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  • Safety Bulletin December 2021

    As the holiday season approaches, many of us will be celebrating in various ways. Bethany is a faith-based organization that practices multi-faithfulness and celebrates diversity through our workforce, residents and the families we serve. Recognizing our differences through caring and inclusion goes a long way in creating caring communities.

    Embracing our differences, versus fearing them, is a key step in being respectful towards others. Being fearful of what makes us different from each other can create tension and contribute to an unhealthy work environment. We all have a responsibility to ensure that everyone feels safe, included, and welcomed here at Bethany.

    How can we understand why people express such views?
    Consider this:

    • Perhaps they are unfamiliar with a particular nationality.
    • They haven’t been exposed to diverse cultures, perspectives, and traditions.
    • Maybe they had a bad experience with someone from a certain culture or country.
    • They believe in negative stereotypes.
    • They feel threatened by or fearful for numerous reasons.

    Fearing our differences is also referred to as Xenophobia which is:

    • The fear or hatred of anyone who is different.
    • Originating from a dislike or discrimination against people from other countries.

    What can we do to embrace the differences of others in our workplace?

    • Be an ally and challenge inappropriate or generalized comments with questions such as, ‘What do you mean by that?’ or ‘Why do you say that?’
    • Provide positive affirmations, recognition, and celebrate differences in our workplace.
    • Get to know the holidays and traditions of your colleagues.
    • Challenge your own stereotypes.
    • Set an example by accepting and being welcoming of others.

    Each of us has a responsibility for creating a workplace that acknowledges and embraces our differences. Remember, “it is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognize, accept and celebrate those differences.”
    Audre LordeFor more information, please contact:

    Lesley MacKinnon
    Manager, Safety
    Lesley.Mackinnon@BethanySeniors.com

    Or

    Site OHS Committee Chair or Representative

    ADDITIONAL LINKS AND RESOURCES

    Article – Unpacking Xenophobia

    Ditch the Label

    Leading Effectively – The Power of Respect

    Bethany’s Respectful Workplace PolicyLifeWorks 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

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

  • Intergenerational Programming with Summit Start

    A pilot project was recently completed to explore ways to bring Bethany Riverview residents into Summit Start daycare for music, movement and play through the use of telepresence robots. Thanks to J.W. McConnell Foundation, RBC Foundation and TELUS for their support of this innovative way to keep seniors and children connected safely during the pandemic.

    Here’s a short video (4 min): https://vimeo.com/640498798/10f1c9a03a

  • Update Newsletter — September October 2021 Issue

    Stay up-to-date on Bethany’s progress with our Update newsletter!

    From Service Excellence to A WAVE of Recognition Cards, you’ll find it here in Bethany’s September/October Update!

    Click here to view the PDF version.

  • Safety Bulletin November 2021

    One day you find yourself sitting on your lunch break when you overhear a co-worker being mean toward another co-worker. This makes you feel very uncomfortable. What should you do? Ignore the behaviour, call out the behaviour or report it to your supervisor.

    At Bethany, we strive to make our workplace a safe and healthy place for all. A place where everyone treats each other with respect, dignity, and free of discrimination. We each have a responsibility to address behaviours that demean and disrespect others. Standing up to these behaviours by being a “Supportive Bystander” is the first step in stopping these behaviours in the workplace. Ignoring them only perpetuates them.

    What does it mean to be a bystander? If we witness behaviours and/or overhear interactions that are disrespectful, harassing, discriminating, or violent, we have a role to play in addressing and preventing these actions in the future. Addressing people’s actions and words is uncomfortable, but it is important to be part of creating respectful and safe workplaces one conversation, and one interaction at a time.

    How to provide support as a bystander – Keeping your safety in mind:

    • In the moment – Speak up and move closer to the person being treated disrespectfully.
    • After the event, check-in with the: Recipient of the behaviour and make sure they are ok. Ask them how you can support them.
    • If appropriate, encourage those involved to talk to each other.
    • If the above doesn’t work or the situation escalates, talk to your supervisor or manager.

    Things you can say to address disrespectful behaviour

    • Seek to understand by asking
      • “What did you mean by that?”
      • “I heard this… is that what you meant to say?”
      • “That didn’t feel very respectful to me. Help me understand what is going on.”
    • Address the behaviour
      • “How can we talk about this more respectfully?”
      • Support a pause in the conversation – “It sounds like this is important. Can we take a little time and reflect on this and talk about it at our next meeting/later?”
      • “This doesn’t feel productive to the conversation. Let’s focus on the topic at hand.”
      • “That’s inappropriate, please stop saying/doing that.”
      • “I don’t think you meant it to be, but that sounded disrespectful. This needs to stop.”

    It may feel awkward to say these kinds of things in the moment, but we need to act. When we don’t speak up, we are accepting the behaviour and unintentionally may cause harm. If you are being bullied, harassed, and/or being treated with disrespect report it to your supervisor or Human Resources.For more information, please contact:

    Lesley MacKinnon
    Manager, Safety
    Lesley.Mackinnon@BethanySeniors.com

    Or

    Site OHS Committee Chair or Representative

    ADDITIONAL LINKS AND RESOURCES

    LifeWorks

    Calgary Distress Center

    Policy Psychological Health and Safety

    Respect in the Workplace PT Campaign

    Bethany Code of ConductNEW LINK – https://lifeworks.com/en

    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

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

  • 2021 Annual Bethany Service Excellence Recipients

    Our Service Excellence Recognition Awards program celebrates our employees’ commitment to everyday excellence in their roles and actions. Employees in eight categories were recognized for their valuable contributions that go above and beyond for our residents and tenants. They support our Strategic Goals of Care; Campuses of Care; Our People; Community and Innovation.

    These employees take our people-centered work to new heights. Thank you to our overwhelming number of nominees as well as our finalists for championing our Standards for Service Excellence.The recipients of this year’s awards are:Board of Trustee Mission Award Winner:
    Housing Team:
    Arleen Azucena
    Busola Salami
    Jerome Apil
    Jon Cromwell
    Klaus Vorpahl
    Lane Hourie
    Lateesha Vaillancourt
    Luisa Parente
    Lynda Bauer
    Michelle Graefer
    Myrna Martisko
    Paras Persad
    Randy Bourassa
    Ray Ducharme
    Ray Khan
    Rob Liversage
    Russell Roberts
    Samantha Cameron
    Sinmisola Oyenuga
    Tigist Kassa
    Wendy Toderian

    Board of Trustee Mission Award Runner Up:
    George Ayers, Social Worker, Bethany CollegeSideExcellence in Family / Community Award Winner:
    Patricia Gombert, Licensed Practical Nurse, Bethany Calgary

    Excellence in Family / Community Award Runner Up:
    Recreation Therapists Team and Volunteer Services Team Organization-Wide
    Recreation Therapists Team:
    Candice Melloy
    Christine Wilson
    Delray Dempsey
    Efraimh Repato
    Jason Johnson
    Kacie Whyte
    Marianne Leeson
    Sandra Hinz
    Shelley Ternes
    Taryn Wallace

    Volunteer Services Team:
    Dawna Faryna
    Jacqueline Shier
    Kimberly Darbyson
    Lasina Jacobsen
    Sandra Simpson
    Shauna CiezkiExcellence In Health and Safety Award Winner:
    IPC/Clinical Education/Quality Teams:
    Clinical Education Team:
    Alina Levitin
    Bernice Tawiah
    Elizabeth Fulcher
    Grace Kim
    Hilary Balderston
    Joanne Byrgesen
    Joelle Mitzel
    Mara Hendry
    Mohamed Abazina
    Pennie Brennan
    Rachel Watson
    Rhonda Harrison
    Sheri Moore
    Quality Team:
    Emmanuel Anokye
    Evelyn Valge
    Haidee Law
    Ilona Fibich
    Joelle Mitzel
    Lynn Curry
    Marcella Campbell
    Sharon Kulbida
    Stephanie Dunn
    Sharon Vanderlaan
    Steven Friesen

    Excellence In Health and Safety Award Runner Up:
    Occupational Health & Safety Committees Organization-Wide:
    Bethany Airdrie:
    Candice Melloy
    Diana-Lee Erickson
    Shauna Ferguson
    Terry Strand

    Bethany Calgary:
    Aida Varela
    Allison Woods
    Amandeep Sahota
    Christine Wilson
    Debbie Adams
    Denise Munn
    Elizabeth Fulcher
    Fiona Kwong
    Genabelle Jean-Denis
    Janet Fadugba
    Jennifer Vance
    Jing “Annie” Luo
    Laura Graae
    Lee Augustine
    Lesley MacKinnon
    Lorian Jeffrey
    Malvinder Kaur
    Mara Hendry
    Patience Adesimi
    Randi Sailer
    Sandra MacGillivray
    Suzanne Eckstadt
    Taylor Guy
    Yasmin Rawji

    continuedExcellence In Health and Safety Award Runner up Continued:
    Bethany Cochrane:
    Amanda Boutilier
    Bonnie Stafford
    Deedar Bharwani
    Herma DeWind
    Jacqueline Shier
    Lesley MacKinnon
    Linda Toth
    Lorraine Weisgarber
    Melissa Fenton
    Monica Johnson
    Nishma Javer
    Rob Gauthier
    Susan Morgan

    Bethany CollegeSide:
    Allen Roberts
    Annie Archambault
    Candice Tieland
    Cheryl Hoffman
    Darlene Grasdal
    Deanna Matheson
    Dolores Nelson
    Jacqueline Chaisson
    Jeanice Miranda
    Joanne McCready
    Julieta Isidro
    June Oakes
    Larina Tremblay
    Melissa DeRidder-Potts
    Michael B. Quiano
    Neil Wegner
    Thomas Lerch
    Wayne Edmondson

    Bethany Didsbury:
    Allen Davenport
    Jo Anne Plested
    Kristen Schaefer
    Pennie Brennan
    Teusdae Johnson

    Bethany Harvest Hills:
    Deepak Dhakal
    Frances Buchanan
    Mae Fang Tian
    Mina Carin-Sawatsky
    Rudy Concepcion
    Sandra Hinz

    Bethany Riverview:
    Animmohamed Hirji
    Anoop Thakor
    Cristie Feliciano
    Daniela McDonald
    Dennis Cabanilla
    Derek Hiebert
    Elise Dockstader
    Gina Antipolo
    Gina Jarales
    Hilary Balderston
    Hiwot Muhina
    Jody Erickson
    Katharine Steven
    Lesley MacKinnon
    Michelle Fulton
    Nickelet Ragon
    Prakash Sankar
    Rachel Watson
    Rocky Matamorosa
    Roslyn Abrahams
    Sarah Andolong
    Shannon Whittaker
    Sinmisola Oyenuya

    Bethany Sylvan Lake:
    Cheryl Yaciuk
    Deb Andersen
    Kim Herder
    Lydia Pettinger
    Sakkara WhiteExcellence In Innovation Award Winner:
    Haidee Law, Quality Practice Leader, Corporate Services

    Excellence In Innovation Award Runner Up:
    Collaborative Online Onboarding Team:
    Alina Levitin
    Allison Woods
    Alvin Fernandez
    Bernice Tawiah
    Bryce Liesemer
    Cheryl Klassen
    Christopher Moore
    Dave Kamoh
    Dawn Larche
    Elizabeth Fulcher
    Grace Kim
    Hilary Balderston
    Joanne Byrgesen
    Joelle Mitzel
    Julian Austin
    Kyle Wiebe
    Lynn Curry
    Mara Hendry
    Marcella Campbell
    Mohamed Abazina
    Pennie Brennan
    Rachel Watson
    Rhonda Harrison
    Sheri Moore
    Steven Friesen

    Leadership Award Winner:
    Care Service Managers Bethany Organization-Wide
    Amandeep Sahota
    Aminmohamed Hirji
    Carol Kelly
    Christine Deloy
    Gayladawne Hobbs
    Jacqueline Chaisson
    Janet Fadugba
    Jo Anne Plested
    Karin van Goudoever
    Maira Virani
    Patience Adesimi
    Randi Sailer
    Sandra MacGillivray
    Shauna Ferguson
    Tara Pederson
    Tina Beckerton
    Zenylin Gomez-Kong

    Leadership Award Runner Up:
    Paula Quiambao, Registered Nurse, Bethany Calgary

    New Employee Mentor Award Winner:
    Cathy Croeze, Licensed Practical Nurse, Bethany Cochrane

    New Employee Mentor Award Runner Up:
    Julieta Isidro, Health Care Aide, Bethany CollegeSide

    Rising Star Award Winner:
    Suzanne Eckstadt, Volunteer Coordinator, Bethany Calgary

    Rising Star Award Runner Up:
    Katrina Miyanaga, Occupational Therapist, Bethany Calgary

    Service Excellence Award Winner:
    Giti Alaei-Far, Registered Nurse, Bethany Calgary

    Service Excellence Award Runner Up:
    Faye Rodocker, Health Care Aide, Bethany DidsburyOur 2021 Annual Bethany Service Excellence Awards took place on October 12th, 2021, by a virtual Zoom presentation. This year was our largest Service Excellence Awards presentation with over 90 presenters and finalists.To view this year’s virtual Service Excellence Award ceremony, please click here.For further information on our Service Excellence Awards please go to our website bethanyexcellence.com

  • 2021 Annual Bethany Service Excellence Nominees and Finalists

    Our Service Excellence Recognition Awards program celebrates our employees’ commitment to everyday excellence in their roles and actions. Employees in eight categories were recognized for their valuable contributions that go above and beyond for our residents and tenants. They support of our Strategic Goals of Care; Campuses of Care; Our People; Community and Innovation.

    These employees take our people-centered work to new heights. Thank you to our overwhelming number of nominees as well as our finalists for championing our Standards for Service Excellence.

    Our 2021 Annual Bethany Service Excellence Awards will take place on October 12 from 1:00pm-3:00pm, by a virtual Zoom presentation.

    Congratulations to all our nominees and finalists!Nominees:

    Board of Trustee Mission Award

    Alexis Holt
    Andrea Wright
    Belinda Watters
    George Ayers
    Housing Team
    Jorin George
    Katharine Hayman
    Rouema Ballesteros -Tan
    Sarah May
    Tabitha Miller
    Tara Pederson

    Excellence in Family / Community Award

    Allison Woods
    Cindy Ward
    Patricia Candalera
    Patricia Gombert
    Recreation Therapists & Volunteer Services Organization-Wide
    Shirley Smith

    Excellence In Health and Safety Award

    Central Maintenance Team
    Chime Dolkar
    Deanna Matheson
    Eugenia Potoreiko
    Grace Salango
    IPC/Clinical Education/Quality Teams
    Lesley MacKinnon & IPC Team
    Marcella Campbell
    Monica Johnson
    OHS Site Commitees Organization-Wide
    Pennie Brennan
    Suzanne Eckstadt
    Taylor Guy
    Tuesdae Johnston
    Vivian Lakra
    Zahra Garshaspour
    Zenilyn Gomez

    Excellence In Innovation Award

    Alma Lovell
    Collaborative On-line Onboarding Team
    Haidee Law
    Herma De Wind
    Jerome Macaspac
    Jocelyn Bamba
    Lynn Curry
    Mila Nicdao
    Quality; Clinical Education & Learning & Development
    Sandra Hinz
    Sharon Hoben
    Suzanne Eckstadt
    Tharangi Muthuwa Sarukkalige

    Leadership Award

    Amandeep Sahota
    AminMohamed Hijir
    Ann Mathews
    Belinda Watters
    Care Services Managers Organization-Wide
    Carol Kelly
    Daniel Fonkwe Nikangu
    Derek Hiebert
    Diane Harris
    Gayladawne Hobbs
    Giti Alaei-Far
    Jibin George
    Jillian Palbom
    Joan Smyth
    Joanne Byrgesen
    Joanne Plested
    Josephine Covin
    Karin Van Goudoever
    Kent Mangabat
    Kym Cotton
    Ma Zillah Dumlao
    Marevel Vasquez (Bam)
    Mohamed Abazinad
    Mohammad Salam UI Alam
    Paula Quiambao
    Pennie Brennan
    Randi Sailor
    Sriya Arachchilage

    New Employee Mentor Award

    Belinda Watters
    Brittney Brown
    Cathy Croeze
    Christine Wilson
    Fenny Mendoza
    Julie Isidro
    Margaret Billings
    Monica Reyes
    Patricia Candalera
    Sharon McLean

    Rising Star Award

    Erika Malabed
    Evelyn Valage
    Fazila Ainy
    Katrina Miyanaga
    Rodger Peters
    Rosbelle Rosario
    Suzanne Eckstadt
    Tammy Jakob
    Tatiana Quiroz

    Service Excellence Award

    Aida Varela
    Amandeep Sahota
    Barb Komarnisky
    Belinda Watters
    Bethany Calgary CSMs
    Bethany Calgary Screening Team
    Bethany Goertzen
    Brenda Barry
    Carmen Vargas
    Cheryl Klassen
    CollegeSide Therapies Team
    Deanna Hartly
    Entire Team Riverview Level 3 N
    Erika Malabed
    Evening Shift Level 1
    Faye Rodocker
    Gayladawne Hobbs
    Giti Alaei-Far
    Helen Rogers
    Hope Koster
    Irene Dempsey
    IT HR Team
    Jennifer Vance
    Joanne Byrgesen
    JoAnne Plested
    Kelsey-Lynne Nolan
    Krystna Olechno
    Level 1 – The Garden
    Level 4 Evening Staff HCAs
    Lilia Roxas (ALC L& HCA team)
    Mary Balabas
    Melinda Barcelona
    Melody Gillespie
    Mila Nicdao
    Norine Fullen
    Payton Andrews
    Quality team
    Randi Sailer
    Rita Wong
    Sara Yang
    Sharon Graham
    Sharon McLean
    Tara Pederson
    Teusdea Johnston
    Violeta Ulanday
    Vivian Lakra
    Vivian Yu
    Walden Lumacang
    Zenyln Gomez KongFinalists:

    Board of Trustee Mission Award

    George Ayers, Social Worker, Bethany CollegeSide

    Housing Team:
    Arleen Azucena
    Busola Salami
    Jerome Apil
    Jon Cromwell
    Klaus Vorpahl
    Lane Hourie
    Lateesha Vaillancourt
    Luisa Parente
    Lynda Bauer
    Michelle Graefer
    Myrna Martisko
    Paras Persad
    Randy Bourassa
    Ray Ducharme
    Ray Khan
    Rob Liversage
    Russell Roberts
    Samantha Cameron
    Sinmisola Oyenuga
    Tigist Kassa
    Wendy Toderian

    Excellence in Family / Community Award

    Patricia Gombert, Licensed Practical Nurse, Bethany Calgary

    Recreation Therapists Team and Volunteer Services Team Organization-Wide
    Recreation Therapists Team:
    Candice Melloy
    Christine Wilson
    Delray Dempsey
    Efraimh Repato
    Jason Johnson
    Kacie Whyte
    Marianne Leeson
    Sandra Hinz
    Shelley Ternes
    Taryn Wallace
    Volunteer Services Team:
    Dawna Faryna
    Jacqueline Shier
    Kimberly Darbyson
    Lasina Jacobsen
    Sandra Simpson
    Shauna Ciezki

    Excellence In Health and Safety Award

    IPC/Clinical Education/Quality Teams:
    Clinical Education Team:
    Alina Levitin
    Bernice Tawiah
    Elizabeth Fulcher
    Grace Kim
    Hilary Balderston
    Joanne Byrgesen
    Joelle Mitzel
    Mara Hendry
    Mohamed Abazina
    Pennie Brennan
    Rachel Watson
    Rhonda Harrison
    Sheri Moore
    Quality Team:
    Emmanuel Anokye
    Evelyn Valge
    Haidee Law
    Ilona Fibich
    Joelle Mitzel
    Lynn Curry
    Marcella Campbell
    Sharon Kulbida
    Stephanie Dunn
    Sharon Vanderlaan
    Steven Friesen

    Occupational Health & Safety Committees Organization-Wide:
    Bethany Airdrie:
    Candice Melloy
    Diana-Lee Erickson
    Shauna Ferguson
    Terry Strand
    Bethany Calgary:
    Aida Varela
    Allison Woods
    Amandeep Sahota
    Christine Wilson
    Debbie Adams
    Denise Munn
    Elizabeth Fulcher
    Fiona Kwong
    Genabelle Jean-Denis
    Janet Fadugba
    Jennifer Vance
    Jing “Annie” Luo
    Laura Graae
    Lee Augustine
    Lesley MacKinnon
    Lorian Jeffrey
    Malvinder Kaur
    Mara Hendry
    Patience Adesimi
    Randi Sailer
    Sandra MacGillivray
    Suzanne Eckstadt
    Taylor Guy
    Yasmin Rawji
    Bethany Cochrane:
    Amanda Boutilier
    Bonnie Stafford
    Deedar Bharwani
    Herma DeWind
    Jacqueline Shier
    Lesley MacKinnon
    Linda Toth
    Lorraine Weisgarber
    Melissa Fenton
    Monica Johnson
    Nishma Javier
    Rob Gauthier
    Susan Morgan
    Bethany CollegeSide:
    Allen Roberts
    Annie Archambault
    Candice Tieland
    Cheryl Hoffman
    Darlene Grasdal
    Deanna Matheson
    Dolores Nelson
    Jacqueline Chaisson
    Jeanice Miranda
    Joanne McCready
    Julieta Isidro
    June Oakes
    Larina Tremblay
    Melissa DeRidder-Potts
    Michael B. Quiano
    Neil Wegner
    Thomas Lerch
    Bethany Didsbury:
    Allen Davenport
    Jo Anne Plested
    Kristen Schaefer
    Pennie Brennan
    Teusdae Johnson
    Bethany Harvest Hills:
    Deepak Dhakl
    Frances Buchanan
    Mae Fang Tian
    Mina Carin-Sawatsky
    Rudy Concepcion
    Sandra Hinz
    Bethany Riverview:
    Animmohamed Hirji
    Anoop Thakor
    Cristie Feliciano
    Daniela McDonald
    Dennis Cabanilla
    Derek Hiebert
    Elise Dockstader
    Gina Antipolo
    Gina Jarales
    Hilary Balderston
    Hiwot Muhina
    Jody Erickson
    Katharine Steven
    Lesley MacKinnon
    Michelle Fulton
    Nickelet Ragon
    Prakash Sankar
    Rachel Watson
    Rocky Matamorosa
    Roslyn Abrahams
    Sarah Andolong
    Shannon Whittaker
    Sinmisola Oyenuya
    Bethany Sylvan Lake:
    Cheryl Yaciuk
    Deb Andersen
    Kim Herder
    Lydia Pettinger
    Sakkara White

    Excellence In Innovation Award

    Haidee Law, Quality Practice Leader, Corporate Services

    Collaborative Online Onboarding Team:
    Alina Levitin
    Allison Woods
    Alvin Fernandez
    Bernice Tawiah
    Bryce Liesemer
    Cheryl Klassen
    Christopher Moore
    Dave Kamoh
    Dawn Larche
    Elizabeth Fulcher
    Grace Kim
    Hilary Balderston
    Joanne Byrgesen
    Joelle Mitzel
    Julian Austin
    Kyle Wiebe
    Lynn Curry
    Mara Hendry
    Marcella Campbell
    Mohamed Abazina
    Pennie Brennan
    Rachel Watson
    Rhonda Harrison
    Sheri Moore
    Steven Friesen

    Leadership Award

    Care Service Managers Bethany Organization-Wide
    Amandeep Sahota
    Aminmohamed Hirji
    Carol Kelly
    Christine Deloy
    Gayladawne Hobbs
    Jacqueline Chaisson
    Janet Fadugba
    Jo Anne Plested
    Karin van Goudoever
    Maira Virani
    Patience Adesimi
    Randi Sailer
    Sandra MacGillivray
    Shauna Ferguson
    Tara Pederson
    Tina Beckerton
    Zenylin Gomez-Kong

    Paula Quiambao, Registered Nurse, Bethany Calgary

    New Employee Mentor Award

    Cathy Croeze, Licensed Practical Nurse, Bethany Cochrane

    Julieta Isidro, Health Care Aide, Bethany CollegeSide

    Rising Star Award

    Katrina Miyanaga, Occupational Therapist, Bethany Calgary

    Suzanne Eckstadt, Volunteer Coordinator, Bethany Calgary

    Service Excellence Award

    Faye Rodocker, Health Care Aide, Bethany Didsbury

    Giti Alaei-Far, Registered Nurse, Bethany CalgaryFor further information on our Service Excellence Awards please go to our website bethanyexcellence.com

  • Safety Bulletin October 2021

    “Happiness is not a matter of intensity,
    but of balance, order, rhythm, and harmony.” Thomas Merton

    You might relate to the feeling of constantly juggling work, home, family, and social responsibilities. Sometimes it feels overwhelming like there is no time to stop and catch your breath.

    Balance is Important
    Moderation, balance, and stability are crucial for a happy and healthy life. Without balance, you will increase the likelihood of burnout; you can probably relate to overdoing one area of your life and naturally wanting to bring yourself into equilibriu m or harmony, perhaps you have spent a period of your life overworking or looking after a sick relative.

    It is natural to follow the rhythm of life, changing like the seasons, with periods when you have lots of energy, and other times just wanting to hibernate. However, if you feel out of balance, it may be because you are over extending yourself in certain areas of your life which is not sustainable.

    Life balance is different for everyone
    You are unique and will have wants and needs that are different from others. It’s important to assess your priorities to achieve balance. Perfection is unrealistic.

    Regaining balance
    Bringing your life back into balance can take time and effort, but it’s work that will do wonders for your health and wellbeing for years to come. If you feel it’s time to get back on the path toward balance, start by:

    • Scheduling time to reflect on your life and the challenges you face
    • Determining your priorities and personal needs
    • Creating a list or plan of actions, both small and large, that you will act
      upon
    • Asking for help from someone who inspires you
    • Trying something new; nothing changes if nothing changes

    For more information, please contact:

    Lesley MacKinnon
    Manager, Safety
    Lesley.Mackinnon@BethanySeniors.com

    Or

    Site OHS Committee Chair or Representative

    ADDITIONAL LINKS AND RESOURCES

    CCOHS – Work-LIfe Balance

    Work-Life balance is a Cycle, not an Achievement – HBR

    Work-Life Balance Quiz – CMHANEW LINK – https://lifeworks.com/en

    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

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

  • Safety Bulletin September 2021

    During a recent webinar on Overcoming Burnout (Password: webinarbcs), we heard that burnout and emotional fatigue are on the rise. It can creep up on us and hit us when we aren’t prepared. A recent study by Indeed showed that,

    Among all respondents, 80% believe Covid
    19 has impacted workplace burnout
    though, how and to what extent vary. A 67% majority say burnout has worsened
    during the pandemic, though 13% believe it has gotten better.

    Through the pioneering work of psychologist Christina Maslach, we know that there are three aspects to burnout that is experienced as we are exposed to chronic stress over time. These are,

    • Exhaustion which is comprised/ is the profound/deep physical, mental, and emotional fatigue that can impact one’s ability to work effectively and feel positive about their work.
    • Cynicism which represents disengagement at work or is a way for one to distance/isolate themselves psychologically from their work.
    • And inefficacy, feelings of incompetence and/or lack of achievement and productivity. Often developing exhaustion and cynicism at the same time due to being tired and missing one’s connection to work.

    The good news is there are things we can do to prevent burnout.

    1. Prioritize self-care – It’s essential/ important to replenish/ recharge your physical and emotional energy, along with your capacity /ability to focus, by prioritizing good sleep habits, nutrition, exercise, social connection, and practices that promote equanimity/ calmness and well being, like meditating, journaling, and enjoying nature.
    2. Shifting our perspective – While resting, relaxation and replenishment/recharging can ease exhaustion, curb cynicism, and enhance efficacy, they don’t fully address the root causes of burnout. Altering your perspective can buffer/ cushion the negative impact of even the uncontrollable aspects of work or personal life.
    3. Seek out social connections -The best antidote to burnout, particularly when it’s driven by cynicism and inefficacy, is seeking out social connections. That is, connections that boost your mood not brings it down.

    Burnout can often feel insurmountable/ impossible. By understanding the symptoms and causes, and implementing some simple strategies, we can build a road map for recovery and improvement. And as always, seek out professional help when needed.For more information, please contact:

    Lesley MacKinnon
    Manager, Safety
    Lesley.Mackinnon@BethanySeniors.com

    Or

    Site OHS Committee Chair or Representative

    ADDITIONAL LINKS AND RESOURCES

    AHS Ways to Wellness

    Letting Go of Excess StressLifeWorks 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

  • 2021 Founders’ Bursary Awards

    Bethany Scholarships & Awards Program

    For Registered Nursing Students Pursuing a Career in Continuing Care

    Bethany is significantly increasing our investment in the future of the continuing care sector and our workforce.

    Bethany Care Society has expanded its Scholarships & Awards Program, made possible through the generous contributions of donors to Bethany Care Foundation. Scholarships and awards are available to any individual who is pursing a designation in Registered Nursing (RN) through on of the selected academic programs for September 2021 or January 2022:

    • University of Calgary
    • Athabasca University
    • Red Deer College Practical Nursing program graduates pursing a RN designation
    • Bow Valley college Practical Nursing program graduates pursing a RN designation
    • Norquest College Practical Nursing program graduates pursing a RN designation

    Multiple scholarships will be awarded to individuals pursing a career in Registered Nursing. The scholarships recognize excellence in scholastic achievement, outstanding leadership, and a commitment to the community. Awards are announced in the Fall 2021 at an event to recognize each student’s outstanding achievement.

    Application Deadline is August 31, 2021.

    To learn more about this year’s scholarship opportunities, email Jillian Palbom, Director, Human Resources: scholarshipsandawards@bethanyseniors.com.

    Do you have children going into post-secondary education?

    Do they display leadership and are involved in the community?

    Then you should apply for Bethany’s 2021 Founders’ Bursary Award!

    The Founders’ Bursary Awards were established by the Bethany Care Society Board of Trustees in 1995, as part of the 50th anniversary, to honour the Founders of Bethany Care Society:

    Pastor Theodore M. Hansen
    John Larsen
    Chris Mikkelsen
    Chris Mork
    Pastor M. Jorgensen

    The bursaries are an expression of the Board’s commitment to education and to employees. Bethany Care Foundation provides funding for the bursaries, through the generosity of donors.

    Our Founders’ Bursary Awards will also continue as part of the program, providing two post-secondary scholarships annually in the amount of $1,500 each. Children of Bethany employees pursuing any academic field are eligible to apply for these bursaries, which recognize excellence in scholastic achievement, outstanding leadership and a commitment to the community.

    Recipients will be announced in the Fall 2021.

    Application deadline extended to September 15, 2021!

    Click on the link below for more information and an application form.

    Founders’ Bursary Application FormA generous $10,000 donation from Burgundy Asset Management and a $5,000 donation from Gail Urquhart Consulting were matched by Bethany Care Foundation to enable this year’s $30,000 awards program. If you would like to learn more about how you can contribute to the Scholarships & Awards Program, please contact Greg Hovdebo at Bethany Care Foundation at 403-695-4532.

  • Update Newsletter — July August 2021 Issue

    Stay up-to-date on Bethany’s progress with our Update newsletter!

    From Sensory Kits Come to Bethany to a beautiful poem written by Michael Angelo (Aramark/Bethany employee) in General Announcements, you’ll find it here in Bethany’s July/August Update!

    Click Here to view the PDF version.