Take a look at this video message from SafeCare BC, which shares many of the initiatives and resources that were created over the last year to enhance the health and safety of continuing care workers.
In BC, the collective efforts are showing positive results – injury rates in long-term care, home care, and community health support are the lowest they’ve been in six years.
Thank you to Rhonda, a staff member at Menno Place, for heading up the Domestic Violence Awareness campaign during the month of November. Rhonda made hundreds of purple heart broaches for staff to purchase with the funds going to Victim Services in Abbotsford. The campaign raised $160 by staff and Menno Place matched the amount so that $320 was raised in total. Thank you to our staff for supporting such a worthwhile event.
November is Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Menno Place is supporting this cause as it has hit one of our own. Rhonda, a team member from Menno Apartments, lost her daughter to domestic violence. Part of her grief therapy was to work with other family members of domestic violence to create purple hearts. Each heart has a small hole in it that represents the loss of a loved one.
Rhonda has lovingly made these purple hearts to share with the team members at Menno to recognize Domestic Violence Month. Purple hearts are available in each lunch room/staff lounge for a small donation. The money raised will go to Abbotsford Victim Services. Menno Place will match the amount raised.
On October 22, 2019 fifteen HCAs attended the Heart & Hands Conference featuring Teepa Snow. It was an amazing opportunity to learn how dementia affects people and how to better understand how people with dementia see the world and how to best approach them. Thanks to Menno Place for sponsoring staff to attend this event!
SafeCare BC Presents a Webinar on Compassion Fatigue
Stress that occurs as a result of trying to help others in need is often referred to as the “cost of caring” and can cause physical and mental exhaustion and emotion withdrawal.
Watch to learn more.
World Mental Health Day
World Mental Health Day is observed on 10 October every year, with the overall objective of raising awareness of mental health issues around the world and mobilizing efforts in support of mental health.
This day provides an opportunity for all stakeholders working on mental health issues to talk about their work, and what more needs to be done to make mental health care a reality for people worldwide.
The topic of mental wellness is on the rise. Like our physical health, it’s something to be nurtured, developed and cared for. The more we talk about mental health, the more top of mind it becomes – especially at work. Our jobs play a significant part in our lives. The Menno Place Leadership Team wants to ensure everyone feels comfortable talking openly about mental health issues, without judgement or stigma and that people can get help when necessary. We support each and every one of you as you serve our residents here at Menno Place.
Not Myself Today© is a mental health initiative presented by the Canadian Mental Health Association (click here). It aims to change the way we talk about mental health and support our own mental health, as well as that of our colleagues. The different resources, tools and activities are all designed to raise awareness on the issue, reduce stigma, and ultimately to help us build a safe and supportive work environment.
At Menno Place we are excited to be on the forefront of organizations that are stepping up and making a difference in how mental health is supported at work. We were the first Long Term Care Organization in Canada to adopt the Psychological Health and Safety Standards back in 2014. Join us and be part of this journey.
On this website, you will find on the mental health tab a number of resources. In addition, new this year is personalized access to the Not Myself Today website. Access is personalized and is not shared with anyone else. Here you will be able to access tools and resources to support your mental wellness.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to talk to me.
Thank you,
Karen Baillie, CEO
