Most recent articles by Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Take this to the bank: How to reduce money stress for LTC residents
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Jun 30, 2014
In my conversations with hundreds of long-term care residents over the years, I’ve found money to be an almost universally sore subject among them. Financial concerns continue to be a stressor for...
The psychology behind good customer service (and why it’s more important than you think)
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Jun 12, 2014
We may talk about the term “customer service” and ask our staff members to avoid public arguments in front of residents and family members. But nevertheless, volatile situations happen every...
Implementing an employee recognition program: Tips for success
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
May 29, 2014
I recently focused on the benefits of recognition and key points in choosing a recognition program. Now I’d like to address how to implement your chosen employee recognition program so that it becomes...
The very anxious resident: A team approach
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
May 15, 2014
I’ve developed a set of suggestions for working with “challenging,” anxious residents, who can disrupt everyone around them. If caregivers don’t have sound strategies like these,...
In the wake of a nursing home double-homicide: How to meet mental health needs and prevent violence
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
May 01, 2014
News of the recent double-homicide in a Houston nursing home arrived the morning I was to speak to a group gathered to address the needs of younger residents in long-term care. It didn’t escape anyone...
Battling depression: Advice on how to make seniors feel valued by others
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Apr 17, 2014
Senior living providers can design programs that increase the opportunities for residents to be valued within their communities and in the outside world. They have nothing to lose but high depression rates....
The Eldercare Method: Using psychology for positive outcomes
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Apr 03, 2014
Those of us in long-term care have undoubtedly witnessed incidents where residents become agitated and staff members don’t have the tools to prevent or manage their distress. Unfortunately, psychologists...
I finally visit a Green House (and it blows my mind!)
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Mar 20, 2014
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...
Reducing depression through person-centered care
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Mar 06, 2014
Culture change, the Eden Alternative, whatever you call it, things are moving in that direction. In my experience, the nursing home I worked in that was most attentive to the psychosocial needs of the...
How to better foster community among long-term care residents
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Feb 20, 2014
Many, if not most, of the services offered in the nursing home can be provided through home-based care. What sets nursing homes and other long-term care sites apart is the opportunity for residents to...