Blog

A Message to All Staff from the President and CEO

Since the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a global pandemic our world has changed dramatically. These are unprecedented times and we are being inundated with information. I hope that this update will provide you with useful information about what has been happening at Bethany.

As the COVID-19 pandemic began to sweep the world, Bethany mobilized its pandemic response plan under the leadership of our Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Nancy Hughes. I want to express my gratitude to Nancy and all the members of the pandemic response team. As we move forward, this team will continue to drive the operational decisions we make to protect our residents, tenants…and you.

I know this is a difficult time, unlike anything any of us have ever experienced. As an essential healthcare organization on the frontlines of a public health emergency, I know that it must be hard to come to work every day with so much uncertainty around us. I’m aware that many of you have things happening in your own lives outside of Bethany that may have turned your world upside down, with school closures, job losses or other significant impacts on your family life.

As many of you know, I have been on self-isolation due to out of country travel and I will be returning to the office on Friday morning. During this time I have been working from home (thanks to our amazing IT team who have ensured that I have the technology supports I needed). It has been very difficult for me to remain at home while so many of you have been working long hours to ensure the safety of the people of Bethany. For those of you on self-isolation, I fully understand the strain of being at home, away from family and friends. As humans we crave interaction with others and when this is taken away it can be very hard emotionally and physically. While I have used technology to remain connected and have made sure to get outside every day for a walk, it has not been easy.

Perhaps the most difficult experience was missing the birth of my first grandchild who entered the world yesterday. Not being able to be there to meet him has by far been the most difficult point in my self-isolation. However, it is my responsibility to my family, the general public and Bethany to remain on self-isolation as instructed by the Chief Medical Officer of Health for the greater good.

Under Nancy and the operational team’s leadership, we are committed not only to your safety as you come to your vitally important jobs every day, but also to supporting your emotional wellbeing in these trying times. You are receiving a COVID-19 News Bulletin every day to inform what is happening withthe pandemic response at the national, provincial and operational levels. But I also want to hear from you about how you are doing, so that we can find the best ways to support you in the weeks ahead.

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 will be sending out a weekly video update 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, tenants and each other in the days and weeks ahead.

The first video will be this Friday where I will be addressing the organization to provide an update to all staff related to the pandemic.

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 McCue, President and Chief Executive Officer

As the situation around the globe remains uncertain, it’s normal to feel anxious when faced with a public health crisis, particularly one that has intense media coverage and has disrupted the routines in which we crave and the social and wellness activities that we enjoy.

Low levels of anxiety is normal as it encourages us to be prepared however anything more that that can be detrimental to your mental and physical health. Here are a few tips to help manage the anxiety you might be feeling.

• Educate yourself. Learn what the virus is, the signs and symptoms and how to protect yourself and others through appropriate hand hygiene and social distancing.
• Keep Perspective. Stay informed, however do not spend too much time on media coverage. Instead, spendtime on other important and positive things in your life.
• Take precautions. Once you’ve determined what the recommended precautions are, incorporate those into your regular routine. Right now, the recommendations are:
  • wash your hands regularly with soap and water
  • stay home if you are sick
  • avoid those who are presenting with cold or flu-like symptoms
  • maintain regular health routines like sleeping enough, eating healthy and exercising

• Stay connected. Having a support network to talk to when you’re feeling anxious can help you stay grounded and keep the perspective you need. Practice social distancing!
• Use your coping skills. Engage in activities that help you manage your anxiety levels, for example practice mindfulness meditations or go for a walk.
• Seek extra help. If you’re still struggling with your anxiety or experiencing panic that is affecting your ability to maintain your regular activities, consider seeking additional support.

Remember, as for world outbreaks, the COVID-19 pandemic is rare. If you are having trouble coping or have questions, please reach out and talk to your supervisor.

For more information, please contact:

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

Or

Site OHS Committee Chair or RepresentativeDownload the LifeWorksapp
Feel supported, connected and rewarded wherever you are!The app acts like your digital wallet card. You can call a LifeWorksEmployee Assistance Program (EAP) advisor with just one tap –toll-free, 24/7 –for expert advice, resources and referrals.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 COVID19

Public Health Agency of Canada

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update March 9, 2020

What is it?

Coronavirus (COVID-19) is an infectious respiratory illness which can cause similar symptoms to the flu. Most people who become infected experience mild illness and recover, but it can be more severe for others, especially those with pre-existing conditions.

How significant is this in Canada?

There is 1 confirmed case and 3 presumptive cases in Alberta. There are 67 cases across Canada. The risk to Albertans is still low.

What action is Bethany taking?

Bethany is monitoring the situation through updates from the Government of Alberta and Alberta Health Services (AHS), and we have updated our Pandemic Plans and Outbreak Management Policies in order to respond effectively in the unlikely event the virus is detected at one or more of our communities.

How is the virus spread?

• The virus is spread through respiratory droplets when coughing or sneezing
• Close, prolonged contact, such as touching or shaking hands
• Touching something with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose or eyes before washing hands

What are the symptoms of Coronavirus?

Coronavirus symptoms can be similar to a cold or case of the flu. Symptoms are usually mild to moderate (but can be more severe in some people) and may include:

• Fever
• Runny nose
• Headache
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Shortness of breath

What can I do to protect myself?

• Wash your hands with soap thoroughly and often
• Carry a small bottle of alcohol based hand sanitizer and use frequently – especially when out in public
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and face with unwashed hands

If I think I have been exposed what should I do?

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

Advice for Travelers

The risk to Canadian travelers abroad is generally low but will vary depending on the destination. Please consult the destination page on travel.gc.ca for the latest travel advice. If you have any questions related to your attendance at work please contact your direct manager.

Where can I find more information?

You can find more information by calling Health link at 811.

If you have any immediate questions or concerns, please contact:
Ilona Fibich, Quality Practice Lead – Infection Prevention and Control
403.210.4697
Ilona.Fibich@bethanyseniors.com

March is Nutrition Month—a great time to focus on making healthy food choices that contribute to your overall health and well-being.

One easy concept to follow is what some experts refer to as the “80/20 rule.” If 80 percent of what you eat is healthy—with a nutritious mix of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, then you can eat what you crave for the other 20 percent. Here are some additional tips.

Try to fit in two to three nutritious snacks throughout the day in addition to well-balanced main meals. This will give you energy throughout the day, even during a mid-shift slump.

Drink water throughout the day. Avoid soda and sports drinks, which are often high in sugar. Limit caffeinated beverages. Sugar and caffeine may make you feel great for a little while, but when they wear off, you may feel even worse than before consuming them.

Eat lots of fruits and vegetables and include some fish into your diet. Try to build fruits and vegetables into your diet every day. Snack on apples, oranges, berries, dried fruit, carrot sticks, and other fruits and vegetables.

Keep an eye on portion size. Research has found large portions cause people to keep eating after they’re full. Using a smaller plate for meals will help to curb your food intake.

If junk food is your downfall, don’t buy it. Shop with a list to avoid impulsive buys. The healthiest foods are usually around the outer perimeter of the grocery store, so stay away from the aisles where the processed foods tend to be.

Track your intake. When you keep a food diary (whether on paper or through an app), you will think twice about eating and snacking. Make yourself accountable for all that you eat.

For more information, please contact:

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

Or

Site OHS Committee Chair or RepresentativeFood brings people together in community. Start a Bethany Healthy Eating Challenge this month with your co-workers to foster community amongst your team.

There is a different theme each week that you can choose from to help you build healthy habits. Below is a theme for each week of March.

WEEK ONE
Paint your plate with vegetables

WEEK TWO
Fill up on fibre

WEEK THREE
Re-think your drink

WEEK FOUR
Hold the saltLifeWorks 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