Inside Silvera, issue 11
Battle of the Champions: employee immunization contest
Silvera employees continue stepping up to keep communities, ourselves and each other healthy. As of July 9, our employee vaccination rates was 89.8 per cent for first doses and 66.1 per cent for second doses – thanks to your efforts! Our ultimate goal is 95 per cent of all Silvera employees having both doses.
A big shoutout to the leaders of our employee vaccination wave. The first dose leaders are: Valleyview at 100 per cent; Admin office at 97.7 per cent; and Shawnessy at 97 per cent. The second dose leaders are: Valleyview at 96 per cent; Admin office at 88.6 per cent; and Willow Park on the Bow at 84.6 per cent.
We need to maintain this momentum. Calgary remains the variant hotbed, with the highest number of active variant cases in the province. Delta is the most contagious variant and spreads easily, affecting mostly those not vaccinated and those with only one dose. Those of you who aren’t fully vaccinated remain at risk if you’re exposed.
If you don’t yet have both doses, we urge you to get them as soon as possible and report it to your manager. Your safety matters a great deal.
A reminder that Albertans 18 and older who are fully vaccinated with two doses can enter the Open for Summer Lottery | Alberta.ca.
silvera.ca gets an upgrade
silvera.ca has a fresh new design, simpler navigation, easier-to-read type, a richer colour palette for better visibility and additional functionality to enhance the user experience. Mobile browsing – a crucial feature – has been enabled as well.
The site has been designed to meet modern web accessibility standards, ensuring it’s easy for everyone to use, including potential and current residents, employees, donors, volunteers and partners.
This site will continue to grow and evolve to meet the needs of these users.
When you have an opportunity, have a look around the new site. If you see broken links or anything else that doesn’t seem to work right, email [email protected].
If you know of someone who might be interested in Silvera, our website is a great place for them to start their job- or home-seeking journey.
Free meal plan ended, but meal plan available
The free plan, which was offered at Full Services communities as a temporary measure responding to needs at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, concluded at the end of June.
Meals are still offered as a benefit to employees at a cost of $3.15 per shift. If you’re not currently registered for the meal plan program but want to participate, please complete the Meal Plan Participation form at L:\EMPLOYEES\EE New Hire\Silvera Forms and email it to [email protected].
Once you’re registered in the meal plan program, Payroll will deduct the cost directly from your pay from the date of your enrollment.
Temporary COVID-19 floater employees funding concluded
Most of our contracted COVID-19 floater employees left Silvera by the end of June. The funding for these employees was supported by the Government of Alberta.
These individuals helped Silvera remain focused on the protocols and enhanced sanitization needed to keep residents and communities healthy. They also made it possible for permanent staff to take much needed vacation breaks.
“We thank these individuals for their efforts and commitment to our residents’ safety, and send them off with our deep gratitude,” said Michael Stuart, Chief Human Resources Officer.
“We also appreciate the province for recognizing and supporting the additional support that was needed at the height of the pandemic.”
If you have questions about these changes, contact [email protected].
Engaging with neighbours at Westview
Westview community celebrated summertime and neighbours on July 3, with a pre-Stampede food truck rodeo. Westview neighbours came to enjoy themselves and see our Glamorgan campus.
There was fun for people of all ages, including YYC Food Trucks, Trishaw bike rides, lawn games and vintage cars, along with a face painter and live entertainment.
As well, we offered viewings of our new Westview show suite, for anyone considering Silvera for themselves or a loved one. If you know someone who might be interested in a suite at the new Westview By Silvera, direct them to learn more about Westview on our website.
And the Jerusalema Employee Dance Challenge winner is…
Westview community was the winner of the employee “Stick It to COVID-19!” Jerusalema Dance Challenge, as chosen by a panel of judges from our Board of Director and Committee Members.
You can watch a video of the dances on Silvera’s YouTube channel.
“Thank you all for participating in this challenge and for spreading joy and sunshine,” said Olivia Chubey, Chief Service and Operations Officer.
Using technology can help strengthen relationships
Thanks to technology, staying connected is easier than ever. We now have a wide range of options, like live webinars, podcasts, video conferences, pre-recorded videos, instant messages, voice messages and audio texts. While things are returning to normal more-and-more each day, some face-to-face visits still are not possible. Technology can help in the meantime.
To get the most out of your virtual connections, her are some tips for building stronger relationships:
- Discuss shared goals: Relationships that are built upon a solid foundation of shared goals are stronger that ones that are more casual in nature. This is true of both personal and professional relationships. Taking time to check in on shared goals can help deepen your connection.
- Be on time: Showing up on time for appointments, whether in-person or online, shows a level of respect that communicates to the other person that you value their time. Respect can go a long way to building strong relationships.
- Check in regularly: Technology makes it possible to keep in touch regularly with friends and colleagues. Add reminders to your calendar or schedule a standing meeting so you have dedicated time to nurture important relationships.
Virtual connections may fall short in some areas compared to in-person interactions, but leveraging technology to maintain relationships that are important to you is the next best thing.
Celebrating summer across Silvera
To begin the summer, employees have been organizing lots of fun events for residents across Silvera communities to enjoy.
On July 1, residents enjoyed special activities, treats, decorations and more. These pictures are from Shouldice and Shawnessy communities, where there was painting, a (televised) fiddlers concert, and some people got dressed up to celebrate. Employee efforts to help residents live their best lives makes a positive impact!
Residents finding Cat Room purr-fect
The cat room at Silvera’s Valleyview community has had a big impact on employees and residents since the first feline came to stay in April. Phyllis is one of the residents who visits the cat room every day because she finds it relaxing and calming. She has enjoyed getting to know the cats and their unique personalities.
Phyllis jokes that visiting the cats has probably lowered her blood pressure. But she may actually be right! Research shows many benefits from pets living in seniors communities. They help people feel less stressed, happier and more connected.
A life-long cat lover, Phyllis is reminded of Miss Magi May, a very special cat who was her dear friend for 19 years. “It means a great deal to me to have the cats here,” she says. “I’m very happy they’ve brought this program to Valleyview.”
The program has seen four cats fostered to date before going to their forever homes. Charlie, the newest four-legged resident, is seen here cuddling with Phyllis.