The pandemic has caused many of us to reflect on our lives, work and priorities. It’s also led to catastrophic losses and to greater public awareness of problems in our field. In the mental health world, we encourage people to try to learn and grow from tragedy. I hope we in the long-term care world … Read more
Thanks to journalist Judith Graham for addressing loneliness in elders and for mentioning my work and the importance of psychological support during the Covid-19 pandemic. Distress in seniors surges amid coronavirus pandemic As states relax coronavirus restrictions, older adults are advised, in most cases, to keep sheltering in place. But for some, the burden of … Read more
May 27 is Psychology Day and this year it’s a particularly timely moment to acknowledge the impact of psychology. Along with the physical and financial havoc wreaked by COVID-19, the pandemic has negatively affected mental health, especially for those in long-term care. Recognizing Psychology Day raises mental health awareness and is a means of expressing … Read more
Thanks to author Ashley Abramson for interviewing me and my fellow geropsychologists and for addressing the mental health of older adults in nursing homes. Protecting nursing home residents during COVID-19 Nursing homes have become hotbeds for COVID-19 — as well as for loneliness, fear and stress for residents, their families and staff. Many of the … Read more
We hear a great deal these days about those who have died from COVID-19, but thankfully there’s also a large group of people who have survived the virus. In New York, stable coronavirus patients have been discharged from hospitals to segregated units in nursing homes and I’ve had the chance to talk with many of … Read more
I took off my PPE mid-day last week to have an interesting LinkedIn Live talk with Shmuel Septimus of The Nursing Home Podcast. We discussed mental health, the impact of Covid-19 on nursing facilities, the need for LTC leaders to garner community support for their beleaguered staff members and why I like my job so … Read more
I’ve been a psychologist in long-term care for well over two decades and, while there have been some challenges to my enthusiasm over the years, I’ve remained largely content with my career direction. Despite distressing times of late, there are many reasons I continue to don my PPE to sit at the bedsides of those … Read more
I’m Worried About the Emotional Impact on the Staff Mr. Davis used to sit in the lobby and greet staff members when they walked in the door of the nursing care center. His wife had friendly chats with other residents when she came to visit; his children brought plates of homemade cookies to the nursing … Read more
I live in New York City, the COVID-19 epicenter of the U.S. There are long lines for the few open supermarkets, the parks are closed and the nursing homes in New York are now mandated to accept COVID residents from local hospitals. I’m in touch with psychologist colleagues from around the area. Some facilities have … Read more
Much has changed in our lives and our facilities since my column two weeks ago on addressing residents’ coronavirus fears. Back then, residents, like the rest of us, were still receiving visitors and attending communal activities. In addition to its effect on residents, COVID-19 has put enormous stress on those who work in long-term care. … Read more