As I listened last week to a web event on confronting ageism in healthcare, I found myself nodding in agreement with the participants, who were all themselves nodding at the comments of their collaborators. ...
We need staff… NOW
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Sep 28, 2021
Last year, as the pandemic raged in New York City and sirens filled the air, a group of young travel nurses arrived to assist weary long-term care teams. They took over nursing stations that had been depleted...
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...
We’re vaccinated. Now what?
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Feb 02, 2021
Across the country, long-term care facilities are vaccinating their staff and residents, with approximately 3.1 million doses delivered as of last week and rates of COVID-19 infection in nursing home residents...
The Minister for Loneliness in LTC
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Dec 03, 2019
We have recreation departments that encourage resident socialization, but a Minister for Loneliness could do so much more. The Minister also could target staff loneliness and the isolation of those in...
If toileting were a billable service …
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Jul 16, 2019
Imagine how things would change if toileting were a billable service. It might not be as laughable as it first appears.
On food and feasts at your facility
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Nov 20, 2018
I spend a lot of time thinking about food every day, but with Thanksgiving feasts on our minds this week it’s a particularly good occasion to consider what and how we serve meals to residents and staff.
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.
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.
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....