Most recent articles by Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Implementing an employee recognition program: Tips for success
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
May 29, 2014
I recently focused on the benefits of recognition and key points in choosing a recognition program. Now I’d like to address how to implement your chosen employee recognition program so that it becomes...
The very anxious resident: A team approach
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
May 15, 2014
I’ve developed a set of suggestions for working with “challenging,” anxious residents, who can disrupt everyone around them. If caregivers don’t have sound strategies like these,...
In the wake of a nursing home double-homicide: How to meet mental health needs and prevent violence
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
May 01, 2014
News of the recent double-homicide in a Houston nursing home arrived the morning I was to speak to a group gathered to address the needs of younger residents in long-term care. It didn’t escape anyone...
Battling depression: Advice on how to make seniors feel valued by others
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Apr 17, 2014
Senior living providers can design programs that increase the opportunities for residents to be valued within their communities and in the outside world. They have nothing to lose but high depression rates....
The Eldercare Method: Using psychology for positive outcomes
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Apr 03, 2014
Those of us in long-term care have undoubtedly witnessed incidents where residents become agitated and staff members don’t have the tools to prevent or manage their distress. Unfortunately, psychologists...
I finally visit a Green House (and it blows my mind!)
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Mar 20, 2014
In my last post, I discussed culture change and its positive impact on the mental health of the residents, particularly at Eden Alternative facilities. I recently also had the opportunity to tour a Green...
Reducing depression through person-centered care
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Mar 06, 2014
Culture change, the Eden Alternative, whatever you call it, things are moving in that direction. In my experience, the nursing home I worked in that was most attentive to the psychosocial needs of the...
How to better foster community among long-term care residents
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Feb 20, 2014
Many, if not most, of the services offered in the nursing home can be provided through home-based care. What sets nursing homes and other long-term care sites apart is the opportunity for residents to...
The keys to reducing turnover in long-term care
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Feb 07, 2014
The turnover rate in long-term care is a very significant problem, so I dug into the research about it. Some of the findings were shocking. Others were simply very disappointing. Here’s what I found,...
Employee recognition programs: What works
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Jan 21, 2014
After Ms. Ryan’s psychotherapy session, I stopped at the nursing station and asked the nurse for the name of her aide. The nurse pointed to a uniformed woman right next to me, who turned and asked...