Most recent articles by Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Spirituality in long-term care
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Aug 18, 2015
In the beginning of my long-term care career, I quickly recognized that in order to be of service in this environment, I needed to come to a spiritual understanding of how such nice people could be dealing...
Diabetes care: Take two betta fish and call me in a week
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Jul 21, 2015
These days, with organizations being penalized for rehospitalizations and closely monitored on clinical outcomes, it would probably be very worthwhile to provide a group of elders with some pet fish, food...
Creating better deaths in long-term care
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Jul 07, 2015
Residents and their families count on us to support them along the emotional and often frightening path of end-of-life care. We can help our residents have a “good” death and make the experience...
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.
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...
Psychologists open up about LTC sex and dementia
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
May 26, 2015
A recent high-profile court case in Iowa highlighted the challenges that arise when considering capacity, sexual activity and the senior living environment. Long-term care psychologists met recently to...
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.
‘Okie El’ rocks out, and then veges out
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Apr 28, 2015
My first-ever trip to Oklahoma for a speaking engagement recently included no fringed surries. But there was a bustling, well-run long-term conference, animated conversations with attendees, life-altering...
Loneliness in LTC: Overcoming disability, creating connections
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Apr 14, 2015
Reducing loneliness among facility residents has numerous benefits — for residents and staff. So why aren’t we doing better at it? Here’s what you need to know.
Dialysis: Gauging its need, and how to reduce its stress
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Mar 31, 2015
As a psychologist observing the effects of medical interventions on the mental health of the long-term care resident, I often ask, “Is this aggressive procedure helping?” As it turns out, so...