Resident care

Addressing the healthcare needs of “unrepresented” elders

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In Paula Span’s column today in the New York Times’ New Old Age column, Near the End, It’s Best to Be ‘Friended’, she discusses the increasingly common situation of elders who have no representatives assigned to make healthcare decisions on their behalf. She encourages seniors to dig deep into their social networks to find an appropriate candidate to … Read more

Spirituality in Long-Term Care

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Here’s my latest article on McKnight’s Long-Term Care News: Spirituality in Long-Term Care Last week, a New York Times article referred to the lack of training to prepare doctors to recognize the spiritual needs of their patients. Hospital physician Robert Klitzman, M.D., emphasized in the Well section article the value of meeting these needs. Psychology … Read more

How to Talk About Dying (Ellen Goodman, NYTimes)

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Here’s an important article in the New York Times Opinionator Column by Ellen Goodman, one of the founders of The Conversation Project (which I’m about to investigate further). Note her comment that she expected her mother’s doctors to tell her what to do. The families of our residents are expecting the same from us. How to Talk … Read more

The Goodbye Guide: Why and how to terminate tenderly in LTC

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Here’s my latest article on McKnight’s Long-Term Care News: The Goodbye Guide: Why and how to terminate tenderly in LTC An experienced colleague was recently let go from her job to which she’d been dedicated for 10 years. “We want to take things in a different direction,” she was told by the administrator. “Pack up … Read more

Psychologists open up about LTC sex and dementia

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Here’s my latest article on McKnight’s Long-Term Care News: Psychologists open up about LTC sex and dementia A recent Iowa court case acquitted Henry Rayhons of sexually abusing his wife, who had Alzheimer’s dementia and lived in a nursing home. The case not only prompted national debate, it led those in long-term care to consider … Read more

The Many Riches of Senior Living Conferences

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Here’s my latest article on McKnight’s Long-Term Care News: The Many Riches of Senior Living Conferences I’ve been fortunate enough to attend several senior living conventions recently and my enthusiasm for the experience has yet to diminish. If you haven’t yet had the opportunity to be present for a conference (or if it’s been a … Read more

Loneliness in LTC: Overcoming disability, creating connections

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Here’s my latest article on McKnight’s Long-Term Care News: Loneliness in LTC: Overcoming disability, creating connections The elevator opened up to the third floor of the skilled nursing facility. Wheelchair-bound residents lined the hall across from the nursing station, some silently watching the staff, some snoozing. On the second floor of the nursing home, the … Read more

Dialysis: Gauging its need, and how to reduce its stress

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Here’s my latest article on McKnight’s Long-Term Care News: Dialysis: Gauging its need, and how to reduce its stress As a psychologist observing the effects of medical interventions on the mental health of the long-term care resident, I often ask, “Is this aggressive procedure helping?” Such a well-intended question can prompt the team to reconsider … Read more

Free Webinar 3/25 @ 2pm ET: 4 Steps to Preventing Senior Bullying in LTC

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Join Dr. El Wednesday, March 25th at 2pm Eastern Time (1pm Central Time) for a FREE Webinar on 4 Steps to Preventing Senior Bullying in Long Term Care sponsored by EmLogis To register: visit EmLogis Events   About the Webinar: Senior living communities often experience problems with bullying among residents. Join psychologist Dr. Eleanor Feldman Barbera … Read more