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  • Blessing of Hands July 13-17, 2020

    The virtual ‘Blessing of Hands’ initiative for employees will take place this week during July 13-17.

    The Blessing of Hands is:

    • A way to recognize the commitment and service of employees
    • Referred to as a ‘Blessing of Hands’ because we bless others when we use our hands to do our work
    • A symbolic practice/ritual because it is our hands which we use the most in our work
    • A beautiful ritual to help people feel connected – to each other and to their work

    When/Where/How:

    Posters have been distributed with an invitation to: “Celebrate and renew the power of your hands through a Blessing of Hands Ceremony.” All Bethany Heroes are invited to participate.  Each of the chaplains will organize and perform the Blessing of Hands ceremony at the dates and times that work best for each of the sites – please see details at the site you work at.

    Normally, the ceremony would involve pouring water over the hands as a ‘spiritual’ blessing is offered. However, in times of social distancing and hand hygiene protocols, this ceremony will offer the choice of a spritzer of distilled water and essential oils or a spritzer of distilled water infused with crystals that will be sprayed into the palms of the hands. The blessing will be offered as employees are rubbing their hands together. Participation is voluntary.

    Click the link to view a virtual Blessing of the Hands prayer from our chaplain Trudy Gryschuk.

  • Safety Bulletin July 2020

    July 24 is International Self-Care Day—and this provides an opportunity to raise awareness about this topic and the important role it plays in leading a healthy lifestyle.

    Self-care is about making choices that help your physical and mental health, such as eating healthy, getting enough sleep and exercising. The date chosen for International Self-Care Day (24/7) is a reminder that self-care is important to lifelong health, and its benefits are experienced 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

    What is self-care?

    Self-care is any intentional act that takes care of our mental, emotional, and physical health. Although it’s a simple concept in theory, it’s something we often overlook. Good self-care is key to improved mood, reduced anxiety and better relationships with oneself and others.

    What isn’t self-care?

    Self-care is not something that we force ourselves to do, or something we don’t enjoy doing. Self-care should be things we do to recharge our batteries rather than things that drain us. Self-care isn’t selfish, in fact it helps us better take care of others!

    Although self-care means different things to different people, see this basic checklist below that can help you find what it means to you:

    • Create a “no” list, with unhealthy habits, such as too much screen time at night. Eat a nutritious, healthy diet
    • Get enough sleep. Adults usually need 7-8 hours of sleep each night
    • Exercise. In contrast to what many people think, exercise is as good for our emotional health as it is for our physical health. It increases serotonin levels, leading to improved mood and energy. Choose a form of exercise that you like!
    • Follow-up with medical care. It is common to put off checkups or visits to the doctor
    • Use relaxation exercises and/or practice meditation
    • Spend enough time with your loved ones
    • Do at least one relaxing activity every day, whether it’s taking a walk or spending 30 minutes unwinding
    • Do at least one pleasurable activity every day; from going to the cinema, to cooking or meeting with friend – socially distancing of course!
    • Look for opportunities to laugh!

    Finally, remember to add self-care to your mental fitness plan that we explored last month to boost your overall health and wellness.

    For more information, please contact:

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

    Or

    Site OHS Committee Chair or RepresentativeLifeWorks 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 COVID19

    Public Health Agency of Canada

  • Health Care Aide Directory – Time to Renew

    Deadline June 30!

    All Health Care Aides (HCAs) must renew and have an active status in the Alberta HCA Directory. If you have not renewed by June 30, you will be ineligible to work at Bethany.

  • Update Newsletter — May/June 2020 Issue

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

    From stories about our Heroes of Bethany to the latest HCA Directory Renewal you’ll find it here in Bethany’s May/June Update!

    Click Here to view the PDF version.

  • Safety Bulletin June 2020

    Do you have a Mental Fitness Plan?

    Thinking about your emotional well-beingand assessing your mental health regularly has never been more relevant. Dedicating a short time weekly to your mental fitness will reap significant benefits to help you feel rejuvenated and more confident.
    Here some simple ways to practice daily:

    • “Collect” positive emotional moments -Recall times when you have experienced pleasure, comfort, calmness, confidence, or other positive emotions
    • Exercise–Regular physical activity improves psychological well-being and can reduce depression and anxiety. Joining an exercise group or a gym can also reduce loneliness, since it connects you with a new set of people sharing a common goal
    • Enjoy hobbies–Bring balance to your life by exploring something you enjoy free of the pressure of everyday tasks. It also keeps your brain active
    • Keep a journal–Jotting down your thoughts can help you gain perspective, release tension and even boost your immune system
    • Share humour–Laughing can go a long way to keeping us mentally fit
    • Treat yourself well–Cook a good meal or have a bubble bath. Call a friend or relative you haven’t talked to in ages. Whatever it is, do it just for you
    • Enjoy Nature –Go for a walk in the woods or at a park. Plant flowers and vegetables and set up a bird feeder to draw nature to your surroundings
    • Social Connection –Plan virtual visits with family and friends using Zoom, GoTo, or FaceTime

    Click here to download a template for committing to a weekly or monthly mental health plan. Take time to write down your goals and stick with it!

    For more information, please contact:

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

    Or

    Site OHS Committee Chair or RepresentativeLifeWorks 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 COVID19

    Public Health Agency of Canada

  • National Nursing Week 2020 is May 11-17

    The theme this year Nurses: A Voice to Lead — Nursing the World to Health has never been more relevant as it is today. The theme was developed by the International Council of Nurses (ICN) to showcase how nurses are central to addressing a wide range of health challenges. The World Health Organization (WHO) has also designated 2020 as the Year of the Nurse and Midwife in honour of the 200th anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s birth.

    Nurses have always been a vital part of Bethany Care Society. They 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 to provide care to our residents during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    So, while we feel that National Nurses Week is important every year, this year, we want say an extra 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.

  • Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update May 8 – New Visitation Guidelines at Bethany Sites

    New Visitation Guidelines at Bethany Sites

    On Monday, May 11, all Bethany care centres will be introducing new visitation guidelines. The change will allow residents to enjoy on-site outdoor visits with designated visitors and will also permit two visitors in a private resident room for end of life visitation.

    These changes are in response to Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer updated order relating to the visitation guidelines to long term care centres, designated assisted centres and lodges issued on April 28, 2020. The intention of the revised guidelines is to balance the need to restrict visitation with residents in health care facilities while ensuring each resident’s quality of life can be maintained.

    Bethany has carefully reviewed and considered the best way to implement this order at all Bethany sites. While we understand this announcement is welcome news to residents and families, it will have implications for all of our sites.

    We are taking a balanced approach to implementing visitor guidelines and have made approved modifications to the provincial order to ensure resident and employee safety. We will be maintaining social distancing, ensuring appropriate use of PPE for visitations and providing stringent guidelines for families to follow.

    Every site will have a specific process in place for visitation and all families and residents will receive a letter outlining the guidelines. We will also continue to promote the use of technology and window visits as ways for family members to connect with loved ones.

    Please contact your manager if you have any questions and/or concerns. You may also review the FAQs relating to the new site visitation at: https://bethanyseniors.com/covid-19-faq/.

    Thank you for your support and patience as we introduce these new guidelines.

    Sincerely,

    Nancy Hughes, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

  • NAOSH (North American Occupational Safety and Health) Week and Mental Health Week

    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.

  • Businesses Give Back to Health Care Workers

    As a “Thank You” to the heroic efforts of Health Care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, the following businesses are showing their appreciation by providing the following promotional offers:

    Cactus Club Café

    • Healthcare Hero Combo for $12.75 with your choice of a sandwich, salad or bowl plus a drink and cookie
    • Wear a uniform or present healthcare worker

    Circle K

    • Free coffee, tea and Polar Pop (any size) until April 30
    • Present professional ID

    Costco

    • Priority access for healthcare workers
    • Provide healthcare ID

    Crocs

    • Free pair of Crocs for healthcare workers

    Dolphin Dry Cleaners

    • Free home laundry service
    • Show health care or emergency services ID

    Earls Kitchen + Bar

    • 30% off food for healthcare workers + first responders
    • Available on pickup orders only

    FYIdoctors – Calgary

    • As a sincere thank you, FYidoctors has secured a limited supply* of safety glasses that they would like to donate to front line workers.

    Hearts Choices

    • Free meal
    • Show work ID for verification

    Highlander Wine and Spirits

    • AHS staff receive 20-30% off wine and spirits and 10-15% off beer

    London Drugs

    • Priority access for healthcare workers
    • Provide employer ID or credentials

    McDonald’s

    • Enjoy a free medium coffee or tea
    • Provide work identification

    Moxie’s

    • 40% discount on all phone in pick-up orders

    Nando’s

    • Free meal (¼ chicken with chips) for hospital workers with valid hospital ID
    • Offer must be redeemed by phone order or in-person takeout order

    Philosafy Coffee

    • Free coffee for AHS staff
    • Download the “Philosafy” app from the App Store, create an account using your AHS email and redeem your drink under the coupon labeled “Our Heroes”

    Real Canadian Superstore

    • Priority access for healthcare workers
    • Provide healthcare ID

    Shell

    • Free sandwiches and beverages
    • Provide work identification through a uniform or badge

    Shoppers Drug Mart

    • Priority access for healthcare workers
    • Provide healthcare ID

    Starbucks

    • Enjoy a free tall brewed coffee (either hot or iced) through May 3

    Sunterra

    • 25% in-market discount to AHS employees on all Sunterra made products including prepared meals, soups, salads, produce, deli, bread, desserts, Sunterra Farms Pork and Soleterra d’italia cooked and cured meats
    • Show your AHS staff ID card at the till

    Taiko Canteen

    • Provide AHS badge and receive 25% off your entire order

    Thank you to these businesses and a bigger “thank you” to our employees!

  • Update Newsletter — March/April 2020 Issue

    Stay up-to-date on Bethany’s progress with our March/April newsletter!

    From Social Distancing FAQs to Coping with Anxiety During COVID-19, you’ll find it here in Bethany’s March/April Update!

    Click Here to view the PDF version.