Here’s my latest article on McKnight’s Long-Term Care News: Insights on family-friendly care from Dr. El — the daughter of a new resident Due to a series of unfortunate events, both of my previously independent parents were recently injured over the course of five weeks. In the past, I’d been the granddaughter, the niece and … Read more
Here’s my latest article on McKnight’s Long-Term Care News: 6 steps to manage post-election reactions in LTC The 2016 presidential election has revealed a deep rift in our country, and quite possibly in our long-term care facilities as well. While some employees and residents are pleased about the election results, it’s likely that others in … Read more
The theologian, Paul Tillich, once said, “The first duty of love is to listen.” This quote came to my mind when I read the kind review of my book, “The Savvy Resident’s Guide,” by Yang of CNAEdge. It feels good to be heard. In return, I want to thank Yang and his colleagues, Alice and … Read more
Here’s my latest article on McKnight’s Long-Term Care News: Wisdom from elders I’ve learned a lot from listening to residents over the years, but it’s rare that I request specific advice. This month, I decided to change that. In private conversations, I told residents that I was writing an article on advice from elders about … Read more
When psychologists provide direct care services to long-term care residents, a note is required for every session, documenting symptoms, therapeutic interventions and other information proving that each and every session is medically necessary. The goals and progress of treatment are reviewed every three months. Audits and case reviews by insurers are not uncommon. Other disciplines in the … Read more
Seeing Virginia: Part One Like many of my residents over the years, Virginia had been a nursing assistant prior to her retirement. In our early sessions, I encouraged her to discuss how it felt to be “on the other side of the stethoscope,” as I put it, but she was too focused on the plot … Read more
The first time I met 87-year old Virginia, it was immediately apparent why the nurses had made the referral. She spoke too quickly, words pouring out one after the other without pause. She had vague theories that a staff member was trying to steal the house she’d vacated a few months ago and attempting to … Read more
As I was rushing past the nursing station, Sophia, a 93-year old woman wearing a red velour sweatsuit, was sobbing and calling out for help. She was sitting among a row of other residents who were watching television and passersby. “What’s the matter?” I asked, stopping to kneel by her wheelchair. “I want someone to … Read more
Here’s my latest article on McKnight’s Long-Term Care News: Kind words from residents At a conference last week, I remarked to my audience of recreation therapists, “None of us went into this field for the money — we did it for the juice.” And by “the juice,” I mean the good feeling we get from … Read more
Here’s my latest article on McKnight’s Long-Term Care News: ‘The Adventures of The Geropsychologist’! “The Adventures of The Geropsychologist!” Starring Dr. El as The Geropsychologist! There have been thousands of movies and TV shows about the exciting work of cops, lawyers, and hospitals, but long-term care? Fuhgeddaboutit! Here, Dr. El aims to correct that oversight … Read more