Inside the Circle – August 5, 2026

Slips, trips, and falls are one of the most common causes of injuries for PSWs. Before starting care, take a moment to check for hazards such as wet floors, clutter, poor lighting, uneven surfaces, and unsafe equipment. Wear non-slip shoes, move carefully, and report hazards right away.

Remember: A quick safety check can help prevent serious injuries. Slow down, stay alert, and take action to keep yourself safe.

For more information, please read the Preventing PSW Slips, Trips, and Falls page.

Your safety matters. You must report any workplace injury, incident, or hazard as soon as possible.

If you are injured at work, please report it right away to:

• The Call Centre
• Your Service Coordinator
• Your CSS

Questions? Please email HRDept@circleofcare.com.

National Bank Open

• When: August 1 – 13
• Details: Traffic delays on Steeles Ave West, Keele St, and Murray Ross Pkwy, and more TTC riders on Line 1 Yonge-University subway stations (Pioneer Village and York University).

Taste of the Danforth

• When: August 7 – 9
• Details: Danforth Avenue will be closed to vehicle traffic from Broadview Avenue to Jones Avenue.

Jane Street Closure 

• When: August 7 (7 pm) – August 10 (7 am)
• Details: Jane Street will be closed between King Road and King-Vaughan Road.

Ontario Honda Dealers Indy

• When: August 12 – 18
• Details: Markham – Surrounding roads near the Unionville GO Station area will be closed and restricted during this event.

To help keep everyone safe and comfortable, please do not wear or use scented products while working in clients’ homes or at any Circle of Care location. 

Fragrances such as perfume, cologne, aftershave, scented lotions, and room sprays can affect people with allergies, asthma, and other health conditions.

Thank you for helping create a scent-free environment. Learn more by reading the Scent-Free Policy.

We care about your health, safety, and well-being. We want to create a workplace where you feel supported, respected, and able to do your best work.

To support your mental health at work, we have created a Mental Illness Prevention Program. The program provides information, support, and resources to help you manage stress, maintain your well-being, and work in a safe and supportive environment.

Summer heat can be dangerous. Watch our quick video above to learn how to recognize the signs of heat-related illness, prevent heat stroke, and what to do in an emergency.

Wildfire smoke can cause irritated eyes, sore throat, coughing, dizziness, and shortness of breath. People with asthma, allergies, or other respiratory conditions may experience stronger symptoms.

When air quality is poor, check local air quality updates, reduce outdoor activities, and take steps to protect yourself and your family.

For more information:

• Check the Air Quality Near You
• Forest Fire Updates
• Emergency Safety Tips

The CNE will happen from August 21 – September 7, and if you’re planning a visit this summer, you can save up to 41% on tickets through our discount program.

Discount Prices:

• Admission Pass: $22
• Ride All Day Pass: $50

Having trouble with the ticket link? We apologize that the link did not work in previous weeks of your newsletter. If the link does not open, please scan the QR code above with your personal phone to access the CNE discount tickets website.

Do you want to learn more about dementia and Parkinson’s disease?

Join a free Alzheimer Society online session made for healthcare providers like you!

• When: August 11, 2026 (3 – 4 PM)

You will learn:

• Common signs and symptoms of dementia and Parkinson’s disease.
• Ways to support people living with these conditions.
• Care tips through real-life case studies.

Important: You need to create an account in the registration portal before you can register for this online session.

Try free online wellness courses that you can complete at any time! Each course has 2 to 3 parts, and you’ll receive a certificate when finished.

You can also join free 30-minute online sessions on Tuesdays at 12 PM. 

Upcoming Session Topics:

• August 11: Zones of Empathic Strain
• August 18: Boundaries
• August 25: 4A Approach

Each week, we’re proud to recognize the PSWs who are celebrating their work anniversaries. Every anniversary—no matter the number of years—represents the dedication, compassion, and commitment you bring to supporting our clients and community. Thank you for the important role you play at Circle of Care. This week’s list includes PSWs celebrating work anniversaries between August 2 – 8.

Congratulations to the following PSWs on their years of service with Circle of Care:

August 2

• 4 Years: Fathia Abdi
• 5 Years (MILESTONE!): Claudette Dalapo

August 4

• 17 Years: Meriam Songahid
• 31 Years: Dina Bindadan

August 5

• 17 Years: Christine Haughton

August 7

• 17 Years: Tameka Annakie

August 8

• 10 Years (MILESTONE!): Drazette Caesar, Irene Akiatan, Jessica Segundo, Lolita Melchor, Maria Loretta Canillas, Saodat Abdukodirova

Individuals celebrating milestone anniversaries (5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 years) will receive a one-time cash award to their pay cheque at the end of the quarter. Payment amount will depend on service length.

Individuals celebrating milestone anniversaries (5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 years) will receive a one-time cash award to their pay cheque at the end of the quarter. Payment amount will depend on service length.

High Five for PSW Rebecca Actin

My mom usually has a hard time adjusting to new workers because of her dementia, but she connected with Rebecca right away. It was such a wonderful experience. – Client’s Daughter

High Five for PSW Jeenia Arora

Jeenia is lovely, caring, and professional. – Client

High Five for PSW Sandra Howell

Sandra was efficient, knowledgeable, and kind. It was a pleasure having her, and we’d happily welcome her back anytime. – Client

High Five for PSW Ione Mortejo Ortiz

Ione was lovely and left the kitchen spotless. – Client’s Family Member

High Five for PSW Anthonia Nwaokenyebulor

Anthonia has such a positive attitude and a sweet, caring nature. My father really appreciates her. – Client’s Son

A High Five for Carl Demanawa and Sylvester Bartley

Thank you so much to the exceptional staff, Carl and Sylvester, for helping my husband until the end. Your kindness is deeply appreciated, and you treated my husband with so much care & respect. I’ll forever remember your kindness. – Client’s Wife

A High Five for PSWs Laura Nanyondo and Jocelyn Gener

Laura has been wonderful in caring for my dad. She is pleasant, considerate, very professional, and always on time. Laura is an asset and excellent ambassador for Circle of Care. The same applies to Jocelyn, who has been supporting my dad for many years and is also wonderful. My dad is very happy with Laura and Jocelyn. It gives our family great comfort to know he is well supported. – Client’s Son

A High Five for PSW Paula Smith

Paula delivers high-quality care. She demonstrates a deep understanding of my husband’s needs, assisting him with his disability with patience and professionalism. Paula is a dedicated professional who always tries her best to help my husband physically and emotionally. Her commitment to maintaining the comfort of those in her care makes her a significant asset to any healthcare team. We are so blessed to have Paula. – Client’s Wife

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.

I have a question regarding the collective bargaining agreement rate increase. Was the full increase amount applied only to full-time employees?

The 3% hourly rate increase was applied to all of our PSWs and HSWs, including both part-time and full-time employees, as specified in the newly ratified collective agreement.

You can review the summary of changes to the new collective agreement:

MEMO: New Collective Agreement Approved

I was assigned to cluster visits (a single visit each day and they are only half an hour). I messaged my coordinator, but it is the 3rd week of this and the same issue continues. Nothing has been done. I’m aware of 45-minute pay each time instead of 30 minutes.

As this is a specific personal question regarding your situation, please reach out to your supervisor regarding a response. As you have remained anonymous in your submission, we cannot escalate your concern to any particular supervisor.

Are work anniversary celebrations selective? It’s my second year, but it wasn’t mentioned; other people’s 1-year anniversaries are mentioned.

Starting in April of this year, we decided to start highlighting all work anniversaries in Inside the Circle to ensure that work anniversaries between milestones are celebrated as well. Work anniversaries are highlighted during the week of the anniversary.

You chose to remain anonymous in your message, so we can’t check your specific situation to confirm the date of your work anniversary, but if your work anniversary was before the beginning of April, it will be highlighted next year during the week of your anniversary.

The CNE ticket link is not working; it says ‘error’. So is there any other link to use?

Thank you for reaching out. The ticket link should work; however, it could be an issue regarding phone permissions. To address your concern, we have included a QR code for future editions of ITC so you can scan it with your personal device and purchase tickets that way.

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.

If you experience violence, harassment, discrimination, or hate at work or during working hours, please report it to your Supervisor or Human Resources.

If you would prefer to remain anonymous, you can submit a report using the Anonymous Incident Reporting Form by clicking the button below.

You may choose to include your name to help with the investigation, but it is not required. Anonymous reports will still be reviewed and investigated.