The concept is to value the person — to support them to live their life as usual, as much as possible. On a physical level, residents need fewer medications, eat better, and yes, live longer. On a mental level, they also seem to have more joy. It’s a difficult thing to measure, but that is the most important thing. … Continue Reading →

1.4 million older adults are confined to nursing homes for the crimes of frailty and dementia, serving life sentences without parole, lying in bed or sitting beside it, imprisoned by helplessness, waiting to die, yet clinging to lives of crushing emptiness. This article — part 1 of 2— will help you understand what they are going through. … Continue Reading →

Let’s get rid of the words “Mental Illness” and “Mentally Ill.”

They’re “toxic words,” loaded with very negative emotions. They bring to mind images of people with weird and bizarre behaviors, who are very dangerous, and who should be locked up to protect the rest of us “normal” people.

Unfortunately, they unfairly stigmatize millions and millions of our fellow citizens who … Continue Reading →

1.4 million older adults are confined to nursing homes for the crimes of frailty and dementia, serving life sentences without parole, lying in bed or sitting beside it, imprisoned by helplessness, waiting to die, yet clinging to lives of crushing emptiness. … Continue Reading →