Given the stresses of caregiving and the complexities of human relationships, incivility happens. But considering the potential impact of rudeness on care, we need to do more to understand and prevent...
After natural disasters: coping with resident and staff emotions
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Aug 29, 2011
The Northeast just experienced an earthquake and a hurricane all in one week. The storm may have subsided, but it’s likely residents and staff will still be facing a whirlwind of emotions. And it’s...
Parting thoughts, and a pricey problem
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
May 17, 2022
While I haven’t run out of material, I’m tapping out my last column because I don’t want to run out of time. If there’s one thing I’ve learned from sitting by the bedsides of elders in the...
Seeing the ‘invisible patient’ in LTC
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Dec 11, 2014
Jane Gross’ recent post ‘Seeing the Invisible Patient’ in the “New Old Age” blog of the New York Times discusses how professionals often ignore the needs of caregivers of...
The Goodbye Guide: Why and how to terminate tenderly in LTC
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Jun 23, 2015
I believe leave-takings in long-term care are more important than in other settings and that the style of departure should be given more consideration.
Use ‘nudge principles’ to prompt staff
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Jan 06, 2015
We all can use practice harnessing “less laudatory traits,” such as short-sightedness, inertia, inflated optimism and our tendency to submit to peer pressure. Especially for our work. Here’s...
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...
6 steps to manage post-election reactions in LTC
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Nov 22, 2016
The 2016 presidential election has revealed a deep rift in our country, and quite possibly in our long-term care facilities as well.
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...
Instilling hope: Needed for contentment, helpful for long-term care operations
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Nov 29, 2013
“I hope Santa brings me a Sony DS,” my 7-year-old told me the other day. I can tell you right now that Santa is NOT bringing her a video game player, but I didn’t want to tell her that....