Managing staff anxiety in the time of COVID-19
Much has changed in our lives and our facilities since my column two weeks ago on addressing residents’ coronavirus fears. Back then, residents, like the rest of us, were still receiving visitors and attending communal activities. In addition to its effect on residents, COVID-19 has put enormous stress on those who work in long-term care....
Getting ‘hygge’ with it, at the holidays and year-round
Getting ‘hygge’ with it, at the holidays and year-round I know, I know, that’s not how the word is pronounced. But as soon as I read about the Danish concept of coziness, I got that darn Will Smith song (“Gettin Jiggy With It”) in my head and I can’t get it out. Hygge (actually pronounced...
What if nursing homes had a ‘well-being budget’?
Here’s my latest article on McKnight’s Long-Term Care News: What if nursing homes had a ‘well-being budget’? Last week, New Zealand passed the country’s first “well-being budget,” with billions in funding directed towards mental health, suicide prevention, addiction treatment and combatting poverty. This development had me considering what a “well-being budget” would look like in...
Self-care, team-care and an empty well
Here’s my latest article on McKnight’s Long-Term Care News: Self-care, team-care and an empty well “How’s it going?” I asked Larry, one of the maintenance workers I chatted with from time to time. He didn’t have his usual smile and his wrist was in a brace from a repetitive stress injury. “I’m tired,” he replied....
How to support depressed workers and reduce absenteeism
Here’s my latest article on McKnight’s Long-Term Care News: How to support depressed workers and reduce absenteeism As a consulting psychologist, my official job is to provide psychological services to the residents of the nursing homes in which I work. Occasionally, though, I’m asked by a department head to informally assist a staff member in...
How to support depressed workers and reduce absenteeism
As residents and family members know, the moods of the workers have a vast impact on resident care. Showing your appreciation for their efforts can help. If you see more is needed, consider sharing these article ideas with those in a position to make use of them. Here’s my latest article on McKnight’s Long-Term Care...
9 reasons why it’s better to congregate than disperse short-term rehab residents
Here’s my latest article on McKnight’s Long-Term Care News: 9 reasons why it’s better to congregate than disperse short-term rehab residents In most of my long-term care career, I’ve witnessed short-term rehabilitation (STR) residents housed together, but occasionally facilities have scattered them throughout the building. I don’t know the reasoning behind dispersing residents, but from...
Dr. El’s Theory of Angry Activities
Family members can add a playful, “angry” activity when visiting elders and reduce stress together. Here’s my latest article on McKnight’s Long-Term Care News: Dr. El’s Theory of Angry Activities “Scream as loud as you can,” I encouraged my companions before we plunged down the waterslide in our rubber raft at the water park on...
Dr. El’s Theory of Angry Activities
Here’s my latest article on McKnight’s Long-Term Care News: Dr. El’s Theory of Angry Activities “Scream as loud as you can,” I encouraged my companions before we plunged down the waterslide in our rubber raft at the water park on Independence Day. “There aren’t enough opportunities for yelling in everyday life. Let’s make the most...
Vacation envy, or ‘How to get your groove back’
It’s important for professional staff and family caregivers to take some time for themselves. Here’s my latest article on McKnight’s Long-Term Care News: Vacation envy, or ‘How to get your groove back’ Perhaps, like me, you’ve recently had time off from work but the only break on the near horizon is a measly midweek Independence...