Observing the customary cacophony at the nursing station, I’d estimate that so-called “alarm fatigue” contributes to more than a few tragedies in long-term care.
A truly healing yarn
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Sep 25, 2018
An anecdote that touches on the impact of where residents are placed within the facility, the value of consistent staffing and the importance of “leaning in” to meet residents where they’re at emotionally.
How to support depressed workers and reduce absenteeism
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Sep 11, 2018
As a consulting psychologist, my official job is to provide psychological services to the residents of the nursing homes in which I work. Occasionally, though, I’m asked by a department head to informally...
9 reasons why it’s better to congregate than disperse short-term rehab residents
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Aug 28, 2018
In most of my long-term care career, I’ve witnessed short-term rehabilitation residents housed together. But not always. I don’t know the reasoning behind dispersing residents, but from my...
Dr. El’s ‘Quality of Life’ star ratings are the way to go
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Aug 14, 2018
After writing about turnover in my last column, I wondered what might happen if high marks were also awarded to facilities for strong staff retention, which has been positively correlated with better care....
The tumult of turnover
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Jul 31, 2018
I once rode down a crowded afternoon elevator with the CEO of a managed care company. “It must be 5:01,” he commented wryly. I heard a measure of scorn for his employees’ lack of dedication...
Dr. El’s Theory of Angry Activities
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Jul 17, 2018
There’s a lot of stress in our buildings. I’m not suggesting nightly “primal scream” sessions, but we could add into the rotation some activities where residents get to be “bad,”...
Vacation envy, or ‘How to get your groove back’
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Jul 03, 2018
Our work is important and the attitude with which we complete our tasks matters. If your vacation break is behind you, or so far ahead that you wonder how you’re going to make it, try these ideas...
Suicide prevention in the workplace: What employers need to know
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Jun 19, 2018
As I prepared for this article, I realized that we don’t hear much in the industry news outlets about suicide among our staff members. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t happening.
Enhancing organizational communication improves outcomes, reduces adverse incidents
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Jun 05, 2018
There will always be adverse events in any health system, but strengthening communication between team members and between different levels within the organization can improve outcomes and reduce the likelihood...