One of the things that most brightens my workday is when I see long-term care residents hanging out together.
Reducing antipsych meds: 5 ways psychologists can help
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Sep 04, 2014
With the mandate to reduce the use of antipsychotics, many facilities are looking for alternative methods to address the behaviors often associated with dementia. There are several good resources available...
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...
Inside the mind of an LTC shrink
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Mar 08, 2013
I sat in morning report as the nursing supervisor announced the arrival of a new resident. An 80-year old woman was taken to the hospital after a fall at home, where she received a below-knee amputation...
‘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...
New LTC resources from some of the best
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Dec 06, 2016
Over the past year, I’ve been involved with several exciting long-term care-related projects that I can now tell you about. In the spirit of the season, I wanted to spread some good cheer with them,...
Senior bullying: How to recognize it, how to handle it
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Mar 04, 2015
We’ve come a long way with many psycho-social problem areas. Children, for example, start learning about bullies in kindergarten. When it comes to bullying in senior communities, though, we’re...
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...
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...
Diabetes care: Take two betta fish and call me in a week
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Jul 21, 2015
These days, with organizations being penalized for rehospitalizations and closely monitored on clinical outcomes, it would probably be very worthwhile to provide a group of elders with some pet fish, food...