Here’s my latest article at McKnight’s Long-Term Care News: Reducing learned helplessness in LTC John O’Connor’s recent post on the pain/depression cycle raised some interesting points about depression in long-term care. He referenced a 2009 study that found that over 47% of nursing home residents suffer from some level of depression, and he reported on a University … Read more
I was on the plane home from the American Psychological Association conference last August when I noticed that the man across from me had the same APA conference tote I was carrying. My friendly inquiry led to a very pleasant 3-hour conversation on the flight with psychologist Dr. Jeffrey Zimmerman of The Practice Institute. The … Read more
I’m very pleased to announce the debut of my new column at McKnight’s Long-Term Care News. The World According to Dr. El is a twice monthly column that will address mental health issues in LTC. Please visit and “Like” the page on McKnight’s to show your support for addressing the mental health concerns of all … Read more
The New York Times New Old Age blog has an interesting, hopeful article by Paula Span regarding treatment for depression in older adults. Regarding the stigma of psychotherapy the article mentions, I’ve found nursing home residents to be very receptive to my visits, especially when I phrase my help as “extra support during a stressful … Read more
It was previously thought that seniors who are anxious about falling tend to avoid activities that could lead to falls, thus becoming de-conditioned and increasing fall risk. New research, however, suggests that anxiety about falling itself can increase fall risk. Hadjistavropoulos, T. et al. asked older adults to walk either in a low anxiety situation … Read more
“How in the world am I going to chart this?” I wondered as I sat across from Nell, who filled her large wheelchair to overflowing. This was our second attempt at psychotherapy, which I’d discontinued a few months ago because I felt all my efforts had gone nowhere. Nell sat in her room all day, … Read more
“I had a couple of relapses this week,” Betty told me, looking ashamed. We’d been working in psychotherapy on her efforts not to snap at the aides and nurses who came to care for her. “I try not use to my call bell,” she went on. “Sometimes I sit here for two hours thinking about … Read more
Check out my article, 4 Ways Psychology Can Improve Your Bottom Line, featured on Long-Term Living Magazine’s online site: It’s common knowledge that mental health and physical health are connected, but are you aware that applying mental health concepts to your organization could save you money? Observe the four theories below and my hypothetical long-term care … Read more
Dr. El offers the inside story on what it’s like to be a psychologist: Jobshadow interviews Dr. El
Nan was in the hallway, looking as thin and pale as I’d ever seen her. “Are you okay? Do you feel well enough to meet today?” I’d heard in morning report that she’d been diagnosed with pneumonia. “No,” she croaked, and then hesitated. “I mean, yes.” She looked at me intently. “It might be our … Read more