Potential Individual-Level Interventions to Reduce Bullying Among Seniors: Strategies for Bullies By Robin Bonifas, PhD, MSW, Assistant Professor, School of Social Work, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ and Marsha Frankel, LICSW, Clinical Director of Senior Services, Jewish Family & Children’s Service, Boston, MA Readers will recall some of the characteristics of bullies from our second … Read more
I read this worthwhile article by Susan Jacoby on the March 30, 2012 Opinion Page in the New York Times. Susan Jacoby is the author of “Never Say Die: The Myth and Marketing of the New Old Age.” I WAS standing by my 89-year-old mother’s hospital bed when she asked a doctor, “Is there … Read more
Today’s blog post is the fourth in a biweekly series on senior bullying, bringing research into practice. On Tuesday, 3/27, I’ll be recording an interview with Dr. Bonifas on the specifics of reducing senior bullying at the organizational level. If you have questions you’d like me to ask her, please email me via the Contact … Read more
Today’s blog post is the third in a biweekly series on senior bullying, bringing research into practice. By Robin Bonifas, PhD, MSW, Assistant Professor, School of Social Work, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ and Marsha Frankel, LICSW, Clinical Director of Senior Services, Jewish Family & Children’s Services, Boston, MA In our experience, it is common … Read more
Today’s blog post is the second in a biweekly series on senior bullying, bringing research into practice. Who bullies and who gets bullied? By Robin Bonifas, PhD, MSW, Assistant Professor, School of Social Work, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ and Marsha Frankel, LICSW, Clinical Director of Senior Services, Jewish Family & Children’s Services, Boston, MA … Read more
Today’s blog post is the first in a biweekly series on senior bullying, bringing research into practice. What is Bullying? By Robin Bonifas, PhD, MSW, Assistant Professor, School of Social Work, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ and Marsha Frankel, LICSW, Clinical Director of Senior Services, Jewish Family & Children’s Services, Boston, MA Bullying, defined as … Read more
According to their website, The National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care is “the leading national voice representing consumers in issues related to long-term care, helping to ensure that consumers are empowered to advocate for themselves.” This Friday, February 3rd from 9am-3pm ET, The Consumer Voice is taking to Facebook to discuss mental health issues … Read more
I hadn’t been on the North wing of the nursing home in a while, and when I saw Juanita Johnson sleeping in a geri-recliner, I turned to the nurse, aghast. “I barely recognized her! She’s lost so much weight!” “I know. It’s terrible,” the nurse replied. “We’re having her evaluated by hospice today.” Ms. … Read more
A 2011 study by Australian researchers focused on the use of humor to reduce agitation in nursing home residents with dementia. The Sydney Multisite Intervention of SmileBosses and ElderClowns (SMILE) study investigated the effect of providing humorous interactions with residents through the use of a character dressed like a bellhop, who kindly jokes with participants. … Read more
“I watched them take my father into the ambulance on a stretcher, and it was then I realized that my mother didn’t make it.” The TV was blaring as I entered the room for my session with Grace, who was being treated for depression. “WHAT are you listening to?” I asked Grace incredulously, feeling my … Read more