I can imagine from an administrator’s point of view that an unexpected interruption from an ombudsman complaining about problems is not exactly a welcome visit, but perhaps there’s a way to...
Insights on family-friendly care from Dr. El — the daughter of a new resident
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Apr 25, 2017
Due to a series of unfortunate events, both of my previously independent parents were recently injured over the course of five weeks. Here are some thoughts from someone who’s seen the long-term...
On power, teamwork and communication
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Apr 11, 2017
Having enough of it at work, I tend to avoid drama in my entertainment choices unless it involves aliens or post-apocalyptic nonsense. My family and I are currently enjoying the creative spectacle of Project...
Enthusiasm and ingenious inventions at the NYC Aging2.0 Global Startup Pitch Event
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Mar 28, 2017
Moving beyond the development of medical products for seniors, Aging2.0 seeks to facilitate collaborations between senior care providers and entrepreneurs to create products and services that can be integrated...
What’s all this about PBJ?
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Aug 30, 2016
Why are they keeping track of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches? I appreciate their concern that residents might have our lunches served late, but what about the tuna fish sandwiches? And the chicken?...
Dr. El tries on the Genworth aging suit
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Apr 26, 2016
I had a chance the other day to see what it feels like to be 85 years old, thanks to a test drive of the Genworth R70i Aging Experience suit. Talk about being transported to another world. This is a pure...
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 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.
The high cost of rudeness
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Sep 01, 2015
Given the stresses of caregiving and the complexities of human relationships, incivility happens. But considering the potential impact of rudeness on care, we need to do more to understand and prevent...
Spirituality in long-term care
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Aug 18, 2015
In the beginning of my long-term care career, I quickly recognized that in order to be of service in this environment, I needed to come to a spiritual understanding of how such nice people could be dealing...