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...
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...
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.
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...