Re-envisioning long-term care: A psychologist’s perspective
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Jun 02, 2020
In the mental health world, we encourage people to try to learn and grow from tragedy. I hope we in the long-term care world can do the same with the current pandemic conditions.
Clinical considerations when the census is low
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Aug 25, 2020
A low census caused by things like the pandemic can lead to the challenge of balancing the urgency of filling the beds with the risks of admitting residents that the team is clinically unable to manage.
From blame to education: Rethinking the nursing home survey process
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Nov 17, 2020
What if, instead of a system based on the notion that nursing homes should be punished for deliberately flouting the rules, the underlying belief was that facilities were trying to do their best?
Psychologists open up about LTC sex and dementia
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
May 26, 2015
A recent high-profile court case in Iowa highlighted the challenges that arise when considering capacity, sexual activity and the senior living environment. Long-term care psychologists met recently to...
Care model for more than just medical condition needed in long-term care
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Sep 20, 2013
Of the most efficient countries for healthcare, the United States ranks second in healthcare costs per capita but 46th in efficiency (out of the 48 countries ranked!). The move from a biomedical to a biopsychosocial...
The pandemic narrative, a tool for mental health
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Apr 27, 2021
Comparisons between April 2020 and April 2021 are surprisingly jolting in some ways. Not until I composed this blog did I fully realize how far we’ve come, regarding pandemic conditions, and life...
Full code: Discussing advance directives
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Jun 07, 2016
Assistance in creating a “good death” is a fundamental task of any organization working with elders and may be addressed by a number of team members singly or in combination. Since these discussions...
The Goodbye Guide: Why and how to terminate tenderly in LTC
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Jun 23, 2015
I believe leave-takings in long-term care are more important than in other settings and that the style of departure should be given more consideration.
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...
Reflections after an LTC and senior living summit
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Feb 17, 2015
Last week, I delivered a keynote address on “Identifying and Repairing Communication Gaps in LTC” at an LTC and Senior Living Summit. It was a fascinating, energizing event, and not just because...