t spoil and don’t require heat or utensils are best.
- Water
- Store in plastic bottles to prevent breakage if frozen
- Replace every six months.
- Warm Blanket
- Extra Clothing and Shoes
- Pack warm clothing, gloves, and waterproof boots.
- First Aid Kit (with seatbelt cutter)
- Small Shovel, Ice Scraper, and Snowbrush
- Candle in a Deep Can and Matches – Provides light and warmth in case of an emergency.
- Wind-Up or Battery-Powered Flashlight
- If using a flashlight that relies solely on batteries, be sure to include extra batteries and check it regularly.
- Whistle – To signal for help and attract attention.
- Road Maps – Remember that you may not have power for your phone or access to internet.
- Copy of Your Emergency Plan
Additional Items to Keep in Your Trunk:
- Bag of Sand, Salt, or Cat Litter (non-clumping) – provides traction on icy roads.
- Antifreeze/Windshield Washer Fluid
- Tow Rope or Strap
- Jumper Cables
- Fire Extinguisher
- Warning Light or Road Flares
Don’t forget to review and update your kit seasonally to ensure everything is in working order!
Create a Family Emergency Plan
Emergencies can happen at any time. Having a plan ensures you and your loved ones know what to do.
Discount Winter Boots
Prevent Slips, Trips, and Falls This Winter!
Wet and icy conditions require extra caution. Don’t forget to:
- Always be aware of what’s happening around you. Do not let objects you are carrying block your view.
- Watch for changing floor conditions (wet to dry, rough to smooth and uneven surfaces) that might make you lose traction.
- Keep floors clear of clutter. Remove any clutter or shoes, papers, toys or items in the home.
- Clean up spills immediately. Wipe any visible spills to prevent a slippery walking surface.
- Log or report any hazardous conditions to your supervisor.
- Wear appropriate shoes and follow Circle of Care’s Safe Footwear Policy. Your shoes should be slip-resistant, supportive, and comfortable.
- Wear winter boots when travelling to clients’ homes.
As we head into the winter months, sturdy boots can help you stay safe and avoid accidents when travelling over snow and ice. Take advantage of our Employee Perks Program, Perkopolis, to buy winter footwear at a discount!
Wellness at Work
Pay What You Can Psychotherapy Services
Are you struggling? You don’t have to do it alone! Affordable counselling may be closer than you think.
The Toronto Institute for Contemporary Psychoanalysis (TICP) Community Clinic offers a “Pay What You Can” program for in-person psychotherapy sessions with their Student Therapists. This program provides affordable high quality mental health care with advanced students who are closely supervised by experienced registered psychotherapists.
Clients can access weekly, in-person sessions at their clinic, located at 427 Vaughan Road (North of St. Clair). Prospective clients are welcome to pay what they can (recommended amount is $5-$25 per session).
Spotlight: Psychological Illness Prevention Program
As part of our commitment to building a healthy workplace, Circle of Care strives to create a positive sense of community where our employees feel valued, engaged, and fulfilled.
Our Psychological Illness Prevention Program is designed to make sure you have the support and resources needed to maintain your mental health.
Learning in Action
Reminder: Mandatory Workplace Violence and Harassment Training
Circle of Care is committed to preventing workplace violence and harassment and ensuring a safe environment for all employees.
All employees are required to complete the mandatory Workplace Violence and Harassment e-learning module in Dayforce by February 5, 2025.
All employees that complete the training will receive 30 minutes of paid training time, which will be paid out in March.
Unjudge Someone: The Human Library Experience
Experience the Human Library, an innovative event that allows you to borrow people instead of books!
This online event creates a safe space for participant ‘readers’ to challenge stereotypes and prejudices through dialogue with human ‘books’. Human ‘books’ openly share their cultural backgrounds, lifestyles, and life experiences to prompt an enriching and respectful conversation with readers.
When participating as a reader, you’ll be automatically assigned to meet 2-3 ‘human ‘books’ in groups of 6-10 people.
Upcoming sessions
- Tuesday January 28 at 9:00 AM
- Tuesday February 11 at 9:00 AM
- Thursday February 27 at 9:00 AM
- Thursday March 6 at 9:00 AM
Keep in mind that is an interactive experience, so make sure you are available to participate for the entire duration of the session.
To register, follow the link below and click the orange ‘select a date’ in the top right corner.
Upcoming CPR Sessions on January 22
Have you had your mask fit tested and CPR training? Circle of Care requires all PSWs and Homemakers to be certified with valid and current CPR training and properly fitted for N95 masks.
Important reminders:
- Arrive 15 minutes before the CPR training or mask fit session begins.
- Try to book a date/time where you do not have client visits scheduled. If you need to make any scheduling arrangements after you have booked your session, speak to your Service Coordinator.
- Your schedule will be blocked as ‘unavailable’ for you to attend the session. You do not need to use your phone to sign into the training.
- You will be paid a total of 4 hours for the training (CPR) and 1 hour for mask fit. These hours will be added to your schedule and paid out 1-2 weeks after the session has been completed. They will appear on your paystub as ‘Miscellaneous’.
- Manage your bookings or cancellations through the online portal.
- You will receive a confirmation email/text notification when you book your session and a session reminder.
Book your CPR training and mask fit sessions through First Aid Care today!
You can also book by calling 905-272-9214
Community Corner
Retirement Announcement: Paul Yang
Circle of Care would like to announce the retirement of one of our Personal Support Workers, Lu (Paul) Yang. Paul retired on January 15th after working for 7 years with Circle of Care.
We would like to thank Paul for his contributions to his team, his clients and the community and wish him well during retirement!
Welcome New Staff!
Circle of Care welcomes our newest PSWs!
- Precious Dike
- Richarda Baaku
- Ifunanya Ewuzie
- Michelle Paz
- Josephine Downey
- Ellen Macahia
- Adelaine Batac
- Alsia Hanchard
- AnnMarie Cross
- Priscilla Daniel
- Nina DeRosa
- Luana Ferreira
High Five!
A High Five for Sheree Roberts
She’s understanding, easy to talk with, and most of all she understands how hard the PSW’s job is. Although sometimes she don’t answer the call right away, she return back when she has time. ♡♡♡
Eloisa Vicente
Has someone gone above and beyond at work? Give them a High Five!
The High Five program lets you publicly recognize staff members for their outstanding work. High Fives will be posted in your weekly Inside the Circle newsletter.
To give a high five, just click on the button below or use the link in the rotating banner on the Portal home page.
Please note: We do not accept anonymous submissions for this program. High Fives must be submitted by an individual person, whether they are a staff member or member of the community.
Ask Us Anything
I would like to know the difference between SEIU ER COST and SEIU BEN DED. Thank you.
SEIU ER Cost: Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Employer Cost. This is the amount that Circle of Care is paying on your behalf for benefits. (This amount is NOT deducted from your pay).
SEIU BEN DED: Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Employee cost: This is the amount that is deducted from your pay on a biweekly basis.
To see a full list of items that could appear on your paystub and an explanation for each, please visit https://psw.circleofcare.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Decoding-the-Paystub.docx.pdf
How do we access the discount on home and auto insurance?
Johnson Insurance was recently acquired by belairdirect, so our discount is now from belairdirect. To get a quote on discounted insurance, you can visit belairdirect.com/savings or call 1-833-887-4626.
What is the role of a Homemaker?
A Homemaker provides services such as housekeeping and caregiver relief for our clients. The Homemaker role involves helping clients with tasks such as housekeeping, laundry, limited personal care, shopping, meal preparation, socialization and emotional support. Homemakers do not provide any direct client-care (personal care) such as bathing, grooming, dress and/or toileting.
Why won’t some coordinators accept new availability? Are we allowed to change our availability after 6 months?
All availability change requests are reviewed by your SC/CSS and will be approved based on the current case note needs. If you have any specific questions about availability, we encourage you to speak to your SC/CSS.
All New hires are expected to maintain their stated availability for a period of 6 months after onboarding and before any availability changes can be requested. An Availability Change Request made before the end of the 6 month window can be considered, but there is no guarantee that it will be accommodated and that will depend on operational needs.
The PSW is telling the truth when she wrote about how long she has to wait on the phone. This system is worse than before.
We’re sorry that you feel our new phone system is worse than the previous system. In general, our Client Services team does monitor the phone system to ensure that callers are being responded to in a timely manner.
If you feel that you have been kept on the phone for too long in an urgent or emergency situation, you may submit your phone number and date/time of the call for us to look into as well as the reason for your call.
Hello, when are we getting a pay raise?
We know that compensation and wages are important to our PSWs and Homemakers. Wages are currently being reviewed as part on the ongoing Collective Bargaining between Circle of Care and SEIU. We will reach out to you once more information is available regarding the new Collective Agreement and wages.
Have a question? Submit your questions or feedback anonymously below!
Please note that it may take us longer to provide some answers. If your question hasn’t been answered yet, we will get back to you as soon as we can.