Here’s my latest article on McKnight’s Long-Term Care News: Disaster communication: A tale of two mothers-in-law Both of my mothers-in-law live in long-term care communities in Florida. (I’ll keep the backstory about having two MILs a mystery.) One MIL lives in a place that was excellent about how they communicated with family members before, during … Read more
Here’s my latest article on McKnight’s Long-Term Care News: The “last day” protocol I waited outside the room until the rehab therapists finished talking to Jim, who’d been admitted to the nursing home the night before. I read over the basic info on his face sheet before my consult. Jim was an 87-year old widower … Read more
Here’s my latest article on McKnight’s Long-Term Care News: The violent workplace Last week a nurse, aide and police chief were killed at an Ohio nursing home, along with the gunman, who died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. While it’s impossible to prevent all tragic events, especially those involving an armed assailant entering the building … Read more
Here’s my latest article on McKnight’s Long-Term Care News: Remember to breathe I was putting the finishing touches on my article for this week’s column when I paused to consider the headlines on McKnight’s right now. “Don’t be worried about Medicaid funding, be very afraid,” advises Editorial Director John O’Connor. Staff Writer Emily Mongan alerts … Read more
Here’s my latest article on McKnight’s Long-Term Care News: 10 ways to incorporate mood-boosting exercise into LTC Cold weather. An uncertain world. Rogue shrinks making the rest of us caring, diligent professionals look bad. I don’t know about you, but I need a mood lifter. I came across an article that suggests that exercise of … Read more
Here’s my latest article on McKnight’s Long-Term Care News: 6 steps to manage post-election reactions in LTC The 2016 presidential election has revealed a deep rift in our country, and quite possibly in our long-term care facilities as well. While some employees and residents are pleased about the election results, it’s likely that others in … Read more
Here’s my latest article on McKnight’s Long-Term Care News: Suicide prevention in older adults In preparing for a webinar on suicide prevention, I came across startling statistics about suicide rates among older adults. Despite the concern we often hear about teen suicide, the rate for elders is even higher. While older adults make up 12% … Read more
Join Dr. El Thursday, July 17th at 2pm Eastern Time (1pm Central Time) for a FREE Webinar on Preventing Burnout in Long-Term Care sponsored by EmLogis To register: visit EmLogis Events Aunt Sylvia discusses burnout: http://youtu.be/sIh274aoIF8?list=UUmfhLE_11Y9evQxu-dGxIXg About the webinar: Long-term care can be a stressful work environment, contributing to job dissatisfaction, turnover, injury and … Read more
Here’s my latest article on McKnight’s Long-Term Care News: Preventing burnout in long-term care In my recent post, “Stuff I won’t do for residents and why your staff shouldn’t either,” I wrote about the need for individual workers to set appropriate boundaries around caregiving in order to retain the ability to give without burning out. … Read more
Here’s my latest article on McKnight’s Long-Term Care News: Stuff I won’t do for residents and why your staff shouldn’t either: Preventing burnout in LTC In my last post, I wrote about some of the many things I do for residents as a long-term care psychologist. The astute reader will note that most of the tasks … Read more