With new options for plant-based foods proliferating, 2020 is a great time to assess your facility’s menu with the dietary and food service departments to consider substitutions and alternatives.
Getting ‘hygge’ with it, at the holidays and year-round
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Dec 17, 2019
Nursing homes, which could generally do with an increased focus on “home” over “nursing,” have many reasons and opportunities to add some hygge.
The Minister for Loneliness in LTC
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Dec 03, 2019
We have recreation departments that encourage resident socialization, but a Minister for Loneliness could do so much more. The Minister also could target staff loneliness and the isolation of those in...
The last-minute guide to trauma-informed care
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Nov 19, 2019
For those who might not be completely ready for the Nov. 28 start date of trauma-related F-tags, I offer some basics on trauma-informed care practices.
’Tis the season to help families address end-of-life care
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Nov 05, 2019
Early November is a good time to increase the focus and training on customer service so that the facility is performing at its best when those infrequent but important guests arrive.
How to apply the best antidepressant — other residents
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Oct 22, 2019
Providers wondering how they can be more attentive to behavioral health issues and needs can turn to theirown ready source for help — their own residents.
Life on the road as an LTC shrink
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Oct 08, 2019
It wasn’t a world tour, but I did come away with some interesting observations regarding our field on a recent road trip.
What worries me about trauma-informed care
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Sep 10, 2019
It’s a good thing to pay more attention to the emotional experience of residents, but I’m worried about how asking them about their traumas — which is mandated in a new rule about to go into effect...
Nurses and physicians can be taught to recognize health problems typical of the severe mental illness population so that they’ll be alert to the increased risk of illnesses such as diabetes, metabolic...
Ageism of elders affects their LTC experience
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Aug 13, 2019
Most nursing home residents I’ve encountered ironically have their own prejudices about aging and older adults. This is harmful in a variety of ways.