Here’s my latest article on McKnight’s Long-Term Care News: A truly healing yarn “No,” Diane said when I showed up at her door for our Thursday session. “I don’t want to talk to you. I’m too aggravated.” She turned her head and looked out the window for a moment. “I’m surprised.” I replied. “We had … Read more
Here’s my latest article on McKnight’s Long-Term Care News: People in LTC who’ve inspired me in 2017 From the 102-year-old Hulk Hogan fan to the doting, selfless caregivers doing behind-the-scenes work, there are numerous people in long-term care who inspired me this year. Take, for example: • The 102-year-old man, still remarkably handsome, whose favorite sport … Read more
Here’s my latest article on McKnight’s Long-Term Care News: Home, small home In 2014, I wrote, “I finally visit a Green House (and it blows my mind).” The Green House is designed with a spacious common area, private bedrooms and showers, unobtrusive medical items and universal workers practicing person-centered care. The model shows that it’s … Read more
Here’s my latest article on McKnight’s Long-Term Care News: Promote your connections One of the things that most brightens my workday is when I see long-term care residents hanging out together. In particular, I’ve noticed two ladies who attend activities in tandem wearing dresses with hats and costume jewelry, a threesome of confused residents who … 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
Adaptive tandem bicycles allow residents the pleasure of riding a bike and feeling the breeze through their hair. As John Brunow of All Ability Cycles puts it in the video below, an adaptive bicycle event triggers reminiscence, stimulates appetites, and reduces depression. Sounds like a win, win, win to me!
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
Food for thought in this New York Times article: Too Old for Sex? Not at This Nursing Home By WINNIE HU JULY 12, 2016 When Audrey Davison met someone special at her nursing home, she wanted to love her man. Her nurses and aides at the Hebrew Home at Riverdale did not try to stop … Read more
Here’s my latest article on McKnight’s Long-Term Care News: Clone this woman. Steal this idea. A few months ago, I was consulting at the Margaret Tietz Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Jamaica, NY, when a remarkable woman named Trudy Schwarz walked down the hall. Her noteworthy qualities were obvious in several ways. A diminutive woman, … Read more
It was the third week I was meeting with Mr. Schwartz, an 85-year old man with a thick mustache and a penchant for suspenders. I found him watching TV in the dayroom, surrounded by some of his peers. I crouched by his wheelchair so I could speak to him at eye level. “Hi Mr. Schwartz, I … Read more