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...
Rethinking quality care: A long-term care psychologist’s perspective
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Apr 13, 2021
At a time when there’s a greater push for community care over nursing and rehabilitation centers, it’s worth rethinking what quality means to the residents themselves. There are clear themes.
The Equalizer: A holiday story from the ‘Before’ time
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Dec 29, 2020
She told me about her life via handwritten notes and the occasional use of a talking computer that verbalized what she painstakingly typed out. “I’ve been a cripple ever since I got polio as a...
Join me for the ‘Relaxed Lane’ challenge!
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Feb 28, 2017
Denise B. Scott, president of Drive Consulting, posted an intriguing story on LinkedIn the other day about a Scottish supermarket that partners with Alzheimer Scotland to help those with memory loss. The...
The image of LTC in the arts
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Aug 01, 2017
Playwrights continue to do long-term care no favors, so providers need to continue to share stories of the good work they’re doing. It’s the way to help create a more realistic picture of LTC...
Meeting boomer needs at LeadingAge Florida
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Jul 25, 2013
Social connections, individual preferences and strong resident councils are among the ideas for what makes a strong long-term care facility.
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...
Dr. El’s subversive guide to culture change
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Feb 02, 2016
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.
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...
‘Okie El’ rocks out, and then veges out
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Apr 28, 2015
My first-ever trip to Oklahoma for a speaking engagement recently included no fringed surries. But there was a bustling, well-run long-term conference, animated conversations with attendees, life-altering...