This year we held our Annual General Meeting virtually on June 16, 2021. It was a great accomplishment to gather safely through virtual technology and share our achievements with the Board of Trustees and Society members.
Bethany acknowledges and thanks our retiring Bethany Care Society Board Members and their service is greatly appreciated. On a special note, Madeleine King, our outgoing Board Chair 2018/19 – 2020/21, has shown unwavering commitment in guiding our organization. Thank you for your leadership, your support and your many contributions to Bethany.
We are pleased to announce Dr. Al Kryski as Bethany’s incoming Chair, Board of Trustees. A warm welcome to our new board members Dale Ebbert, Michael Thakkar and Arlene Weidner. You can learn more about each Trustee on our website: Board of Trustee bios
Have you had a chance to read our annual report? Take a look at our achievements and milestones! 2021 Annual Report!
As a final note, thank you to our community for the incredible support you’ve given us throughout the pandemic. Watch this very special look at the pandemic through the eyes of Bethany.
During the summer months, there is an increased risk for severe weather events such as extreme heat, tornadoes, flooding, heavy rain, severe storm systems, fire and smoke. Learn about the risks so you, your family members and your neighbours can be prepared.
What is in an Emergency Action Plan?
An emergency action plan can reduce the impact of an emergency situation. Make a plan to ensure you and your family members know what to do and who to call.
To get you started, you should:
1. Have a family discussion about what should you do during an emergency, where would you go, what would you need, and where would you meet.
2. Make sure children know when to call 9-1-1.
3. Put together a 72-hour Emergency Preparedness Kit.
4. Create a home escape plan. This plan will tell your family how to evacuate your building in the case of an emergency. Determine a pre-designated meeting spot and make sure to have at least two ways to exit your building.
5. Hold evacuation and fire drills every month. If you need to escape from second or third floor windows, use rescue ladders.
6. Create a family reunion plan. Designate a common meeting place outside your community. Everyone should check in with an out-of-town friend or relative. Though phone landlines and mobile networks may be overloaded, often a text message will go through.
7. Plan a place to stay. Ensure that you have a place to stay in case you are evacuated from your home. Make plans with at least one inner-city and one outer-city friend or relative who can help you and your family in an emergency. Keep the contact information for these friends or relatives in your 72-hour Emergency Preparedness Kit.
8. Gather your family’s emergency contact information. It is important that you are able to get hold of the members of your family during an emergency or disaster. Learn your building’s evacuation plans and the locations of safety equipment. If you live in an apartment building or condominium, make sure to learn your building’s evacuation plans and know where fire alarms are located.
9. Finally, have a plan for your pet. Prepare a list of locations where your pet will be safe to evacuate. Consider if your pet is on medication or on a special diet, and ensure to keep extra supplies in your 72-hour kit.
To start making your plan, you can download this guide from the City of Calgary:
Simplified Guide to Emergency PreparednessFor more information, please contact:
Lesley MacKinnon
Manager, Safety
Lesley.Mackinnon@BethanySeniors.com
Or
Site OHS Committee Chair or RepresentativeThe most effective way for emergency services to communicate information about an emergency or disaster is through mass communication, including traditional means, like radio and television, and social media.
SHELTER-IN-PLACE SUCH AS A CODE GREY
In certain circumstances, you may be directed to a “shelter-in-place” such as the inside of your home, office or vehicle.
Take these steps to maximize your protection:
LifeWorks supports employee health and well-being.
Bethany employees have access to a wide range of resources such as:
Link:
Bethanycaresociety.lifeworks.com
username: bcs
Password: eap
Phone: 1-877-207-8833
Phone App: LifeWorks WorkAngel
Bethany conducts a quarterly employee Pulse Survey to capture a snapshot of employee engagement throughout our organization. 633 employees were randomly selected to participate in anonymously. The Q4 Survey for FY2021 took place January 1 — March 31, 2021.
Highlights from the Q4 Survey:If you have any thoughts or comments on the Q4 Survey results, I welcome you to share them with me.
Please contact me directly at michelle.dulmadge@bethanyseniors.com
Thanks for helping us to ensure that Bethany is a great place to work!
Michelle Dulmadge
Executive Director, Human Resources
National Nurses Week May 10-16, 2021
The theme this year is We Answer the Call (sponsored by Johnson and Johnson) and was developed by the Canadian National Association to showcase the many roles that nurses play in a patient’s healthcare journey. Nurses play an integral part in our Bethany community and their roles here are diverse and equally important. From our Licensed Practical Nurses who serve the residents at the care centres, to the nurses within our Executive Leadership Team that make decisions for future residents, nurses are a vital part of our community.
Nurses are often the ones with whom patients and their family members have strong personal relationships, working tirelessly to provide day-to-day and even minute-by-minute care. And now more than ever, our nurses on the front lines provide care to our residents during the COVID-19 pandemic and we thank them for their courage and commitment.
National Nurses Week is important every year and we want to say thank you to this special group of healthcare providers.
Please look out for reminders about National Nurses Week at our sites and on social media.
The North American Occupational Safety and Health (NAOSH) Week is a continent-wide event spanning Canada, United States and Mexico. The goal during NAOSH Week is to focus the attention of employers, employees, partners, and the public on the importance of preventing injury and illness in the workplace, at home and in the community.
With the unprecedented global pandemic at the forefront of our daily lives, we will be recognizing Mental Health Week alongside NAOSH to help our community cope and thrive during these stressful times. It is important to remember that mental illness can affect anyone regardless of age, education, income or culture. Mental health is the state of your psychological and emotional well-being. It is a necessary resource for living a healthy life and a major factor in overall health.
During this week we want to extend our gratitude and appreciation to all employees and thank you for your dedication to caring in a safe and healthy way so we can protect our residents and each other during these challenging times.Additional Resources:
Musculoskeletal injuries (MSI) or repetitive strain injuries (RSI) may be caused by your work tasks or activities. Remember to always use proper body mechanics so you can stay healthy and safe at work and at home!
Bethany has seen an increase in musculoskeletal injuries lately at our care sites. Sprains and strains are the most common type of injury in healthcare with backs being the most impacted.
The Risks:
These factors together or in combination can lead to increased MSI risks.
Force:
Refers to the amount of effort made by the muscles, and the amount of pressure on body parts because of different job demands.
Postures:
For most joints, a good or “neutral” posture means that the joints are being used near the middle of their full range of motion. Maintaining the natural “S” shape of our spines will help increase the safety of our backs and shoulders.
Repetition:
The risk for developing MSI increases when the same parts of the body are used repeatedly. Highly repetitive tasks can lead to fatigue, tissue damage, and eventually pain and discomfort.
Duration:
The amount of risk depends on how long (the total time in the workday) you are exposed to the risk factor.
Reporting Early:
Reporting injuries early is key! Early reporting leads to early treatment and a better chance of recovery. Informing your supervisor right away that you’ve experienced a work-related injury is critical. Learn the signs of MSIs: swelling, redness, difficulty moving, stiffness, numbness or tingling and pain.
If you require treatment beyond first aid, or if you missed time from work, you need to report it. Report your injury to Workers Compensation Board (WCB) after telling your supervisor or manager. Let your doctor know that you have sustained an injury at work and follow through with any prescribed treatments.For more information, please contact:
Lesley MacKinnon
Manager, Safety
Lesley.Mackinnon@BethanySeniors.com
Or
Site OHS Committee Chair or RepresentativeWorld Health Day April 7
Calling on all of us to ensure each of us is living and working in such a way that is conducive to good health.Additional resources:
MSI/RSI Educational Infographics
Support is available through LifeWorks EAP and Bethany Spiritual Care Support line.
LifeWorks
1-877-207-8833
Bethany Spiritual Care
Support Line: 587-390-7600LifeWorks supports employee health and well-being.
Bethany employees have access to a wide range of resources such as:
Link:
Bethanycaresociety.lifeworks.com
username: bcs
Password: eap
Phone: 1-877-207-8833
Phone App: LifeWorks WorkAngel
This week in Alberta we celebrate Social Work Week. Social workers are an integral part of our team at Bethany and we would like to thank all our hardworking social workers and celebrate this week with them. Our social workers provide outstanding support to our residents, their families, employees, companions and volunteers by engaging everyone in meaningful relationships.
Read about two of Bethany’s social worker employee profiles here!