Here’s my latest article on McKnight’s Long-Term Care News: Use ‘nudge principles’ in LTC to prompt staff in the right direction Standing by the salad bar in the newly opened restaurant, I recoiled at the sign that read, “Please don’t use your hands.” I suggested to the manager that the notice should instead advise diners … 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
Here’s my latest article on McKnight’s Long-Term Care News: Reducing antipsych meds: 5 ways psychologists can help With the mandate to reduce the use of antipsychotics, many facilities are looking for alternative methods to address the behaviors often associated with dementia. There are several good resources available for training staff (such as the Center for … Read more
Here’s my latest article on McKnight’s Long-Term Care News: What if psychologists ruled the (LTC) world… In the medically focused setting of long-term care, psychologists are mindful of the emotional environment. While most psychologists almost exclusively address the mental health of the residents due to the current reimbursement system, we’re also aware of the interactions … Read more
Here’s my latest article on McKnight’s Long-Term Care News: The Eldercare Method: Using psychology for positive outcomes I watched with dismay as the nurse abruptly moved a table in front of a confused and agitated resident trying to leave the dining room. “Sit down!” she told him in a stern voice. “Dinner will be here … Read more
Here’s my latest article on McKnight’s Long-Term Care News: Using psychology to reduce roommate conflicts: A handy guide “My roommate is driving me crazy with his oxygen machine. I haven’t slept in days.” “Her husband stays in the room all the time, even when she’s in rehab.” “She always leaves the window open and I’m … Read more
Here’s my latest article on McKnight’s Long-Term Care News: Care model for more than just medical condition needed in long-term care Of the most efficient countries for healthcare, the United States ranks second in healthcare costs per capita but 46th in efficiency (out of the 48 countries ranked!). The move from a biomedical to a … Read more
Here’s my latest article at McKnight’s Long-Term Care News: 6 common problems a shrink on staff can solve (and your consultant can’t) As a psychologist consulting in long-term care facilities, I was paid through Medicare, Medicaid, and/or private insurance for only one task: direct contact with residents. That’s it. I provided a lot more because … Read more
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
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