Category: COVID19 Messages

  • Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update – A Video Message from the President and CEO

    A Video Message from the President and CEO

    As mentioned in my last message to staff, I am sending out video updates to share what I am hearing from you and to ensure you have all the facts and supports you need as work safely to protect and care for our residents and each other in the days and weeks ahead.

    A Holiday Greeting from Jennifer McCue

    I have established an email address, askjennifer@bethanyseniors.com that will be dedicated for all employees who want to share their challenges or experiences during this time. My commitment to each of you is I will check this account daily and respond as quickly as possible.

    I’m so very proud of each and every one of you. We will get through this together. Thank you for all that you are doing.

    Jennifer

    President and Chief Executive Officer

    Previous Video Messages 2021

    Video Message February 9, 2021

    2020 Archive

    Video Message December 21, 2020

    Video Message November 25, 2020

    Video Message October 30, 2020

    Video Message September 11, 2020

    Video Message August 7, 2020

    Video Message July 24, 2020

    Video Message July 10, 2020

    Video Message June 17, 2020

    Video Message June 5, 2020

    Video Message May 29, 2020

    Video Message May 22, 2020

    Video Message May 15, 2020

    Video Message May 8, 2020

    Video Message May 1, 2020

    Video Message April 23, 2020

    Video Message April 16, 2020

    Video Message April 7, 2020

    Video Message March 31, 2020

  • COVID-19 Vaccination Information

    Alberta’s vaccination program is underway to save lives and livelihoods. COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective. The vaccine helps prevent you from getting infected and protects you from getting severely sick if you do get COVID-19. Vaccines protect you, residents, tenants, families, employees and each other.

    Albertans are being vaccinated as fast as supply allows. This is happening in phases so people most at risk get it first. More groups will be eligible as more doses become available.

    Learn more about approved vaccines

    Vaccination Rollout:

    Phase 1: January – March

    Vaccinations are being offered to key populations across the province:

    • Employees in long-term care and designated supportive living facilities
    • Home care workers
    • All residents of long-term care and designated supportive living, regardless of age
    • First Nations, Métis and Inuit (FNMI) and persons 65 years of age and over living in a First Nations community or Metis Settlement
    • Seniors 75 years of age and over, no matter where they live
    • For the complete list, go here

    Phase 2 (AstraZeneca): Started April 6

    The following groups can receive the AstraZeneca vaccine early if they do not have a severe chronic illness:

    AstraZeneca is a safe vaccine proven highly effective in preventing serious illness and death. Eligible Albertans in this phase can choose to wait to receive a Pfizer or Moderna vaccine to be available to them when Phase 2D opens in May. People with serious chronic health conditions may want to consult their doctor first.

    Phase 2 (Group A): Starting March 15

    • Albertans aged 65 to 74, no matter where they live
    • FNMI people aged 50 and older, no matter where they live
    • Employees and residents of licensed supportive living (seniors) not included in Phase 1

    Phase 2 (Group B, C, D): April – June

    Phase 2 is broken into groups. Vaccinations for each group will begin once the previous group has been completed. Timelines are subject to change depending on vaccine supply. Detailed information on how eligible Albertans will receive the vaccine will be released prior to each group.

    Group B: Started March 30

    Group C: Started April 12

    • Residents and staff of eligible congregate living settings: correctional facilities, homeless shelters, group homes including disability, mental health and other types of licensed supportive living
    • Health-care workers providing direct and acute patient care who have a high potential for spread to high-risk individuals
    • Caregivers of Albertans who are most at risk of severe outcomes

    Group D: Started April 30

    • Albertans aged 50 to 64, no matter where they live
    • FNMI people aged 35 to 49 on and off-reserve or Métis Settlements

    Phase 3: Starting May 6

    • Every Albertan born in 1991 or earlier (turning 30+), starting May 6
    • Every Albertan born in 2009 or earlier (12+), starting May 10

    How to book:

    Follow up: Second Dose

    Emerging evidence shows first doses of the vaccine are at least 80% effective at preventing severe illness. Second doses are necessary to ensure you’re protected for as long as possible.

    Starting March 10, second doses will be administered up to 4 months later so all Albertans over 18 are protected with the first dose by the end of June. Anyone who received their first dose prior to March 10 will still receive their second dose within 42 days. All existing appointments for second doses will be honoured. From March 10 going forward, first and second dose appointments will be booked separately. Reminders to book second appointments will be issued.

    Important:

    Until most Albertans are protected, fully vaccinated people must still follow all health measures: no indoor gatherings, keep 2 metres apart, wear a mask in public, and stay home when sick.

    If you have any questions, please speak with your leader.

    Additional Resources:

  • Music Therapy Winners Announced!

    Congratulations to the following winners of the JB Music Therapy contest!

    Catherine van Tol – Bethany Riverview
    Lorraine Weisgarber – Bethany Cochrane
    Suzanne Eckstadt – Bethany Calgary
    Melanie McNalley – Bethany Sylvan Lake
    Delray Dempsey – Bethany Didsbury
    Jaclyn Bell – Bethany CollegeSide

    You have been notified by email and will be contacted by JB Music Therapy with details on how to claim your prize.

    Winners were selected at random. Thank you to everyone who entered!

    For Bethany Frontline Healthcare Employees!

    WIN SIX FREE, PRIVATE MUSIC THERAPY SESSIONS

    Music Therapy supports individuals going through difficult life transitions. Music therapy can decrease anxiety, improve focus, increase motivation, and improve your mood. Treat yourself to the gift of music therapy from JB Music Therapy. This contest is open to every Bethany frontline employee at all our sites. Six individuals will receive six free, private music therapy sessions.

    Deadline is: March 1, 2021. – CONTEST NOW CLOSED

    To enter this draw email write JB Music Therapy Contest in the subject line of your email along with your name and daytime phone number to:

    marketing.communication@bethanyseniors.com

    Winners will be randomly selected.

    For more information, click here.

  • Win the Gift of Music Therapy

    For Bethany Frontline Healthcare Employees!

    WIN SIX FREE, PRIVATE MUSIC THERAPY SESSIONS

    Music Therapy supports individuals going through difficult life transitions. Music therapy can decrease anxiety, improve focus, increase motivation, and improve your mood. Treat yourself to the gift of music therapy from JB Music Therapy. This contest is open to every Bethany frontline employee at all our sites. Six individuals will receive six free, private music therapy sessions.

    Deadline is: March 1, 2021.

    To enter this draw email write JB Music Therapy Contest in the subject line of your email along with your name and daytime phone number to:

    marketing.communication@bethanyseniors.com

    Winners will be randomly selected.

    For more information, click here.

  • Spiritual Care Support Line

    We’re here for you!

    If you need to hear a friendly voice; requesting prayers or blessings for you or a loved one; or are looking for support in your day-to-day… Spiritual Care is just a phone call or email away.

    Both our phone line and email are confidential and you’ll be connected to one of Bethany’s Spiritual Care Practitioners.

    Phone: 587.390.7600

    Email: SpiritualCare@bethanyseniors.com

  • LifeWorks for Bethany Employees – Updated December 30

    LifeWorks supports employee health and well-being. During the COVID-19 pandemic we realize some employees and their families will need some extra resources. With that being said, see how LifeWorks can support you and your family during this time.

    Bethany employees have access to a wide range of resources such as:

    • LifeWorks Blog
    • Webinars and Events
    • 24/7 Specialist Counselling

    LifeWorks Resources

    (Please note some resources below require users to log-into LifeWorks before proceeding)

    Coping with Crisis in the Workplace

    Getting a Good Night’s Sleep

    LifeWorks Webinars

    Emotional Wellbeing During the COVID-19 Pandemic

    • Webinar
      • Learning Objectives include:
        • Why outbreaks affect our emotional health?
        • Practical skills to cope with the anxiety
        • Talking to your children
        • Tips for you and your famiy

    Heartbeat Discussion Series – COVID-19 Response and Preparedness: How your EFAP can Support

    Other Resources

    Health Resources

     Mental Health Resources

    Resources for Families

    Working from Home

    LifeWorks supports employee health and well-being.

    Bethany employees have access to a wide range of resources such as:

    • LifeWorks Blog
    • Webinars and Events
    • 24/7 Specialist Counselling

    Link:
    Bethanycaresociety.lifeworks.com
    username: bcs
    Password: eap
    Phone: 1-877-207-8833
    Phone App: LifeWorks WorkAngel

     

    Other helpful links:

    Alberta Health Services

    Continuing Care Safety Association

    Public Health Agency of Canada

    World Health Organization

  • Stay on the Nice List This Year

    As Bethany employees and health care workers, it is our duty as leaders in the community to spend the holidays only with the people who live in your household this holiday season. Stay on the Nice list this year.

    Why is this so important?
    Clearly the biggest single source of viral transmission is at-home gatherings. When
    we relax with people we’re close to it’s when transmission most easily happens.

    Share your photos with us! Use #BethanyHolidays2020
    Send us a photo of your household this holiday season so we can share it on our Instagram channel! (@bethany_care_society)

    How to submit:
    1. Email us your photos to marketing.communications@bethanyseniors.com, or
    2. Post your photo on your own Instagram account and use the #BethanyHolidays2020
    3. Deadline to send photos is Dec 30, 4:00pm

    On Dec 30, we’ll gather all the photos and make a collage on our Bethany Connect intranet! Thank you for sharing your memories with us!

    NOTE: By sending us your photo, consent is implied for our Marketing and Communications department to use this in external promotions. Content will be published at the discretion of the Communications/Marketing manager.

  • Christmas Executive Leadership Video

    Bethany’s Executive Leadership Team (ELT) Bring Christmas Greetings

    Usually at this time of year, our Executive Leadership Team (ELT) would visit our care centres bringing Christmas wishes and speaking with residents and employees. Unfortunately, this year COVID-19 and the current restrictions means that they’re unable to make this annual visit in person. However, our ELT have created a Christmas video of holiday greetings for our Heroes of Bethany – thanking you for all you’ve done this past year and are currently doing in going above and beyond every day!

    View video here

  • Return to Work FAQs: Corporate Office and Mikkelsen House – COVID-19 Guidelines & Protocols

    As we endeavour to keep our residents safe and healthy, we also do so for our employees working in our corporate departments. As corporate employees return to the office, below are frequently asked questions (FAQs) that are the guidelines and protocols that MUST be followed.

    Will my access card be activated when I return to the Corporate Office?

    For corporate employees who will be returning, your card will be activated in advance of your return date. Your parking pass, if applicable, will also be reactivated.

    How will I access the Corporate Office and Mikkelsen House?

    You will gain access to/from Corporate Office and Mikkelsen House by:

    1. (a) Through the parkade entrance (entry off 28 Street S.E.) Use the southwest door stairwell to enter
      (b) Through the front door (#100 by the Daycare entrance) using code 800415#
    2. Employees based at Mikkelsen House are to self screen if possible by taking your temperature at home prior to work or go to reception area to get your temperature taken

    IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you are wearing a mask from your car/public transit to your office or desk space.

    There is currently no access through the care centre.

    What is the screening process for entering the Corporate Office?

    If you are entering through the parkade entrance, please self-screen if possible by taking your temperature at home and record on the screening form when you get to work. Drop your completed form at the Reception desk daily.

    If this is not possible, please go to reception area to get your temperature taken. Screening will begin at 8:00 AM so unless you are self-screening with temp check you cannot enter the office before that time.

    If you are arriving outside of these hours or need to leave the office and return during business hours, get re-screened at front reception.

    What protocols are in place for working in the Corporate Office?

    While you are working in your own office/cubicle you will not need to wear a mask.

    Away from your office/cubicle you will be required to wear a mask and will need to social distance within the office.

    If someone is visiting your office/cubicle, you and that person both need to wear a mask and you will need to maintain social distancing.

    In meetings, you will need to wear a mask if social distancing cannot be maintained.

    As we are in a non-clinical setting, it is okay to reuse your mask if it is not soiled or has become contaminated.

    Note: Masks will be available if needed.

    You will need to ensure your desktop is cleared at the end of each day to facilitate cleaning by Aramark. This includes all papers and personal belongings.

    Where can I take my lunch?

    The Bistro seating area will be open at 50% capacity for corporate employees to bring their own meals. Care staff will be using the area near the Simmons Family Assembly Room for their lunch breaks. Employees will be responsible for disposing of their own leftovers and dishes.

    Lunchtime openings will be staggered for:

    HR, Executive Support and Communications at 12:00 – 12:30 PM, and

    DLT, Finance, IT and the Foundation at 12:45 – 1:15 PM

    Wipes will be available for you to use.

    Remember to wear your mask when finished eating and returning to your office/desk space.

    Employees should bring their own cups, dishes, glassware and cutlery to the workplace, and take home each evening.

    What is the capacity of the washrooms?

    Only 2 people are allowed in each washroom at any given time.

    What printer should I use in the Corporate Office?

    Please use the copier closest to you.

    Please use hand sanitizer before and after use at the multi printers and practice social distancing when waiting for the copier.

    Is there a receptionist at the main desk?

    Michelle Fulton and Marianne Smith will rotate weekly at front reception.

    How do I send mail/packages to the sites?

    Any mail or courier items can be left on the reception desk and Michelle/Marianne will arrange for it to go out.

    Bethany sites delivery schedule:

    • Monday – no mail distribution
    • Tuesday – Bethany Calgary/Bethany Cochrane
    • Wednesday – Bethany Calgary/Bethany Airdrie/Bethany Harvest Hills
    • Thursday – Bethany Calgary/Bethany Cochrane as well as Bethany Didsbury/Bethany CollegeSide/Bethany Sylvan Lake
    • Friday – Bethany Calgary/Bethany Airdrie/Bethany Harvest Hills

    All mail to other sites goes out by 9:30 AM and all courier items for same day delivery for Calgary area need to go out by 1:00 PM.

    How can I protect myself in the Corporate Office?

    Maintain masking protocols.

    Social Distancing – Continue to maintain physical distancing – that means keeping at least two metres/6 feet distance from others.

    Hand Hygiene – Continue to wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or clean hands with hand sanitizer – particularly before and after eating.

    What if I’m feeling sick?

    If you have cold-like symptoms, you should do the following:

    • Call your medical provider or Health Link at 811
    • Stay home – avoid close contact with others
    • Practice hand hygiene (wash your hands often and thoroughly)
    • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands

    What if I’ve travelled or I’m planning to travel?

    Travelers outside of Canada are required to self-isolate for 14 days. If you’re planning to travel, even within Canada, please notify your Leader/Manager.  Please consult the destination page on travel.gc.ca for the latest travel advice.

    What if I’m unable or not ready to return to the Corporate Office?

    If you feel you are unable or not ready to return to the Corporate Office, please get in touch with your manager and notify Jillian Palbom, Acting Director, Human Resources.

    If I have any other questions, who can I ask?

    Any questions, please do not hesitate to speak to your direct manager.

  • ‘I Wear a Mask’ Campaign

    Bethany is launching a ‘I wear a mask’ campaign urging all employees and Albertans to show their concern for the health of others by wearing masks to slow the spread of COVID-19. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that anyone living in an area where virus transmission is widespread should wear a non-medical mask when they are in a situation where physical distancing is difficult, such as on public transit, in stores and at places of worship and other mass gatherings.

    Jennifer McCue, President and CEO, along with our entire Executive Leadership Team (ELT) are fully behind the idea of wearing a mask. Jennifer says, “I wear a mask because it’s the simplest act of human kindness and it’s the right thing to do!” COVID-19 is ongoing and everyone can play a role in stopping it – Now tell us why YOU wear a mask! Follow Bethany on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. Send us your selfie or short video. We want to hear from you! Use the hashtag #BethanysMaskedHeroes in your posts and tag us!