I’m pleased to share with you that my McKnight’s column, “The World According to Dr. El,” is the winner of a 2014 APEX Award for Publication Excellence in the Blog Content category! My column can be found at McKnight’s: The World According to Dr. El
Here’s my latest article on McKnight’s Long-Term Care News: The psychology behind good customer service (and why it’s more important than you think) At the front desk, the workers were having an argument. Some residents watched the proceedings with interest and others with expressions of alarm. A waiting family member shifted from one leg … Read more
Here’s my latest article on McKnight’s Long-Term Care News: Implementing an employee recognition program: Tips for success One of my recent posts, Employee recognition programs: What works, focused on the benefits of recognition and key points in choosing a recognition program. Now I’d like to address how to implement your chosen employee recognition program so … Read more
Here’s my latest article on McKnight’s Long-Term Care News: The very anxious resident: A team approach “My mother was kicked out of her nursing home again,” my cousin told me. “They said they couldn’t handle her.” I phoned Cousin Belle’s new number in the afternoon. “They didn’t give me my pain medication,” she said … Read more
Here’s my latest article on McKnight’s Long-Term Care News: In the wake of a nursing home double-homicide: How to meet mental health needs and prevent violence News of the recent double-homicide in a Houston nursing home arrived the morning I was to speak to a group gathered to address the needs of younger residents in long-term care. … Read more
Here’s my latest article on McKnight’s Long-Term Care News: Battling depression: Advice on how to make seniors feel valued by others Research shows that the rate of depression among elders in senior residences is 24% to 27%. It’s not that every fourth resident you greet in the hallway is depressed. It’s that we should be … Read more
Here’s my latest article on McKnight’s Long-Term Care News: The Eldercare Method: Using psychology for positive outcomes I watched with dismay as the nurse abruptly moved a table in front of a confused and agitated resident trying to leave the dining room. “Sit down!” she told him in a stern voice. “Dinner will be here … Read more
Here’s my latest article on McKnight’s Long-Term Care News: I finally visit a Green House (and it blows my mind!) In my last post, I discussed culture change and its positive impact on the mental health of the residents, particularly at Eden Alternative facilities. I recently also had the opportunity to tour a Green House, which I’d … Read more
Here’s my latest article on McKnight’s Long-Term Care News: Reducing depression through person-centered care I was speaking about leadership to a group of administrators recently when the discussion turned to person-centered care. “Culture change, the Eden Alternative, whatever you call it,” I said, “things are moving in that direction. MDS 3.0 has the team asking … Read more
Here’s my latest article on McKnight’s Long-Term Care News: How to better foster community among long-term care residents Mr. Cooper was staring out the window when I came by to see him for his weekly psychotherapy session. “There’s no one here to talk to except you,” he said despondently. “You’re the fourth resident who told … Read more