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 beleaguered staff members and why I like my job so … Read more
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 continue to don my PPE to sit at the bedsides of those … Read more
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 of homemade cookies to the nursing … Read more
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 end-of-life rituals After 45 years of marriage, the cruel twists of fate now leave Jean … Read more
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 residents, COVID-19 has put enormous stress on those who work in long-term care. … Read more
As the number of coronavirus cases increases around the world, providers may be worried about the emotional impact of the outbreak on residents and how to handle it. One would expect residents to be concerned, given that they’re at higher risk due to their ages, underlying health problems and residence in a communal setting. Rather … Read more
I was in Berlin, Germany, last week and did some research into their long-term care system during my visit. I was curious about how it might be different or similar to ours, given the country’s national healthcare program. Briefly, the German system has public and private healthcare insurance options and 100% of the population has … Read more
In my first year as a nursing home psychologist, I entered a resident’s room for a session and she invited me to have a seat in her wheelchair, the only surface that was clean and free of belongings. The thought of sitting in a wheelchair freaked me out. Instead, I carried a heavy chair from … Read more
The Oscars kind of bug me. In the gloom of winter, it can be hard not to notice that the extravaganza is filled with self-congratulatory workers wearing clothes that cost more than the yearly salary of several nursing aides. Rather than stew, however, about the puzzling priorities of the world, I’ve decided to award my … Read more
A resolution to serve physical and mental health Ah, January — a moment to consider plans and directions for the upcoming months. Like many people, one of my personal goals is to recommit to mindful eating and wise food choices. While some residents like to rethink their diets as a New Year’s resolution, there are … Read more