COVID-19 has affected millions of people across the country and around the world. It has vastly changed our lives, with no immediate end in sight. As we face the gloomy prospect of a pandemic winter, I consulted some experts for suggestions on how to handle difficult periods in life — nursing home residents. In many … Read more
Nursing homes and eldercare have been in the news more frequently recently and I’ve had several opportunities to contribute a psychological perspective. Scripps National News: Washington Post: With video calls and an army of volunteers, this 15-year-old is battling pandemic loneliness in nursing homes Chicago Tribune: Nursing home staffers face stress and their own COVID-19 … Read more
When I arrived at Mr. Johnson’s room, he was sitting in the doorway in his wheelchair, frowning at the passersby. He was immaculately dressed as usual, in a button-down shirt and shorts on this hot summer day, looking much younger than his 90 years. Lately he’d been frustrated that his memory was interfering with his … Read more
The holidays are typically a busy time for long-term care centers, filled with special activities and extra visitors. Because of the pandemic, this year will be much different. Planning, collaboration, creativity and communication will be needed to create reasonable alternatives to usual events. Take action now to avoid a season of putting out the fires … Read more
Next Wednesday, October 28th, McKnight’s free Online Forum will focus on the impact of COVID-19. Join me at 10:30am ET for “Coping with the psychological hardships of COvID-19 on staff, residents and families.” The afternoon session will address reimbursement issues. For more information and the registration link, visit: McKnight’s Online Forum arrives Wednesday — 2 … Read more
Margaret was a plump 54-year old woman who was skeptical about psychological services when I first approached her. Three sessions later she sat quietly on the edge of her bed, staring down at her legs, her feet not quite touching the floor. “I can’t walk. Every time I try to stand up in physical therapy, … Read more
In “Keeping workers will be biggest struggle for nursing homes as pandemic persists, national policy expert predicts,” McKnight’s Long-Term Care News Staff Writer Danielle Brown reports on the staffing problems outlined by Harvard Medical School health care policy professor David Grabowski, Ph.D. He anticipates that, because of a lack of support, direct caregivers will leave … Read more
“I need you to see Eddie,” the social worker told me. “He keeps throwing himself out of bed and you know how the administration is about falls.” Falls were bad. They get reported to the State. “You hear that moaning down the hall?” she asked. “That’s him. He’s driving all the other residents crazy.” She … Read more
There’s a hidden world inside each nursing home. Each center is filled with people striving to live their best lives despite age and disability. Family visitors arrive when they can to offer care and companionship. Staff members devote themselves to this work largely because of their genuine fondness for the residents. If people would like … Read more
Recent calls1, 2, 3 for an increase in nursing staff levels may have providers wondering how to accomplish this. Under normal circumstances it can be challenging to find qualified individuals; the pandemic has added an off-putting level of danger to nursing home work. Two webinars hosted by McKnight’s Long-Term Care News last week offer clues … Read more