Here’s my latest article on McKnight’s Long-Term Care News: Growing Good Woohoo! My first column of 2016. Which was started during a bout of insomnia in the last week of 2015. What did I do when sleep failed me? What electronics-addicted individuals often do in the middle of the night. I grabbed my computer, caught … Read more
Here’s my latest article on McKnight’s Long-Term Care News: The Twelve Days of Christmas in LTC There are many givers in senior care facilities. Sometimes they don’t even realize it themselves. This holiday season is a good time to recognize them — and the things that make smiles bright. The Twelve Days of Christmas in … 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: Behavioral health care — not drugs — for dementia Antipsychotic medications have proved ineffective at reducing the symptoms associated with dementia. They also have serious side effects in older adults, including restlessness, dizziness, higher likelihood of falls and other problems that can contribute to an increased … Read more
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
Here’s my latest article on McKnight’s Long-Term Care News: NET Therapy: Dementia care best practices + Rehab = Success When I learned about Neurocognitive Engagement Therapy for rehabilitation residents, I had the same reaction I did when I first heard about geriatric emergency rooms: Palm-smack to the forehead, “Why didn’t we think of this before?!” … Read more
Here’s my latest article on McKnight’s Long-Term Care News: Creative activities for residents with dementia Greetings from Montana! I was in Billings last week conducting a training session for the Montana Department of Health. An enthusiastic group of over 100 LTC staff members from various departments joined the discussion and I came away with some … Read more
Signature HealthCARE alerted me (via Tweet!) about their Quality of Life program where they recognize outstanding residents and others in their community. On October 9th at 6pm ET, Signature HealthCARE will simultaneously induct over 350 distinguished individuals in 87 care centers into their Hall of Fame. The Signature Hall of Fame website contains a gallery … Read more
Last month I had the chance to attend the launch of Dr. Bill Thomas’ new book, Second Wind. Bill Thomas, founder of the Eden Alternative and creator of The Green House, has written many books about changing the culture of care in nursing homes. In his new book, he shifts his focus to helping readers … Read more
Here’s my latest article on McKnight’s Long-Term Care News: I finally visit a Green House (and it blows my mind!) In my last post, I discussed culture change and its positive impact on the mental health of the residents, particularly at Eden Alternative facilities. I recently also had the opportunity to tour a Green House, which I’d … Read more