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...
Harnessing gratitude
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Jun 09, 2015
Though it was close to 20 years ago, I’ll never forget the reaction of one of my patients to losing both of her legs to diabetes. Residents like her make it quite clear that it is possible to be...
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,...
Same-sex couples: Are you and your staff prepared? Probably not
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Sep 05, 2013
Last week, McKnight’s staff writer Tim Mullaney wrote about the new Medicare guidance that guarantees that same-sex married couples can live in the same nursing home. Is your staff prepared to offer...
The many riches of senior living conferences
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
May 12, 2015
I’ve been fortunate enough to attend several senior living conventions recently and my enthusiasm for the experience has yet to diminish. You would feel the same way, and here’s why.
Dr. El’s subversive guide to culture change
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Feb 02, 2016
Culture change can be portrayed as many things. One possibility often overlooked is its being a grassroots effort that shifts the dynamics between residents, staff and community, one unit at a time.
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...
People in LTC who’ve inspired me in 2017
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Dec 19, 2017
From the 102-year-old Hulk Hogan fan to the doting, selfless caregivers doing behind-the-scenes work, there are numerous people who inspired me in long-term care this year.
Self-disclosure: What your staff needs to know about revealing personal information to residents
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Jan 16, 2018
Disclosing your personal information can be a good way to establish a more intimate connection with residents but there also can be unintended and unwanted consequences to revealing such details.
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...