I once dated a man who didn’t speak nicely to me. I don’t know when his endearments changed into negative comments, because, frankly, I didn’t notice them until I returned from a solo weekend vacation. “Hmmn,” I thought to myself after he threw a verbal barb at me upon my return, “they didn’t talk that … Read more
I recently met a new resident who demanded almost constant attention from her loved ones. Her family visited daily for hours at a time, and she’d call them soon after they’d left and tell them she was lonely. Trying to please her, they were exhausted, frustrated, irritable, and terribly sad. I reminded her tearful daughter … Read more
I’ve been treating two women who have suffered and survived with Bipolar Disorder all their lives. Sara, in her mid-seventies, has been struggling with deep depression, trying to find her way out of a depressive swing. She sits very still these days, watching the people in the hallway. From a closet full of colorful matched … Read more
And 83-year old Albertha assured me her family was planning to take her home for the holidays. “Have you talked to them about it? Have they called the social worker to arrange a pass, and meds, and transportation?” “No,” she replied, “but they’re coming to get me.” ‘Twas the week after Christmas, and Albertha … Read more
http://www.mcknights.com/Long-term-care-residents-can-benefit-from-the-Internet-too/article/123005 The Internet as Therapeutic Tool in LTC On November 4th, 2008, McKnight’s reported on a study that Internet use stimulates the elderly brain. Perhaps you’re wondering what your residents would do on the Internet and whether or not it’s worth your time and investment to establish access for them. As a psychologist … Read more
Talking to a medical doctor is not like talking to a normal person. In a regular conversation, one person says, “Hi. How are you?” The other says, “Fine. And yourself?” And they go from there. If busy Dr. Shah stops by Ms. Crenshaw’s room, inquires how she is, and hears that she’s “Fine,” he’s likely … Read more
Over the years I’ve worked in nursing homes, my sister has come into the building exactly once. That experienced so disturbed her that she subsequently waited outside in her car, phoning on her cell when she’d arrived to meet me. My sister isn’t unique in her reaction. Nursing homes are places we like to … Read more
http://www.mcknights.com/Young-adults-in-long-term-care-the-canaries-in-the-%20coal-mine/article/112345/ Young adults in long-term care Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D. July 3, 2008 Anne Marie Barnett, in her June 10, 2008 guest column, wrote about the disruptive effects of younger residents on long-term care facilities. As a psychologist who has worked with many younger residents over the years, I’d like to offer my perspective and … Read more
After working in nursing homes for so long, I sometimes wonder what I’d be like if I had dementia. It seems to me that for a lot of people with dementia, while many details of their personality are lost, what remains is the underlying emotional tone. Of course, most of the people I’m meeting are … Read more
This week I had the chance to meet with a lovely 97-year old lady whom I admire greatly. Despite her dementia, she can be eloquent and is interested in the world around her. She’s always well-dressed, thanks to her aides and to her family, who provide her with fashionable clothing they wash themselves. She’s often … Read more