When you’re trying to get to the root of a problem, there’s no substitute for first-hand observation and experience.

That’s the inspiration behind the 3sHealth Employee Benefit Plans (EBP) team’s drive to get into workplaces around the province and see health care in action.

A group from EBP recently paid a visit to Kelly Chessie, executive director of Santa Maria Senior Citizens Home in Regina to get a first-hand view and improve that understanding.

An EBP manager, a benefit specialist, and three adjudicators spent an afternoon observing employees and discussing the challenges of working in long-term care.

EBP’s work administering the Saskatchewan health-care system’s benefit plans includes disability benefits, which are paid to workers who are unable to perform their duties because of illness or injury. It is the privilege of the disability claims team to do all it can to assist plan members in their journey back to health. The best way to do that is to ensure the team fully understands the requirements and challenges inherent in all health-care jobs and how a member’s illness or injury impacts their work.

Going to where health care happens

“It was so beneficial to see the environment of the senior citizen’s home,” said one adjudicator. “Seeing staff lift the carts and use the laundry facilities really helps us understand the physical demands of the job.”

“Long-term care is a unique environment in the health system,” said Chessi. “I appreciate 3sHealth’s efforts to understand what our workers go through on a daily basis.”

This outreach into workplaces will help EBP better understand the barriers that may prevent plan members from returning to their job and identify where assistance is needed. It is another important step as we work with plan members on their path to health.

If you have questions about your benefit plan, call 3sHealth at 1.866.278.2301 or email ebp@3sHealth.ca.