“I had a couple of relapses this week,” Betty told me, looking ashamed. We’d been working in psychotherapy on her efforts not to snap at the aides and nurses who came to care for her. “I try not use to my call bell,” she went on. “Sometimes I sit here for two hours thinking about … Read more
Here’s my latest article in Long-Term Living magazine online, 5 Secrets Your Line Staff Wishes You Knew: Click-clack. Click-Clack. The hard-bottomed shoes of the administrator echoed through the halls once again, this time accompanied by the high heels of the director of nursing. The crepe-soled nursing staff moved about the floor, silently hoping the bigwigs … Read more
Here’s my latest article, on The Silo Effect, at Long-Term Living magazine’s online site: The employees listened carefully to their boss as he outlined a new procedure. “Any questions?” None were raised, and the boss, pleased at the consensus, adjourned the meeting. But outside the conference room, the murmurs started. How do they expect us … Read more
According to their website, The National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care is “the leading national voice representing consumers in issues related to long-term care, helping to ensure that consumers are empowered to advocate for themselves.” This Friday, February 3rd from 9am-3pm ET, The Consumer Voice is taking to Facebook to discuss mental health issues … Read more
I hadn’t been on the North wing of the nursing home in a while, and when I saw Juanita Johnson sleeping in a geri-recliner, I turned to the nurse, aghast. “I barely recognized her! She’s lost so much weight!” “I know. It’s terrible,” the nurse replied. “We’re having her evaluated by hospice today.” Ms. … Read more
A 2011 study by Australian researchers focused on the use of humor to reduce agitation in nursing home residents with dementia. The Sydney Multisite Intervention of SmileBosses and ElderClowns (SMILE) study investigated the effect of providing humorous interactions with residents through the use of a character dressed like a bellhop, who kindly jokes with participants. … Read more
“I asked the nurse for a psychology consult for Gloria Teller on the third floor,” the dietician told me. “She’s not eating well, and when I went to talk to her, all she could do was cry.” “Thanks,” I replied. “I’ll keep an eye out for it.” I jotted the name down in my book … Read more
I read some helpful ideas on working with residents with dementia in the most recent Psychologists in Long-Term Care newsletter (Vol. 25, Issue 2-3). Psychologist Nancy Hoffman, PsyD, discusses research findings and her interview with Lucy Andrews, RN, MS, owner of At Your Service Homecare in Santa Rosa, California. The main points to consider: Agitation often … Read more
With Thanksgiving upon us in less than three weeks, it’s time for this perennial post from Dr. El at mybetternursinghome.com: ‘Twas the Week Before Christmas… 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 … Read more
Me: Mrs. Jones, Where Is Your Hearing Aid? Mrs. Jones: What? Me: YOUR HEARING AID! WHERE IS IT? Mrs. Jones: The nurse has it in her closet. Me: I’LL BE RIGHT BACK! Research shows that people with untreated hearing loss have a higher risk of depression than those wearing hearing aids. I believe it. Imagine … Read more