Caring for Mind and Body
New Jersey – As the only long-term, specialized HIV/AIDS nursing and rehabilitation facility in the state, Broadway House for Continuing Care (BHCC) is nationally recognized for its patient-oriented services. Built upon the belief that quality healthcare begins with the well-being of caregivers, the Broadway House employee wellness program encompasses a growing selection of benefits that promote a healthy lifestyle.
In 2004, in the spirit of a holistic approach to care, BHCC rolled out an educational lecture series available free of charge to personnel from over 350 long-term care facilities in New Jersey. Around the same time, a handful of BHCC employees returned from a national conference for caregivers with the goal of creating a wellness program to take care of their own. From these ingredients of community education and taking care of caregivers, management and line staff designed and implemented a multi-modal employee wellness program that enhances patient care by capitalizing on the well-being and empowerment of employees.
In addition to free access to mental health, substance abuse and spiritual counseling, BHCC holds a “Wellness Day” each month during which employees can tap into a variety of resources. Free services are provided on-site by credentialed professionals, some of whom are BHCC employees. Offerings include chiropractic care, massage therapy, acupuncture, aromatherapy, nutritional/weight management services and smoking cessation assistance.
Between 30 and 40 percent of BHCC employees utilize wellness program resources each month and participation continues to grow as the word spreads. Among positive outcomes of the wellness services, employees report reduced stress, improved sense of well-being, weight loss, decreased smoking, less pain and greater mobility. Knowing that BHCC recognizes the diverse needs of its staff and the distinct challenges of providing 24/7 care to special needs residents and outpatients helps employees feel valued and fosters their commitment to the organization’s mission of providing top-quality service.
BHCC’s wellness program has produced high levels of employee satisfaction and a turnover rate of less than 12 percent per year in an industry where it’s not uncommon for two-thirds or more of employees to leave annually. BHCC fully realizes the importance of taking care of its employees in body, mind and spirit. After all, healthy employees help patients feel more than just well-cared for, they make them feel at home.