I wrote about the White House Conference on Aging last October, noting that it was a “once-a-decade” national conference about the needs of our aging population.” (McKnight’s LTC News, October 2014) Below, LeadingAge summarizes the 2015 White House Conference on Aging, which took place on Monday: 10 Things that Happened at the White House Conference on … Read more
Here’s my latest article on McKnight’s Long-Term Care News: Dialysis: Gauging its need, and how to reduce its stress As a psychologist observing the effects of medical interventions on the mental health of the long-term care resident, I often ask, “Is this aggressive procedure helping?” Such a well-intended question can prompt the team to reconsider … Read more
My second post at Care Conversations.org focuses on easing the transition to long-term care for families. Transitioning to Long-Term Care: What Your Loved One Wishes They Could Tell You As a psychologist, I’ve talked with hundreds of residents as they transition to living in a Skilled Nursing Care center. In the privacy of a psychotherapy … Read more
I’m excited to let you know about my recent post for family members at Care Conversations.org. Readers who are long-term care staff members will find it a helpful resource to share with family members. 5 Steps to Becoming a Part of the Nursing Home Team Moving to an assisted living or a skilled nursing facility can be … Read more
Here’s my latest article on McKnight’s Long-Term Care News: Care model for more than just medical condition needed in long-term care Of the most efficient countries for healthcare, the United States ranks second in healthcare costs per capita but 46th in efficiency (out of the 48 countries ranked!). The move from a biomedical to a … Read more
Navigating the Caregiver’s Journey: Long Term Care Offers a Valuable Viewpoint When my parents relocated from Memphis to Kansas City to be closer to me, they packed decades worth of clothes, souvenirs, books, and furniture. The process of helping them move overwhelmed me and I fervently wished they’d had fewer possessions. But three years later, … Read more
Here’s my latest guest post on McKnight’s Long-Term Care News: Long-term care psychologists often can help prevent rehospitalizations Long-term care psychologists are a valuable resource for facilities looking to reduce their hospital readmission rates. As the only team member whose role it is to sit and talk with the residents for an extended period of time … 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
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
“What the f***!” Ms. Webster was red in the face, shouting at the nurse who’d just arrived for the evening shift. “The day nurse told me I was moving to the third floor — now you tell me I’m not? You people better get your s*** together!” She began hurling onto the bed the belongings … Read more