Here’s my latest article in Long-Term Living Magazine online: Small changes have big impact on LTC residents’ sense of control, autonomy When the psychologist arrived at Mrs. Winters’ room, she found her distraught and disheveled. “Last time you saw me I was stuck by that dresser in the corner and couldn’t get out. This time … Read more
Here’s my latest article in Long-Term Living Magazine online: What design features do LTC residents most want? The psychologist walked into Mrs. Winters’ room and found her in the corner, muttering under her breath. “Is everything okay?” the psychologist asked, concerned. Mrs. Winters was usually a calm lady, but today her face was tight with … Read more
Here’s my latest article in Long-Term Living magazine online: 3 small changes promise big impact in motivating your LTC staff The new year has just begun and even without an official resolution, January holds the promise of a fresh start. This could be the year to address perennial problems plaguing your organization. It can … 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 on Long-Term Living magazine online: Reducing antipsychotic medications? Try these behavioral interventions With the recent focus on reducing antipsychotics in long-term care and substituting behavioral interventions, facilities may be left wondering what interventions to use and how to implement them. Here are ideas on how to prevent, investigate and monitor agitation on your … Read more
How to help new residents adapt to nursing home life November 1, 2012 by Patricia Sheehan, Editor-in-Chief The nursing home can be an overwhelming and scary place for new residents and their families. There are so many fears and stigmas associated with nursing homes—even after spending a couple of years reporting on the industry I occasionally … Read more
Here’s my latest article on Long-Term Living magazine online: 7 methods to educate residents about their diagnoses “Thanks, Doc, for telling me about this group!” Mr. Jones smiled and held up the magazine he’d gotten from the National Parkinson Foundation. “Except for that actor, I didn’t even know one person with Parkinson’s before I got my … Read more
Here’s my latest article in Long-Term Living Magazine online: 5 reasons to educate residents about their illnesses “How long have you had Parkinson’s?” the psychologist asked Mr. Jones during his initial evaluation. “They just told me the diagnosis when I got here last week, but I suppose I’ve had it for a while.” He said … Read more
Here’s my latest article in Long-Term Living Magazine online: 5 team building practices that will make your staff WANT to stay According to a 2011 American Health Care Association study, the average nursing home turnover rate is 35 percent for all staff and 43 percent for CNAs. By contrast, Fortune magazine reports that the 100 best companies to … 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