Recent Blog Posts
The Nursing Home Podcast: Discussing the Impact of Covid-19
I took off my PPE mid-day last week to have an interesting LinkedIn Live talk with Shmuel Septimus of The Nursing Home Podcast. We discussed mental health, the impact of Covid-19 on nursing facilities, the need for LTC leaders to garner community support for their...
8 reasons why, despite COVID-19, I’m still glad to work in long-term care
I’ve been a psychologist in long-term care for well over two decades and, while there have been some challenges to my enthusiasm over the years, I’ve remained largely content with my career direction. Despite distressing times of late, there are many reasons I...
I’m a Nursing Home Psychologist in the Pandemic Epicenter
I’m Worried About the Emotional Impact on the Staff Mr. Davis used to sit in the lobby and greet staff members when they walked in the door of the nursing care center. His wife had friendly chats with other residents when she came to visit; his children brought plates...
Grim but unwavering: Notes from the COVID-19 epicenter
I live in New York City, the COVID-19 epicenter of the U.S. There are long lines for the few open supermarkets, the parks are closed and the nursing homes in New York are now mandated to accept COVID residents from local hospitals. I’m in touch with psychologist...
AARP: Navigating New Rules for Visiting Nursing Home Residents Near Death
Thank you to Bruce Horovitz and AARP for tackling this painful aspect of resident care during Covid-19 and for mentioning my work. Navigating New Rules for Visiting Nursing Home Residents Near Death Coronavirus restrictions to protect our most vulnerable alter...
Managing staff anxiety in the time of COVID-19
Much has changed in our lives and our facilities since my column two weeks ago on addressing residents’ coronavirus fears. Back then, residents, like the rest of us, were still receiving visitors and attending communal activities. In addition to its effect on...