With staffing shortages, reduced occupancy, the ongoing pandemic and other challenges, it’s a worrisome time for long-term care. A scan of trade headlines might even make one pessimistic about the future...
Using psychology to reduce roommate conflicts: A handy guide
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Dec 12, 2013
I’ve heard many complaints about roommates from residents over the years. While some roommate difficulties need to be addressed on a situation-by-situation basis, most conflicts revolve around a...
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...
As the editors of the June 2021 volume of The Gerontologist put it, “Workforce issues are the most significant challenges facing the long-term care industry.” This special edition of the journal...
The sounds of LTC
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Oct 09, 2018
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.
Addressing vaccine hesitancy
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Jan 19, 2021
The first of the month, the COVID-19 vaccine arrived at the facility where I work. In the days before its arrival, the “campus” was buzzing with conversation about who was getting the shot, who wasn’t...
NET Therapy: Dementia care best practices + Rehab = Success
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Mar 17, 2015
When I learned about Neurocognitive Engagement Therapy for rehabilitation residents, I had the same reaction I did when I first heard about geriatric emergency rooms: Palm-smack to the forehead, “Why...
Your best competitive advantage? A solid social work department
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Apr 05, 2013
I have great respect for those who attend to the often complicated physical needs of our long-term care residents, but if your facility doesn’t have a solid social service department, it isn’t...
Anticipating anniversary reactions
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Mar 16, 2021
The coronavirus was officially declared a pandemic one year ago this month. The news is filled with articles reflecting on the dramatic changes in our lives from last year to this — lost jobs, remote...
6 steps to manage post-election reactions in LTC
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Nov 22, 2016
The 2016 presidential election has revealed a deep rift in our country, and quite possibly in our long-term care facilities as well.