Award-winning journalist and author Joan Lunden takes time from her busy schedule to talk with Dr. El of My Better Nursing Home about her experiences caring for her 94-year old mother and speaking with other family caregivers around the country. Dr. El: Joan, you’re part of what’s called “The Sandwich Generation,” taking care of your … Read more
Here’s my latest column at McKnight’s Long-Term Care News: Your best competitive advantage? A solid social work department I have great respect for those who attend to the often complicated physical needs of our long-term care residents, but if your facility doesn’t have a solid social service department, it isn’t as good as it could … 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
Here’s my latest article in Long-Term Living magazine online: Family members: 5 ways to turn fault finders into fans For most families, entry into a nursing home is like being teleported onto a strange new planet. The arrival is often swift and unanticipated, and the customs are foreign and frequently unnerving. Think back to your … 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
Looking for a great, inexpensive way to create some good will and holiday cheer at the nursing home this year? Why not set up a call center using Skype? Residents, families, and staff members can sign up to call loved ones around the globe, conversing with them via video call. What it would take: A … Read more
I posted this before the holidays in 2008, but it’s worth repeating: ‘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 to arrange a pass, and meds, and transportation?” … Read more
Many residents have shared with me the experience of leaving their homes suddenly because of a medical emergency, only to find themselves unable to return. Now living in the nursing home, it’s difficult for them to wrap up their affairs in their former home, causing depression, anxiety, and a loss of control. In this post, … Read more
For families with hectic schedules, trying to attend Care Plan Meetings, which occur during daytime work hours, can be a major challenge. Of course they don’t want to miss the opportunity to meet with the whole treatment team to provide and gather information, and to advocate for their loved one. On the other hand, taking … Read more
My hip 80-something mother-in-law uses Skype’s free video calls to view the family as she talks with them over the computer. I’d like to see video calls in nursing homes, either via a video phone or over the Internet in the resident computer room (what, your facility doesn’t have a computer room yet?). Families could … Read more