Medication issues

Sleep deprivation and pain

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Here’s my latest article on McKnight’s Long-Term Care News: Sleep deprivation and pain Despite the fact that my search for column inspiration took place at 3 a.m., I chose the topic of sleep deprivation because residents regularly tell me about their own sleep disturbances. They also discuss their pain. Though their aches often keep them … Read more

‘Honest’ placebos help without side-effects, expense

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Here’s my latest article on McKnight’s Long-Term Care News: ‘Honest’ placebos help without side-effects, expense Older residents frequently enter long-term care with multiple medications prescribed for their varying health conditions. In fact, it’s the polypharmacy itself that can bring them to our doors due to harmful medication interactions and symptoms such as dizziness that lead … Read more

The secret to LTC success? A focus on well-being

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Here’s my latest article on McKnight’s Long-Term Care News: The secret to LTC success? A focus on well-being Despite the diversity of the events I attended during my brief visit to the LeadingAge convention in Boston last week, a theme clearly emerged. The thread that ran through the varied offerings was well-being. Retaining staff In … Read more

Behavioral health care — not drugs — for dementia

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Here’s my latest article on McKnight’s Long-Term Care News: Behavioral health care — not drugs — for dementia Antipsychotic medications have proved ineffective at reducing the symptoms associated with dementia. They also have serious side effects in older adults, including restlessness, dizziness, higher likelihood of falls and other problems that can contribute to an increased … Read more

Diabetes care: Take two betta fish and call me in a week

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Here’s my latest article on McKnight’s Long-Term Care News: Diabetes care: Take two betta fish and call me in a week More than 25% of the US population over the age of 65 years has diabetes1 and the numbers are far higher for those in long-term care. (Approximately one third of nursing home residents have … Read more

Reducing antipsych meds: 5 ways psychologists can help (McKnight’s LTC News)

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Here’s my latest article on McKnight’s Long-Term Care News: Reducing antipsych meds: 5 ways psychologists can help With the mandate to reduce the use of antipsychotics, many facilities are looking for alternative methods to address the behaviors often associated with dementia. There are several good resources available for training staff (such as the Center for … Read more

The very anxious resident: A team approach (McKnight’s LTC News)

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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

Reducing antipsychotic medications? Try these behavioral interventions (LTL mag online)

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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

5 Reasons to Educate Residents About Their Illnesses (LTL mag online)

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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