The ticklish balancing act: Resident rights vs. care quality
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
May 08, 2018
Balancing the rights and desires of residents with the need of the facility to avoid citation and litigation can be very tricky, but the payoff can be definitely worth it when done right. Here’s...
Why it’s impossible to maintain prior levels of care quality, and what to do about it
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Apr 24, 2018
Residents and their family members are likely to expect that when they enter long-term care, staff members will provide compassionate medical treatment. Instead, what they frequently find are stressed...
Enhancing quality of care through design
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Feb 13, 2018
Incorporating the principles of accessible design into long-term care creates communities where inclusion and independence are emphasized. Good for those who do it.
Elder love
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Dec 05, 2017
I lost one of my two mothers-in-law last Monday, five weeks after she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Audrey had filled a hole in my life left after the death of my beloved great-aunt many years...
Remember to breathe
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Mar 14, 2017
In order to better face whatever is ahead — and to avoid causing panic in those around us — we can make an effort to be serene and centered. Below are some tried and true calming techniques to help...
4 ways to find out why your aides are leaving
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Sep 27, 2016
Once, when I worked for a managed care company, I rode down a packed elevator with the CEO, who commented drily on the crowd, saying, “It must be 5:01.” What I thought, but did not say, was...
To reduce staff turnover, lead with LTC strengths
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Sep 13, 2016
When I spoke about the challenges of staff turnover at the Louisiana Nursing Home Association convention last week, I asked the group, “If you were able to bring in the same salary you were currently...
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?...
Upcoming quality initiatives
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Mar 01, 2016
More quality initiatives are on the horizon for many providers, and they address a wide array of necessary topics. Here are a couple of experts’ insights.
7 employee wellness ideas for the holidays (and beyond)
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Dec 08, 2015
After a staff training on reducing burnout in long-term care last week, a look through the evaluation forms was illuminating. A significant number of attendees — mostly nursing aides, nurses, and environmental...