Highlights from this week
- Health Care Worker Assist Program
- Lost & Found at Reception
- Spring Safety Tips
- Power Lifting Techniques
- STOPP Technique For Managing Stress
- Easy & Budget-Friendly Meal Ideas
- High Five
- Ask Us Anything
Health Care Worker Assist Program
Taking care of others is important, but so is taking care of yourself. If you feel stressed, tired, or overwhelmed, free and confidential support is available through the Health Care Worker Assist Program, designed for healthcare and community care workers like you.
What help is available?
- Talk to a trained professional for support
- Learn ways to manage stress and feel better
- Get help finding other support if needed
How to get support:
Reminders & Announcements
Lost & Found at Reception
Health & Safety
Spring Safety Tips
- Stormy Weather: Thunderstorms, heavy rains, and high winds are more common now. Check the forecast and stay safe during visits.
- Slippery Roads: Rain and mud can affect driving. Avoid cruise control, wear sunglasses to reduce glare, and drive with caution.
- Sun & Heat: Even spring sun can cause heat stress. Take water breaks, wear sunscreen, and cover up.
Proper lifting technique
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Keep a wide base of support. Your feet should be shoulder-width apart, with one foot slightly ahead of the other (karate stance).
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Squat down, bending at the hips and knees only. If needed, put one knee to the floor and your other knee in front of you, bent at a right angle (half kneeling).
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Keep good posture. Look straight ahead, and keep your back straight, your chest out, and your shoulders back. This helps keep your upper back straight while having a slight arch in your lower back.
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Slowly lift by straightening your hips and knees (not your back). Keep your back straight, and don’t twist as you lift.
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Hold the load as close to your body as possible, at the level of your belly button.
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Use your feet to change direction, taking small steps.
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Lead with your hips as you change direction. Keep your shoulders in line with your hips as you move.
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Set down your load carefully, squatting with the knees and hips only.
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Do not attempt to lift by bending forward. Bend your hips and knees to squat down to your load, keep it close to your body, and straighten your legs to lift.
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Never lift a heavy object above shoulder level.
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Avoid turning or twisting your body while lifting or holding a heavy object.
Wellness at Work
Try this: The STOPP Technique for Managing Stress
- Take a moment to pause. Step back from the situation mentally.
- This simple pause can help stop your thoughts from spiralling.
- Breathe slowly in and out—once or twice.
- A calming breath helps you reset and feel more in control.
- What’s happening?
- What am I reacting to?
- What am I thinking and feeling?
- What are the words my mind is saying?
- What physical sensations do I notice in my body?
- Where is my focus of attention?
- Is this fact or opinion?
- Is there another way of looking at this?
- What would someone else think or say about it?
- What advice would I give to a friend?
- What’s the “helicopter view” (big picture)?
- What meaning am I giving this situation?
- Is my reaction in proportion to what’s happening?
- How important is this right now—and in 6 months?
- What will be the consequence of my action?
- What can I do that will be most helpful?
- Will it be effective and appropriate?
- Is it in line with my values and principles?
- What’s the best thing to do for me, for others, and for the situation?
Choose a response that helps you feel more grounded and in control.
Easy & Budget-Friendly Meal Ideas
- Easy recipes like chili, veggie stir-fry, and burritos
- A full grocery list
- Tips to save money and cook fast
Community Corner
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
If you have concerns about a client/situation or questions about your role, we encourage you to contact your Client Services Supervisor.
All of us are Champions of Care. If someone is sick, we work hard to go and replace them.
Thank you so much for your message and for the incredible dedication you and your colleagues show every day. At Circle of Care, we truly value the vital work our PSWs do—it doesn’t go unnoticed.
You’re absolutely right: all of you are Champions of Care in the way you step up to support clients and each other, especially when someone is sick or needs help. Our formal Champions of Care recognition program is one way we can shine a spotlight on those moments when staff go above and beyond their day-to-day responsibilities. It’s an opportunity for us to celebrate those extra efforts and share them with the broader Circle of Care community.
We’re so proud to have such a compassionate and committed team. Thank you again for all that you do.
Circle of Care has Homemakers and PSWs. Why are PSWs sometimes given Homemaking clients? It becomes frustrating because it goes beyond our work scope.
Light housekeeping is one of the duties that is within the scope of duties for Personal Support Workers. You may be asked to care for the personal needs of a client, such as grooming, bathing, dressing and toileting, but you may also be asked to assist with meal preparation, light cleaning and shopping. All these duties are within your scope of work. You can find more information in the Personal Support Worker Duties policy.
How long does it take for a CSS to remove a client you have declined because you want to protect your mental health. I have this client who messes with my mental health. I have complained a number of times but my coordinator says there are not enough PSWs, and that I should hold on until the company hires but every time I have to go there I’m in fear. I need the job but I also don’t feel comfortable.
Please ensure that you schedule a meeting (phone, virtual or in person) with your CSS – NOT your Service Coordinator- to discuss this. Your CSS will be able to add you to the client’s DNS (Do Not Send) list.
If my client is assigned to have a 2 person assist and the other person didn’t show up during the scheduled time of care, do I get credit for doing it by myself?
Please make sure that you follow the care plan. Do not transfer a 2 person assist on your own. This is a major safety risk not only to the client but also to you. If the second PSW does not show up, you are to provide a bed bath or care in bed and notify your Service Coordinator/CSS. If the client or family is upset about this, please tell them to contact the CSS.
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.