Most recent articles by Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Suicide prevention in older adults
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Nov 08, 2016
In preparing for a webinar on suicide prevention, I came across startling statistics about suicide rates among older adults. Despite the concern we often hear about teen suicide, the rate for elders is...
Playing the LTC lottery
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Oct 25, 2016
After reading a recent New York Times Opinion piece about the uses of lotteries to solve social problems, I began contemplating their potential application to long-term care. An element of fun might be...
4 ways to find out why your aides are leaving
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Sep 27, 2016
Once, when I worked for a managed care company, I rode down a packed elevator with the CEO, who commented drily on the crowd, saying, “It must be 5:01.” What I thought, but did not say, was...
To reduce staff turnover, lead with LTC strengths
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Sep 13, 2016
When I spoke about the challenges of staff turnover at the Louisiana Nursing Home Association convention last week, I asked the group, “If you were able to bring in the same salary you were currently...
What’s all this about PBJ?
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Aug 30, 2016
Why are they keeping track of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches? I appreciate their concern that residents might have our lunches served late, but what about the tuna fish sandwiches? And the chicken?...
Wisdom from elders
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Aug 16, 2016
I told residents that I was writing an article on advice from elders about how to live life and their responses were immediate and enthusiastic, as if they’d been waiting for someone to ask.
‘Healthwear’ and other culture changes
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Aug 02, 2016
When it comes to assistive devices such as canes, walkers, and eyeglasses, it’s possible to convert something unappealing yet necessary into an item that bestows confidence, evinces a sense of humor...
Racism and LTC
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Jul 19, 2016
Given the racial tensions in the news this week, I thought it would be a good time to reflect on interactions among races in long-term care. I’ve observed firsthand various culturally charged interactions...
Super-utilizers: LTC has them too
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Jul 05, 2016
Reducing the costs of long-term care “super-utilizers” first requires recognizing them as such. Then proceed carefully, and with an investigative eye, to increase the likelihood of successfully...
From abysmal to mediocre: Encouraging hand hygiene
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Jun 21, 2016
I’ve become more diligent over the years (read: paranoid) about making an effort to sanitize my hands as I move from room to room. But I wonder about those whose roles in long-term care don’t...