As we celebrate our freedoms in the country this week, perhaps we can consider ways in which to create a better balance between the need to provide a safe environment for residents and their right to make...
A truly healing yarn
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Sep 25, 2018
An anecdote that touches on the impact of where residents are placed within the facility, the value of consistent staffing and the importance of “leaning in” to meet residents where they’re at emotionally.
Would you want to live in the LTC home where you work?
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Oct 17, 2013
I used to live in a fabulous old fourth-floor walk-up apartment in Manhattan. When I moved out of Manhattan to a borough of New York City for an elevator building with a laundry room in the basement, I...
Parting thoughts, and a pricey problem
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
May 17, 2022
While I haven’t run out of material, I’m tapping out my last column because I don’t want to run out of time. If there’s one thing I’ve learned from sitting by the bedsides of elders in the...
The importance of leadership in creating good deaths in LTC
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Apr 10, 2018
In one of the more disturbing encounters I’ve had in long-term care — in a 5-Star deficiency-free nursing home — I offered my condolences to an aide on the loss of a resident she’d cared...
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...
I finally visit a Green House (and it blows my mind!)
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Mar 20, 2014
In my last post, I discussed culture change and its positive impact on the mental health of the residents, particularly at Eden Alternative facilities. I recently also had the opportunity to tour a Green...
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.
Depression – AND its treatments – are fall risks
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
May 24, 2016
Feeling “down” takes on a wicked double-meaning for some seniors. Even conscientious providers could be unaware of it, let alone know what to do about it.
Dialysis: Gauging its need, and how to reduce its stress
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Mar 31, 2015
As a psychologist observing the effects of medical interventions on the mental health of the long-term care resident, I often ask, “Is this aggressive procedure helping?” As it turns out, so...