Category: For Fun
Posted by Dr. El - December 23, 2015 - For Fun, McKnight's Long-Term Care News, Something Good About Nursing Homes
Here’s my latest article on McKnight’s Long-Term Care News:
There are many givers in senior care facilities. Sometimes they don’t even realize it themselves. This holiday season is a good time to recognize them — and the things that make smiles bright.
The Twelve Days of Christmas in LTC
On the first day of Christmas, my residents gave to me a thank you for my good care.
On the second day of Christmas, my residents gave to me two knitted mittens and a thank you for my good care.
On the third day of Christmas, my residents gave to me three candy canes, two knitted mittens and a thank you for my good care.
On the fourth day of Christmas, my residents gave to me four graham crackers, three candy canes, two knitted mittens and a thank you for my good care.
On the fifth day of Christmas, my residents gave to me five beaming smiles, four graham crackers, three candy canes, two knitted mittens and a thank you for my good care.
On the sixth day of Christmas, my residents gave to me six warm handshakes, five beaming smiles, four graham crackers, three candy canes, two knitted mittens and a thank you for my good care.
For the entire article, visit:
Posted by Dr. El - October 14, 2015 - Anecdotes, For Fun, McKnight's Long-Term Care News, Personal Reflections, Role of psychologists
Here’s my latest article on McKnight’s Long-Term Care News:
“The Adventures of
The Geropsychologist!”
Starring Dr. El as
The Geropsychologist!
There have been thousands of movies and TV shows about the exciting work of cops, lawyers, and hospitals, but long-term care? Fuhgeddaboutit!
Here, Dr. El aims to correct that oversight with a show that reveals the versatility and pragmatism of a nursing home psychologist willing to do what it takes to meet the needs of her residents.
Act 1, Scene 1
In today’s episode, Dr. El walks into 85-year old resident Frank Corolla’s nursing home room. His bed is neatly made and the curtain is drawn between his bed and his neighbor’s in their semi-private room. Mr. Corolla is sitting in his chair in his pajamas and bathrobe, listening to the radio.
Dr. El (in a loud voice): Hey, Mr. Corolla! It’s Dr. El. How are you doing today?
Mr. Corolla (looking sad): Not good.
Dr. El (sitting on the edge of the bed): What’s the matter?
Mr. Corolla: My eyes are hurting me so bad I was crying today.
Dr. El: Did that help?
Mr. Corolla: No.
Dr. El: I’m sorry to hear that. I’ll talk to the nurse. I’ll be right back.
Act 1, Scene 2
Dr. El appears at the nursing station and waits while the nurse finishes her phone call. The nurse hangs up.
Nurse: How are you, Dr. El? How can I help you?
Dr. El: Well, I’m good, thanks, but Mr. Corolla eyes are hurting him so badly he was crying today. I wrote a note for the doctor last week but I don’t see any follow up. Do you know what’s happening with that?
Nurse (looking in the computer): I don’t see anything from the doctor. I’ll call the nurse practitioner.
Dr. El: Thanks!
Act 1, Scene 3
Dr. El runs into the nurse in the stairwell.
Dr. El: Were you able to reach the nurse practitioner?
Nurse: Yes. She put in an order to see the ophthalmologist.
Dr. El: Awesome!
[Canned applause]
Act 2, Scene 1
Dr. El walks into Ms. Johnson’s room and finds her frantically rummaging through her closet with one hand. With the other, she holds on to the wall. She looks like she’s about to fall.
Dr. El: Ms. Johnson! Are you OK? What are you doing?
Ms. Johnson (looking up with tears in her eyes): I was looking for a shirt I wanted to wear and look how they do my things! All crammed in here like they was nothing! They’s something to me. They’s all I got.
For the entire article, visit:
Posted by Dr. El - December 22, 2014 - For Fun, Inspiration, McKnight's Long-Term Care News
Here’s my latest article on McKnight’s Long-Term Care News:
‘Twas the night before Christmas and all through long-term care,
Decorations sparkled and twinkled — no wall was bare.
The recreation department had concerts galore,
The residents enjoyed it — they clamored for more.
The maintenance guys put up outdoor lights,
Vendors sent cookies and other delights.
The nurses wore holiday tops and bright pins,
Each floor had menorahs and dreidels to spin.
Kwanzaa candles were set out next to the trees,
Poinsettias brightened the desk of Security.
IT staff donned elf hats, the business office did too,
Rehab wore red sweaters, with bells on their shoes,
Environmental services polished ’til the whole place gleamed,
Everyone had seasonal spirit, it seemed.
Outfits were chosen by residents with care,
Make-up and hairdos were all an affair.
Aides helped as needed with jewelry and ties,
To make sure “their people” looked fetching and wise.
For the entire article, visit:
Posted by Dr. El - October 27, 2014 - For Fun, Inspiration
The beautiful music in this video reminds me that each resident holds secret treasures if we take the time to stop to listen.
Listen to the video below or at this link: http://youtu.be/s3PGNnG1OGw
Posted by Dr. El - October 16, 2014 - For Fun, McKnight's Long-Term Care News, Personal Reflections
Here’s my latest article on McKnight’s Long-Term Care News:
There’s nothing like the first time you get to meet people, attend education sessions and see the exhibit hall at the American Health Care Association, as I found out last week.
10/5/14, 2 p.m. — I just arrived in D.C. on the Bolt Bus. $40 round-trip from New York City. You can’t beat it with a stick. Now I have to get over to my hotel room and get ready to meet McKnight’s Editor Jim Berklan.
9:30 p.m. — Just came back from dinner with McKnight’s staff members Jim Berklan, John O’Connor, and Tim Mullaney. Really nice guys, really into long-term care. It made me proud to be part of McKnight’s.
10/6/14, 3 a.m. – I can’t sleep.
3:30 a.m. — I just downloaded the AHCA app. Very handy how I can see what programs are available and send them to my calendar.
6 a.m. — Time to get up and get ready for the convention!
8 a.m. — I’m sitting in the session led by Denise Boudreau-Scott, MHA, LNHA, on “Creating the Ultimate Customer Service Experience.” I can download her slides from the app!
9 a.m. — The talk confirmed my perceptions around customer service. I ran into an administrator I used to work with who said how hard it was to create the “ultimate customer service experience.” He should have asked me. I had plenty of suggestions for him. Instead I said, “Mmmm,” the classic noncommittal psychologist response. I’ll bet a lot of shrinks working in long-term care have great ideas for their facilities.
11:30 a.m. — Just heard General Colin Powell speak! He was witty, self-deprecating, on topic, and pointed in his criticism of current Washington politics. I’m very impressed.
1:30 p.m. — I’m in the expo hall now and OMG!!! I’m so excited. I finally got the chance to ride in a patient care lift after years of wanting to try one. (Thanks, ArjoHuntleigh staff.) Now I see what my residents have been talking about. A newer lift has a better angle than an earlier model and almost swaddles the rider, creating a sense of security lacking in the traditional device. Plus, it allows a person to be weighed in the lift instead of having to be transferred to the scale. Of course it costs more. But it seems worth it in terms of customer experience and staff time and effort saved in the weighing process.
For the entire article, visit:
Posted by Dr. El - June 21, 2014 - For Fun, For Recreation Staff, For Rehab Therapists, For Residents, Inspiration
This article and accompanying video from the New York Times shows the power of a compassionate and inspirational leader and the willingness and dedication of a student (who happens to be 90). Falls prevention at its best. Be sure to check out the photos in the article. And now please excuse me, I’m going to go work out.
By LOUIE LAZAR (New York Times)
http://nyti.ms/1pPRH8D
Martin Luther King Addo
Photo by Damon Winter/NYT
Posted by Dr. El - February 26, 2014 - Aunt Sylvia, For Fun, Inspiration, Videos
Aunt Sylvia keeps busy in her 3rd video.
http://youtu.be/B9pJtYfERN4
Posted by Dr. El - January 21, 2014 - Aunt Sylvia, For Fun, Inspiration, Videos
In this video, Aunt Sylvia makes the best of things…
http://youtu.be/PNp0q-LRf9k
Posted by Dr. El - October 28, 2013 - Aunt Sylvia, For Fun, Savvy Guide reviews
Dear Readers, my Aunt Sylvia would like a word with you:
Please share…
Posted by Dr. El - October 4, 2013 - Books/media of note, For Fun, Inspiration, McKnight's Long-Term Care News, Videos
Here’s my latest article on McKnight’s Long-Term Care News:
I was very pleased when I heard there was a program about a long-term care facility on British television. Finally we’re getting our props — at least overseas.
“Derek” is the story of a simple but kind middle-aged man who works in a quiet assisted living home with an assortment of misfits who staff the place. The show is alternatively funny and sad and definitely worth watching, especially to see how our work is portrayed to the public.
For the entire article, visit:
More about Ricky Gervais:
Ricky Gervais is not only the star of ‘Derek,’ he also wrote and directed it. Gervais’ past credits include his work on ‘The Office’ and ‘Extras,’ which he co-wrote and co-directed. He had lead roles in both programs. Below, Charlie Rose talks with Ricky Gervais about ‘Derek.’
For more insider info on what it’s like to live and work in a nursing home, read The Savvy Resident’s Guide.
