Culture change can be portrayed as many things. One possibility often overlooked is its being a grassroots effort that shifts the dynamics between residents, staff and community, one unit at a time.
‘Honest’ placebos help without side-effects, expense
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Jan 19, 2016
Placebos could be a better friend than you realize in the universal quest to reduce the number of medications that elderly patients receive. Don’t believe me? Read on. (It won’t hurt.)
Growing Good
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Jan 05, 2016
In the wee hours of the night I recently discovered a Facebook post about a company founded by two brothers called Life is Good. It emerged from the standing request the founders’ mother had for...
The Twelve Days of Christmas in LTC
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Dec 22, 2015
There are many givers in senior care facilities. Sometimes they don’t even realize it themselves. This holiday season is a good time to recognize them — and the things that make smiles bright.
7 employee wellness ideas for the holidays (and beyond)
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Dec 08, 2015
After a staff training on reducing burnout in long-term care last week, a look through the evaluation forms was illuminating. A significant number of attendees — mostly nursing aides, nurses, and environmental...
Kind words from residents
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Nov 23, 2015
To get us in the spirit of gratitude for Thanksgiving, I’ve included a sample of grateful comments made by residents to their psychologists. The nice things they say can really make things better.
The secret to LTC success? A focus on well-being
Nov 10, 2015
Despite the diversity of the events I attended during my brief visit to the LeadingAge convention in Boston last week, a theme clearly emerged. The thread that ran through the varied offerings was well-being
How to find out why your staff is leaving
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Oct 27, 2015
Some of the reasons employees leave are beyond our control. But many are not. Here’s how to start figuring out how to stop the flow and reduce turnover.
‘The Adventures of The Geropsychologist’!
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Oct 13, 2015
There have been thousands of movies and TV shows about the exciting work of cops, lawyers, and hospitals, but long-term care? Fuhgeddaboutit! Until now.
Behavioral health care — not drugs — for dementia
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Sep 29, 2015
For the treatments to help dementia patients, turn to behavioral health solutions, not antipsychotic drugs. Just like others around the world.