Here’s my latest column at McKnight’s Long-Term Care News: Secrets to making your environment ’emotionally healing’ Back when I worked in psych, one of our most effective tools to improve mental health was maintaining a healing emotional environment, or therapeutic milieu. That’s why I was shocked when I first entered long-term care. I couldn’t believe … Read more
Once again, McKnight’s will host its annual online expo, which is a chance to attend a conference without leaving your desk. Register for the conference in advance, and then log in to hear the talks, visit the vendors, and chat with the reps and attendees. This year’s topics are: PAYMENT An MDS 3.0 Update March … Read more
Here’s my latest article in Long-Term Living Magazine online: What design features do LTC residents most want? The psychologist walked into Mrs. Winters’ room and found her in the corner, muttering under her breath. “Is everything okay?” the psychologist asked, concerned. Mrs. Winters was usually a calm lady, but today her face was tight with … Read more
Here’s my latest article in Long-Term Living magazine online: 3 small changes promise big impact in motivating your LTC staff The new year has just begun and even without an official resolution, January holds the promise of a fresh start. This could be the year to address perennial problems plaguing your organization. It can … Read more
Here’s my latest article on Long-Term Living magazine online: The holiday season is a time when family members are more likely than usual to visit their loved ones in long-term care facilities. Out-of-town relatives may be making their annual visit, or grandchildren off from school might be stopping by to see Grandma or Grandpa. Now’s … Read more
It’s been a challenging time here in New York, leading me to write this guest post for McKnight’s Long-Term Care News: Helping your LTC community cope in the wake of Hurricane Sandy In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, long-term care facilities may be wondering how to help their own residents, families, and staff members or … Read more
Where was I last week and why didn’t I update my blog as usual? I was in Denver, speaking about Mental Health in Nursing Homes at the National Aging Services Risk Management conference sponsored by Caring Communities, Peace Church Risk Retention Group, and ECRI Institute. I addressed the fact that facilities are exposing themselves to … Read more
Here’s my latest guest post on McKnight’s Long-Term Care News: Long-term care psychologists often can help prevent rehospitalizations Long-term care psychologists are a valuable resource for facilities looking to reduce their hospital readmission rates. As the only team member whose role it is to sit and talk with the residents for an extended period of time … Read more
Here’s my latest article on Long-Term Living magazine online: 7 methods to educate residents about their diagnoses “Thanks, Doc, for telling me about this group!” Mr. Jones smiled and held up the magazine he’d gotten from the National Parkinson Foundation. “Except for that actor, I didn’t even know one person with Parkinson’s before I got my … Read more
Here’s my latest article in Long-Term Living Magazine online: 5 reasons to educate residents about their illnesses “How long have you had Parkinson’s?” the psychologist asked Mr. Jones during his initial evaluation. “They just told me the diagnosis when I got here last week, but I suppose I’ve had it for a while.” He said … Read more