When I worked in the psychiatric hospital, the focus of treatment was on the mental health of the patients. Physical complaints were usually thought of as an expression of mental illness and not reflective of an actual medical problem. We once sent a patient down to the tiny sub-basement medical clinic after she injured her … Read more
It was around Easter time one year when the following exchange took place: “Hand me my peeps,” Isabelle commanded from her geri-recliner. She pointed to something behind me. I turned and saw a package of yellow baby-chick-shaped marshmallows on her tray table. The word “Peeps” was written on the front of the box. I handed … Read more
I once heard a family member complain at the nursing station about a parent being on antidepressants. “She can’t remember a thing. How can she be depressed?” The nurse replied, “I know.” To clear up this common misunderstanding, Marc E. Agronin, MD, author of How We Age: A Doctor’s Journey into the Heart of Growing … Read more
Stella had been in the nursing home several years before anyone had thought to refer her to the psychologist. She sat in her room reading her bible all day, emerging only for showers. “Why don’t you try some of the activities?” I asked her. “They have lots of good stuff here — even church services,” … Read more
“I wish my boys weren’t so busy,” Greta commented. “I’d really like to get some new dresses and I have no one to take me.” Greta’s boys were always “busy.” There were two names listed on the face sheet of her chart, but I’d never seen them or met anyone at the nursing home who … Read more
“It’s not right,” Carlos complained. “That son of mine isn’t telling me what’s going on with my money.” “You’re worried about your finances?” Carlos had been anxious and irritable for most of the three months since his admission to the nursing home. “Yes!” He pounded one fist into another. “I know how to take care … Read more
James Hawkins, III liked to sit in the lobby drinking tea and watching the passersby. At 93, he spoke about his well-traveled childhood, his Ivy League education, and a lost love and penchant for liquor that had led to the life of a bachelor. He confessed his virginity, and then later on, another confession: “I’m … Read more
Last year I attended McKnight’s Long-Term Care News’ FREE online expo and was very impressed by the content and format of the event. Of course, I was hoping for a mental health track this year :-), but many readers will find the topics of interest: Technology: New technology, new legal challenges Wound Care: Managing unavoidable … Read more
Most nursing home residents are eligible for a Personal Needs Allowance (PNA) from Medicaid, which varies from state to state. In New York, for example, the PNA is $50/month. It’s been $50/month since 1980. There is no inflation adjustment, but if there had been one, residents would be getting $133.63 in 2011 dollars, according to … Read more
Hi Folks, I’m taking a much-needed blog break for the next couple of weeks. Feel free to look around while I’m gone by scrolling through posts, using the Search box in the right sidebar for topics of your choice, or by looking through the Labeled categories also noted in the right sidebar. See you the … Read more