Chief Executive Officer, Circle of Care

As a system partner to Sinai Health, Circle of Care is a leading home and community care provider for individuals living in the GTA. Circle of Care strives to keep clients healthy and engaged so they can remain comfortable in their own homes for as long as possible. CEO Carey Lucki says her organization was agile and responsive to ensure it continued to serve its community during the pandemic. 

“COVID-19 impacted our programs significantly. Our adult day program (ADP), one of the few of its kind in the GTA that services clients with moderate to severe dementia, was initially forced to close. The impact to our clients and their caregivers was significant; our clients depend on the program for cognitive and social stimulation, and their families depend on it for much-needed respite.  

"We transitioned very quickly to virtual care. Our teams created virtual care sessions for clients four times per day. To address caregiver stress and burnout, our social work team conducted virtual one-on-one calls and group coaching sessions. As the pandemic wore on, demand for the ADP did not subside, and as a result we re-opened and now offer limited in-person sessions with strict infection prevention control.    

“We also transitioned our 156 exercise and falls-prevention classes online, and the response has been overwhelming. Clients report these classes are the highlight of their day.

“Our volunteer-run meals program was one we could not shut down. We deliver more than 250,000 meals each year, and our dedicated volunteer workforce came out in droves. We anticipated our volunteers wouldn’t be able to keep supporting the program because of COVID-19, however that was not the case. Their unwavering support during turbulent times was incredible.   

“Circle of Care was also the recipient of several donor grants to address food insecurity, poverty and frail seniors in isolation. Thanks to donor generosity, we were able to provide more meals to new and existing clients, free of charge. I received so much gratitude from our clients and caregivers. We are extremely proud to have been able to give the incredible gift of care during this terrible pandemic.”