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....
The Boston Marathon explosions: Turn off the dayroom TV
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Apr 16, 2013
I was hoping not to have occasion to write another column about tragedy so soon, but the terrible events at the Boston Marathon on Monday compel me to focus on the amount of information we provide to residents...
Calming fears of floods and other catastrophes
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Aug 29, 2017
By now it’s likely that you, your staff, the residents and their families have seen the incredibly disturbing photo of assisted living residents in Dickinson, TX, sitting in waist-high floodwaters....
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...
Preventing difficult family situations
Sep 16, 2014
From a psychological perspective, here are some ideas to prevent or reduce disagreements with residents and their family members over care, thereby decreasing the likelihood that a situation will result...
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...
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...
Meeting boomer needs at LeadingAge Florida
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Jul 25, 2013
Social connections, individual preferences and strong resident councils are among the ideas for what makes a strong long-term care facility.
Enhancing organizational communication improves outcomes, reduces adverse incidents
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Jun 05, 2018
There will always be adverse events in any health system, but strengthening communication between team members and between different levels within the organization can improve outcomes and reduce the likelihood...
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.