The added value of social workers and psychosocial services
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Apr 26, 2019
It might be a surprise to some, but social workers will pay for themselves — as in bring in enough revenue to cover the cost of their salaries.
‘Healthwear’ and other culture changes
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Aug 02, 2016
When it comes to assistive devices such as canes, walkers, and eyeglasses, it’s possible to convert something unappealing yet necessary into an item that bestows confidence, evinces a sense of humor...
Addressing residents’ coronavirus fears
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Mar 10, 2020
Despite their general calm and resilience, it’s perfectly reasonable for residents to have questions and concerns about the coronavirus and its potential spread.
Creative activities for residents with dementia
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Oct 02, 2014
While conducting a training session last week in Montana, I was lucky enough to have a group of more than 100 staff members from various long-term care departments share some excellent suggestions on how...
Suicide prevention in older adults
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Nov 08, 2016
In preparing for a webinar on suicide prevention, I came across startling statistics about suicide rates among older adults. Despite the concern we often hear about teen suicide, the rate for elders is...
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...
Addressing residents’ deepest fear
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Feb 03, 2015
If we address new residents’ hidden concerns, we can better show them we understand and care about how they feel. We can enhance their experiences upon entering our organizations and can market our...
Disaster communication: A tale of two mothers-in-law
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Sep 26, 2017
Both of my mothers-in-law live in long-term care communities in Florida. One lives in a place that was excellent about how they communicated with family members before, during and after Hurricane Irma....
Improving the treatment of mental health issues in nursing homes
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Jun 01, 2010
More attention should be paid to nursing home residents’ mental health, an important but often overlooked aspect of care.
The violent workplace
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
May 23, 2017
It’s impossible to prevent all tragic events at a long-term care facility, especially those involving an armed assailant entering the building despite an order of protection against him like in Ohio...