Here’s my latest article on McKnight’s Long-Term Care News: ‘The Adventures of The Geropsychologist’! “The Adventures of The Geropsychologist!” Starring Dr. El as The Geropsychologist! There have been thousands of movies and TV shows about the exciting work of cops, lawyers, and hospitals, but long-term care? Fuhgeddaboutit! Here, Dr. El aims to correct that oversight … Read more
Mr. Johnson was in his 90s and had lost his vision many years ago. His great joy in life now was listening to the radio. When I first came to see him, he had many different types of radios in his room. There were several radio alarm clocks and complicated boom boxes with too many … Read more
This Washington Post article by Louise Aronson, MD perfectly describes the failures of our current medical system to address the problems that affect older patients. The medical system may treat you well, but less so after you reach age 80 The clinic was in a dilapidated old building, yet the entryway retained a worn grandeur. Tapering, … Read more
“I’M THE NEW PSYCHOLOGIST,” I screamed. “DO YOU HAVE A HEARING AID?” “What?” Ms. Oakes replied. The rest of our first session went downhill from there. I stopped at the nursing station on the way off the unit. “She never wears her hearing aid,” the nurse reported. “I’ve got it right here but she refuses.” … Read more
Last month I had the chance to attend the launch of Dr. Bill Thomas’ new book, Second Wind. Bill Thomas, founder of the Eden Alternative and creator of The Green House, has written many books about changing the culture of care in nursing homes. In his new book, he shifts his focus to helping readers … Read more
Here’s my latest article on McKnight’s Long-Term Care News: Stuff I’ve done for residents as a long-term care shrink Many of us in long-term care think of our jobs as a calling. We handle the day-to-day tasks and the business as usual but also get a lot of energy and joy out of taking our … Read more
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
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
Over the years, I’ve spoken with hundreds and hundreds of people whose daily lives were interrupted by a health crisis that led them into long-term care. They’ve told me how challenging it can be and we’ve discussed the changes that have occurred and how to adapt to them. If they’re going back home, we talk … Read more
Mrs. Thomas was nervous on Monday, talking about the election and how the results would affect her and the rest of the country. “I spoke to my sister and she decided to vote for him,” she told me. “I was so surprised. I’ve been voting the same way all my life and I’m not going … Read more