Suicide risk in LTC: Effective protocols may not be what you think (McKnight’s LTC News)

Here’s my latest article at McKnight’s Long-Term Care News: Suicide risk in LTC: Effective protocols may not be what you think According to researchers, 11% to 43% of LTC residents have thoughts of suicide1-3, with higher rates in larger facilities and in those with more staff turnover4. Other stressors include medical illness, the presence of … Read more

Meeting boomer needs at LeadingAge Florida (McKnight’s LTC News)

Here’s my latest article at McKnight’s Long-Term Care News: Meeting boomer needs at LeadingAge Florida “You do so much for seniors,” my friends tell me, having heard too many stories about the horrors of nursing homes. “Those places need more people like you.” “Actually,” I respond, “there are lots of people like me out there … Read more

Dr. El speaks at LeadingAge Florida about the psychosocial needs of baby boomers

I’m honored to be speaking at LeadingAge Florida’s 50th annual convention this year.  I’ll be talking tomorrow morning about the anticipated psychosocial needs of baby boomers.  If you’re at the convention, please come by to hear me and be sure to say hello afterward.  Hope to see you there!

Reducing Learned Helplessness in LTC (McKnight’s LTC News)

Here’s my latest article at McKnight’s Long-Term Care News: Reducing learned helplessness in LTC John O’Connor’s recent post on the pain/depression cycle raised some interesting points about depression in long-term care. He referenced a 2009 study that found that over 47% of nursing home residents suffer from some level of depression, and he reported on a University … Read more

Young Adults in LTC: A New Resource for Caregivers (McKnight’s LTC News)

Here’s my latest article at McKnight’s Long-Term Care News: Young adults in long-term care: a new resource for caregivers According to a 2010 NPR report, young adults have been one of the fastest growing long-term care populations over the past 10 years, with 14% of nursing home residents under the age of 65. Some live in … Read more

5 Lessons long-term care providers can learn from Joan Lunden (McKnight’s LTC News)

Here’s my latest article at McKnight’s Long-Term Care News: 5 lessons long-term care providers can learn from Joan Lunden Award-winning journalist and author Joan Lunden and I met recently to talk about eldercare issues. Joan’s mother is 94 years old and happy in a small care home after living for years in the community with home care. … Read more

Joan Lunden speaks with Dr. El on Eldercare

Award-winning journalist and author Joan Lunden takes time from her busy schedule to talk with Dr. El of My Better Nursing Home about her experiences caring for her 94-year old mother and speaking with other family caregivers around the country. Dr. El:  Joan, you’re part of what’s called “The Sandwich Generation,” taking care of your … Read more

Everything I needed to know I learned from my residents (McKnight’s LTC News)

Here’s my latest article at McKnight’s Long-Term Care News: Everything I needed to know I learned from my residents Someone posted a story I Liked on Facebook about an 85-year old woman who graduated from college and already had a job offer. “She’s my new hero!” a Friend commented. That got me thinking about all … Read more