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  • Christmas Service Dates

    Please see the list below for Christmas service dates.

  • Project Shift Update

    Bethany is introducing a new scheduling and timekeeping system called Kronos Workforce Central. After months of designing, building and testing, we have gone live at certain locations. Corporate Services and Housing staff went live with KRONOS on October 27th, Bethany CollegeSide and Sylvan Lake went live on November 24th and all remaining Bethany sites will go live in the New Year.

    We understand this is a time of change and transition for all staff, and want to help make things go as smoothly as possible. Here are a couple of the most frequently asked questions and our responses.

    What does this mean for you?

    • From your phone or any computer (at work or at home) you will be able to:
      • View your schedule and bank time information
      • Submit time off requests electronically to your manager
    • Instead of signing a paper flow sheet, hourly employees will confirm their attendance via a KRONOS InTouch clock at the start and end of each shift
    • For care staff, we can notify you about available relief shifts by phone, text and/or email. If you are interested in picking up one of those shifts, you can reply back and then we can let you know if you are awarded that shift.

    Why are we changing?

    Our current scheduling and timekeeping system (ESP) was first introduced to Bethany over 20 years ago. Switching to Kronos will help us:

    • Schedule employees more efficiently, while continuing our commitment to pay employees accurately
    • Reduce or eliminate paper scheduling processes
    • Provide employees with real-time access to schedule and bank information
    • Provide managers with real-time access to review and approve overtime and employee time off requests
    • Offer new ways for employees and schedulers to communicate about available work opportunities

    Please continue to give us constructive feedback about what we can do to make the transition easier for you. Please email shift@bethanyseniors.com with your Project Shift questions.

  • Bethany’s New Alternate Level of Care Unit

    On November 20th, Bethany Calgary opened the doors to its newest care unit, the Alternate Level of Care (ALC) Unit on level 4. Through Bethany’s partnership with Alberta Health Services (AHS), the Alternate Level of Care Unit provides 42 beds for transitional care for residents who no longer require acute care services, are medically stable and are being assessed for a designated living option or returning home.

    This program helps meet a critical need in the Calgary area. Bethany will provide transitional care needs in a more appropriate setting than an acute care environment when residents no longer require this level of care. After
    several months of planning, we look forward to welcoming residents. Thank you to our dedicated staff for making this change possible and contributing to a successful opening of the ALC Unit. If you have any questions about our new unit, please contact Peter Czepuryk, site Administrator or Cynthia Slatcher, Care Services Manager.

  • Falls Prevention Month

    Stay on your feet and stay active

    Let’s face it, falls can happen to anyone at any time, but the reality is, that as people get older our risk of falling increases. Falls are the leading cause of injury among older adults (over the age of 65). One in three Alberta seniors will fall once a year. With or without an injury, seniors who experience a fall may develop a fear of falling. This can lead to restricting activity which can increase their risk for another fall.

    “It is important to encourage seniors to get out and stay active in their communities,” says Emily Post, Provincial Continuing Care. “It is easy to think that restricting activity may reduce your risk of falling, but it can negatively affect your quality of life, contribute to physical inactivity and decreased muscle mass and lead to social isolation.”

    November is Falls Prevention Month. This year’s theme is “Finding Balance – Stay Independent. Prevent Falls”.

    “Falls risk management and prevention is everyone’s responsibility. I challenge you to look around your environment and find something that could increase someone’s risk of falling – this might be in your home, at work or in your community – and make a change. We all have a role to play to help prevent a fall before it happens.”

    While Fall Prevention Month is geared toward seniors, it’s a good opportunity to remind all Albertans about the risk of falling. As temperatures drop, the risk of snow and ice increases. Every year, thousands of Albertans are hurt falling on icy roads and walkways. Injury prevention experts say the best way to avoid falls on ice and snow is to walk like a penguin.

    • Stay low
    • Feet pointed out
    • Walk flat footed
    • Use your arms for balance

    It’s not the fastest or most graceful way to walk, but it will help keep you on your feet.

    To learn more about Finding Balance – Stay Independent. Prevent Falls. Visit www.findingbalancealberta.ca/2017-campaign/.

    Article by: Alberta Health Services

  • A Message from the CFO

    Recently I’ve spent a considerable amount of time focusing on one of my Bethany responsibilities – The Bethany Care Foundation. Much of my time is spent addressing the more formal needs of the Foundation’s Board of Directors and its committees. As a result, my thoughts have been on the Foundation and its staff’s primary role of raising funds for the needs of all of Bethany’s facilities and programs.

    At this time of year many charities, including our Foundation, are entering into a very important giving period. You may know that the kick off for this period starts tomorrow (November 28) with Giving Tuesday, when many of us reflect on how we can ‘give back’ in a way that is personally meaningful. I particularly like this short video that I think captures what Giving Tuesday is all about. Giving Tuesday, following Black Friday and Cyber Monday, is a day that invites our broader communities to think about what they can do to help others, whether by keeping informed about the great work done by voluntary organizations, by giving their time as a volunteer, or by making a charitable donation to their favourite causes.

    As voluntary and charitable organizations, both Bethany Care Society and Bethany Care Foundation hope to benefit from the goodwill that is created from Giving Tuesday. Thank you for all the great work that you, the People of Bethany, do on a daily basis for both organizations throughout the whole year. Your excellent service to our residents and tenants is what makes people think of Bethany when they have an opportunity to show their support on days like Giving Tuesday.

    As always, I welcome ideas, suggestions and any questions that you may have. Please feel free to send them to me at alasdair.smith@bethanyseniors.com.

    Take care,

    – Alasdair

    PS: If you are interested in finding out more about the Foundation, please visit: http://bethanycarefoundation.com.

  • A Message from the CMO

    Last week I participated in a two-day session with other leaders at Bethany exploring two domains of the LEADS Canada framework for leadership development. We delved into “Achieving Results” and “Developing Coalitions”. I am encouraged by the incredible passion many of our leaders have for their work. They care deeply about creating a home where our residents will thrive and their families feel supported, along what can be a difficult journey. I know this passion is shared by many people at all levels of the organization, for I see it when I encounter you while visiting a unit, or hear of it from a colleague.

    It is my hope that you are channeling your passion into daily care, and also into how you imagine your daily routines might be. What could you do differently to create a better resident experience? Please share that with your leader and your team. Your ideas and insights are valuable. For no one in our community, whether they are a formal leader or an informal leader (that’s everyone), can do it alone.  When we work together our care can be so much more meaningful for everyone involved. Our shared expertise and partnerships with other organizations, when grounded in our mission, are invaluable. Thank you for being a part of this.

     

    Blessings,

    – Daranne

  • A Memo from the President and Vice President

    In early 2017, Bethany Care Society and Alberta Health Services (AHS) undertook the challenge of developing the first Alternative Level of Care (ALC) unit in the Calgary Zone. Working in close collaboration, Bethany and AHS have turned this challenge into a reality. Yesterday marked the official unveiling of Bethany Calgary’s repurposed 42-bed Level 4 Heartland unit in the city’s northwest quadrant.

    Designed to address the community-based needs of Calgary Zone’s aging population, the new ALC unit will enable Bethany staff to provide services tailored to seniors currently in acute care hospitals who no longer need acute care support, but do require a subacute level of care.

    ALC staff are highly trained to assess a resident’s function, cognition and health. The overarching goal of this program is to determine the most appropriate designated living options for these seniors (home, lodge, supportive living or long term care).

    Residents of the former Level 4 Heartland unit have chosen alternate neighbourhoods within the Bethany Calgary community.

    Bethany will continue to work closely with AHS over the coming weeks to determine specialized roles within the ALC unit, and to provide education and training for staff. Those with questions are encouraged to contact: Peter Czepuryk, Site Administrator of Bethany Calgary, at 403.284.6013 or askBethanyALC@bethanyseniors.com.

     

    – Jennifer McCue, President and Chief Executive Officer
    Nancy Hughes, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

  • A Memo from the President and CEO

    Bethany Care Society is celebrating yet another significant step forward in the redevelopment of Bethany Cochrane project. The groundbreaking of Phase 1A of this project is eagerly anticipated for spring 2018.

    In October 2016, Bethany announced the proposed three-phase redevelopment for a new Bethany Cochrane “Campus of Care for Seniors” which envisions market and affordable housing for seniors, as well as supportive living options and long-term care.

    Recognizing the imminent needs of the Town of Cochrane’s aging population, Bethany has received approval from the Board of Directors to proceed with 32 market rate Lodge Housing units, deemed Phase 1A. This milestone marks the beginning of construction of the Bethany Cochrane redevelopment.

    Bethany is anxiously awaiting the outcome of the government funding applications to determine next steps in terms of future project phasing. As a non-profit Society, funding from the Government of Alberta is a critical component of any major project.

    Since the late 1980’s, Bethany has had the privilege of being the only provider of long-term care in the Cochrane community. This redevelopment project supports the Town’s overall goal of providing a diversity of housing for its citizens. Bethany remains committed to evolving to meet the housing needs of all seniors in Cochrane.

    Progress updates will be shared as the “Campus of Care for Seniors” redevelopment project continues to evolve. Open dialogue is a valuable commodity at Bethany. Those with questions are encouraged to contact: askBethanyCochrane@bethanyseniors.com

  • A Memo from the President and CEO

    Open dialogue is a valuable commodity at Bethany. As such, we’re committed to keeping staff apprised of ongoing developments and changes as they occur across the organization.

    After careful consideration, Bethany Airdrie will no longer accept new resident applications for supportive living in Arbor Manor. This decision was carefully weighed; ultimately, it was based upon the lack of financial viability of this program, as well as the newer supportive living options now available to seniors wanting to live in Airdrie. Simply put, we can no longer remain competitive in the local marketplace.

    Bethany Airdrie will continue to operate its long-term care center. The pending changes will not impact long-term care residents. Our supportive living program will remain open to support current residents. As we work through this period of transition, staffing hours will be adjusted. Any questions should be directed to Shelley Rolfe, Site Administrator of Bethany Airdrie, at 403.948.8426 or AskBethanyAirdrie@bethanyseniors.com.

    At Bethany, we strive to foster an environment dedicated to delivering exceptional service to our residents, their families, to each other and our community partners.

     

    – Jennifer McCue
    President & Chief Executive Officer

  • A Message from the President and CEO

    This weekend we remembered the sacrifice made by the women and men who served in Canada’s military. Growing up, this day was an important one for my family. I remember every year from the age of 6 onward attending two services on November 11; laying wreaths in memory of my grandfather and father who served in the First World War and Second World War respectively.

    As a child I loved to hear the stories about my father and his service. My dad enlisted at age 16 and when he arrived at basic training he was sent home for being underage. At 18 he was back and spent his career serving his country. At his funeral we were surrounded by all things military. As a six year old I was in awe of the ceremony and how he was honored for his service. I cherish the buttons from his dress uniform; mementos that are important reminders of his call to serve his country.

    Since moving from rural PEI to Alberta I have always paused at 11 a.m. to remember the service of my family but also of all those who served and continue to serve. Last year I was privileged to once again lay a wreath in memory of my father in my hometown.

    I am a proud daughter and a proud Canadian…Lest We Forget.

    As always I welcome your comments.

    – Jennifer