At the Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation (CNR) in Brooklyn, New York, Recreation Director Brenda Torres, has established computer stations with Internet connection in all the “neighborhoods,” as they call their units, and has several groups currently being run by the residents themselves. I believe both of these steps are essential for the emotional health … Read more
Regina and I were sitting alone in her room with the door closed. “I was thinking about John last night.” Tears began to well in her eyes. “Yes?” I was immediately alert. Regina had avoided discussing her husband’s death for the past three months of psychotherapy. Suddenly the door opened and the day shift aide poked … Read more
97-year old Rosebud, whom I mentioned in my 11/15/08 post, was a social worker, raised two children, and now lives in a nursing home. She would like to share with you the following thoughts about recreational activities: “Old folks know a lot and need to have their minds stimulated. We residents can’t speak back and … Read more
I couldn’t wait to go to college. I was ready to shake off the old me, and begin a brand new self. No one would know who I’d been, and I could therefore be whomever I wanted to be. In my Psych 101 textbook, there was a picture of animal behaviorist Conrad Lorenz, followed … Read more
I once dated a man who didn’t speak nicely to me. I don’t know when his endearments changed into negative comments, because, frankly, I didn’t notice them until I returned from a solo weekend vacation. “Hmmn,” I thought to myself after he threw a verbal barb at me upon my return, “they didn’t talk that … 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