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
Setting Boundaries With Residents by Eleanor Feldman Barbera, PhD Becoming close to residents, but not too close, takes wisdom “Can you do me this one small favor?” Estelle H. asked, looking up at her aide imploringly. “Can you get me a birthday card to send to my granddaughter?” Ms. Skinner sighed, thinking … Read more
Managing Resident Requests for Help By Eleanor Feldman Barbera, PhD The Shouters, the Constant Call Bell Ringers and the Complainers don’t have to be that way—you can reshape their behavior Once, when I was new to a facility, I came up to the second floor to find a resident, named Paula, shouting “Nurse, … Read more