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Baylor Gerontology Expert Shares Tips to Care for Aging Population During Coronavirus Pandemic
“This is not a vacation from caring; it is a time when caring is needed most of all,” social work professor says The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has announced that older adults and people who have serious chronic medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and lung disease are at a high risk for the coronavirus. The virus hit hard in late January at a nursing facility in the state of Washington, where a number of residents died. As a result, the CDC has recommended strong restrictions on visitors to long-term care facilities, and the health organization continues to preach limited physical contact and “social distancing” – creating intentional space of six feet or more between each person – to stem the spread of the virus. James Ellor, Ph.D., The Dorothy Barfield Kronzer Endowed Professor in Baylor University’s Diana R. Garland School of Social Work, is an expert on working with older adults as well as disaster behavioral health. He said it’s important in this time of uncertainty to continue to support and minister to those older adults who are self-isolating in their homes and those in long-term care facilities. “Remember, no one stops caring about others just because germs are in the way,” Ellor said. “Express your caring in appropriate ways. This is not a vacation from caring; it is a time when caring is needed most of all. We also know that prayer is very important. Hold the person in prayer and let them know you are doing so.” In the following Q&A, Ellor shares tips on how to care for this population during this time. Q: What are some ways we can check on older relatives and neighbors without using physical touch and interaction? A: There is a fine line in this unknown time between caution and paranoia. Respect for each other’s boundaries is the critical value. It seems very awkward to want to affirm someone, yet not shake their hand. However, we need to use our words and ask what the other person is comfortable with, and by the same measure, let them know what you are comfortable with. At this point, the most obvious ways to check on people is through social media or paper and pencil. Drop them a note, call them on a phone, use other social media devices as appropriate. I would suggest that if you normally visit them, say on Fridays, be sure to continue to do that, albeit by phone or even just drop them a card. Q: If people have chosen to self-isolate or if they’re scared to venture out due to this health crisis, what are some ways people can help? A: Be consistent. If you have a pattern, continue the pattern. Remember the principles above. If the person is feeling out of control, talk quietly with them and offer them a card or other gesture of caring. Q: Can you explain the importance of personal interaction for people who are shut in? A: People with human contact simply live longer than those completely cut off from the world, with few exceptions. While about 15 percent of older adults are “shut in,” only about 5 percent are bed bound. That means that persons who are dependent on oxygen, for example, will be in their house, but not in bed. They depend on all of their outside contacts. Keep your normal visiting pattern, albeit with a card in the mail or phone call. If you are a member of a church, have the youth group use some of their extra “stay at home” time to make greeting cards intended to cheer up a person in your church or group that is home bound. Older adults like tactile things, particularly if they are sensory-impaired. If you make a card, put a feather in it, or some other feel-good item. If you are purchasing a card, there are some that have things in them that you can feel, or even hear. Some cards will allow you to record a short message. Q: Since so many long-term care facilities now have strict rules about visitors, are there any ways that people can interact or show support to residents in a safe manner? A: Most facilities are cutting off all contact from the outside. Only their own staff, physicians and hospice nurses are being allowed in. Even social workers, chaplains and other clergy are being kept out. In the Waco area, physicians are being screened for a fever or cough and could be turned away. As such, phone calls, cards and letters are all important. Several facilities in this area have begun to put room numbers on the windows of their facility, so that family can come by and wave through the window. Persons in long-term care facilities, even those with dementia, will pick up on the anxiety of the staff and especially the TV, which is often on all the time. A person with dementia may not be able to understand the anxiety but will be anxious when others are anxious. This makes the job of staff that much harder. Q: Anything else you’d like to share? A: The workers at these homes have a much harder job now. Don’t hesitate to send them a card or a treat if it can be obtained safely. Staff, even the people at the door telling you that you can’t come in to see your loved one, have a tough job now and need extra support from everyone. ABOUT JAMES ELLOR, PH.D. James Ellor, Ph.D., serves as professor and The Dorothy Barfield Kronzer Endowed Professor in Family Studies in Baylor University’s Diana R. Garland School of Social Work. works with older adults around issues of mental and spiritual health. He has served on the executive committee of the Midwestern Geriatric Education Center and provided education, counseling, and planning for individuals and groups who work with seniors. His research includes work in entrostomal therapy, hunger, the church as service provider, spiritual assessment, and intervention techniques with cognitively impaired older adults. ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY Baylor University is a private Christian University and a nationally ranked research institution. The University provides a vibrant campus community for more than 18,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating University in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 90 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 12 nationally recognized academic divisions. ABOUT THE DIANA R. GARLAND SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK AT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY Baylor University’s Diana R. Garland School of Social Work is home to one of the leading graduate social work programs in the nation with a research agenda focused on the integration of faith and practice. Upholding its mission of preparing social workers in a Christian context for worldwide service and leadership, the School offers a baccalaureate degree (B.S.W.); a Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) degree available on the Waco or Houston campuses or online; three joint-degree options, M.S.W./M.B.A., M.S.W./M.Div. and M.S.W./M.T.S., through a partnership with Baylor’s Hankamer School of Business and George W. Truett Theological Seminary; and an online Ph.D. program. Visit www.baylor.edu/social_work to learn more.
Coronavirus: What Voices Should We Listen To In These Uncertain Times?
Our smartphones, social media accounts, televisions and radios are clogged with information about COVID-19. Some is good information. Much is bad. So which voices do we listen to during this uncertain time of pandemic? Baylor University’s Marlene Neill, Ph.D., APR, associate professor of journalism, public relations and new media, is an expert on public relations ethics and management, and integrated communications. In this brief Q&A, she shares some tips to discover which voices to trust and follow during a crisis. Q: In this time of confusion and mixed messages, what are some steps people should take to find credible and consistent content and updates regarding Coronavirus? A: I used to work in city government and worked very closely with public health district officials. I prefer to seek out information from official government agency sources such as the CDC, public health district officials, physicians and epidemiologists. A good example is the CDC's coronavirus site. Local newspapers also have set up informational pages regarding local closures and cancellations. I personally am very skeptical of information I see on social media claiming to be from someone who experienced the coronavirus in another country or others whose credentials are unknown. Q: What are some characteristics of trustworthy messages? A: I trust information from credible sources in the medical community and public health. The information should be consistent with that reported by these official government sources. If you are unsure, double check online rumor websites such as snopes.com or consult official government websites. We need to start with doctors, epidemiologists and public health officials. This is their area of expertise and they want people to be properly informed to protect themselves and our communities. ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY Baylor University is a private Christian University and a nationally ranked research institution. The University provides a vibrant campus community for more than 17,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating University in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 90 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 12 nationally recognized academic divisions.
How to Find Quality Family Time During the Coronavirus Pandemic
Planning schedules, screen time and social connectedness during the coronavirus crisis can parents and children reduce stress, be productive and create meaningful family moments With many schools closed as a measure against the spread of coronavirus, and many parents working remotely, families can incorporate a variety of activities — including educational ones — to keep kids engaged and ready to continue learning when they return to school, say family experts at Baylor University. “Life will look a little different over the next few weeks” amid the social distancing recommend by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said Karen K. Melton, Ph.D., assistant professor of child and family studies in Baylor’s Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences. “For the next few weeks, we are going to get to spend extra quality time with our loved ones at home, likely resulting in more laughs and tears. “A sense of routine can help us stay calm and keep moving forward,” she said. “As we all lean into the changes that surround us, we offer three S’s for being intentional while kids are home: schedules, screen time and social connectedness.” SCHEDULES Schedules can take time and effort to create, but once established, they will help reduce stress, Melton said. “You can create a full-day schedule or just a morning/afternoon schedule when you need to get other work done. By providing a family’s schedule, you will reduce boredom and anxiety while increasing a sense of belonging and competency. Some families may allow kids to watch TV in the morning and then work through their schedule. If they complete all their activities, then they can earn additional screen time in the late afternoon.” Some schedule suggestions: Art and/or music Outdoor play Free play Learning activities/educational worksheets Reading Chores Board games Screen time SCREEN TIME “Your kids will likely have more screen time than usual,” Melton said. “For older children, limit screen time so that it does not replace physical activity, sleep or other healthy behaviors. Parents also may want to consider that all screen time is not equal, not only by the ways we interact — smartphones, tablets, computers, gaming devices and televisions — but by different categories for screen time use.” Among those: Watching educational shows versus watching entertaining shows Playing educational games versus playing entertainment games Constructive social media versus destructive social media use SOCIAL CONNECTEDNESS Apps and other technology offer ways to stay connected with those outside the home. But each day of the week also provides opportunities for meaningful moments with family at home, said Nicole McAninch, Ph.D., clinical associate professor of child and family studies at Baylor, who co-directors the Intentional Family Project at Baylor. Some ideas: Dust off the board games. Teach your kids a family recipe. Have a family dance party. Play a video game as a family. Have a family movie night. “Life will be a little crazier than usual over the next few weeks,” Melton said. “Remember, we are all in this together. We will all need to sacrifice and be more flexible. If we spend a little time being intentional with schedules, screen time and social connections, then we can look back at this time, having created meaningful moments that help our family thrive.” ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY Baylor University is a private Christian University and a nationally ranked research institution. The University provides a vibrant campus community for more than 17,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating University in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 90 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 12 nationally recognized academic divisions.
Baylor University Marketing Professor Jim Roberts, Ph.D., has been studying consumer behavior and spending habits for decades. He is recognized internationally for his research and commentary on the subject. He said the consumer response during the current coronavirus pandemic -- evidenced by the frequent image of empty shelves of essentials -- is concerning and advises shoppers to refocus their actions on the good of the community. “This crisis is an ethical litmus test. I strongly suggest that people not horde essentials, but that they buy only enough for the near future. I am deeply disappointed when I see shoppers with carts full of water, Purell, toilet paper, etc. Essentially, they are saying, ‘Every man for himself,’ instead of, ‘What can we do to survive this crisis together?’ Working with each other always leads to better results. The Golden Rule should dictate at times like these as well as every day of our lives.” ABOUT JIM ROBERTS, PH.D. Jim Roberts, Ph.D., The Ben H. Williams Professor of Marketing in Baylor University’s Hankamer School of Business, is a nationally and internationally recognized expert on consumer behavior and has been quoted extensively in the media. He has appeared on CBS’ Early Show, ABC’s World News Tonight, ABC’s Good Morning America and NBC’s The Today Show. He has been quoted and/or featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, National Public Radio, Cosmopolitan Magazine, Glamour and U.S. News and World Report, among many other newspapers, magazines, websites and television outlets.
Baylor Sports Marketing Expert Discusses NBA, NCAA Coronavirus Decisions
On Wednesday, the NBA took the unprecedented step to suspend its season following the revelation that one of its players tested positive for coronavirus. In addition, the NCAA announced that the March Madness basketball tournaments will be played, but without fans present. Baylor University’s Dr. Kirk Wakefield is a nationally recognized expert on sports marketing, sports psychology and fan/consumer response. He has conducted research on the sports retail market – including the NBA and all major national organizations – for more than 20 years. In this brief Q&A, he shares his thoughts about these two decisions. Q: This was an unprecedented action by the NBA to suspend the season due to coronavirus. What does this mean for the teams? A: We’ve had work stoppage before with labor lockouts. Fans were angry then, but the majority won’t be now. Most won’t blame the league or the teams. We might see even more passion for the teams as fans are anxious for play to resume. Q: Based on your understanding of the decision-making process, does this seem to be an action that was done thoughtfully? A: It was carefully considered. No one wants to be the one who could have prevented a catastrophe and didn’t take prudent steps. Just like after lockout years, the leagues will recover. Q: The NCAA tournament will be played – but without fans. What does this mean for college sports teams and the NCAA? A: Obviously, viewership will increase – which is good for sponsors with heavy broadcast and digital assets. Sponsors and venues/teams who are reliant on gate revenue will be hit the hardest. ABOUT KIRK WAKEFIELD, PH.D. Kirk Wakefield, Ph.D., is the Edwin W. Streetman Professor of Retail Marketing and executive director of Sports Sponsorship & Sales at Baylor Unviersity's Hankamer School of Business. His research on retailing covers more than two decades and focuses primarily on sports psychology, team sports marketing, entertainment marketing, and fan and consumer response to pricing and promotional tools. He has conducted fan research in almost every venue in sports including the NBA, NFL, MLB, MLS, NHL and NASCAR. ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY Baylor University is a private Christian University and a nationally ranked research institution. The University provides a vibrant campus community for more than 18,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating University in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 90 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 12 nationally recognized academic divisions. ABOUT HANKAMER SCHOOL OF BUSINESS AT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY At Baylor University’s Hankamer School of Business, integrity stands shoulder-to-shoulder with analytic and strategic strengths. The School’s top-ranked programs combine rigorous classroom learning, hands-on experience in the real world, a solid foundation in Christian values and a global outlook. Making up approximately 25 percent of the University’s total enrollment, undergraduate students choose from 16 major areas of study. Graduate students choose from full-time, executive or online MBA or other specialized master’s programs, and Ph.D. programs in Information Systems, Entrepreneurship or Health Services Research. The Business School also has campuses located in Austin and Dallas, Texas. Visit www.baylor.edu/business and follow on Twitter at twitter.com/Baylor_Business.
Recognizable companies including Google, Twitter and Eli Lilly all are encouraging their employees to work at home to prevent spread of the coronavirus. Research on the benefits and drawbacks of “working from home is still in its infancy, but researchers have generally found that telecommuting can function as a double-edged sword, said Erik Gonzalez-Mulé, assistant professor of organizational behavior and human resources at the Indiana University Kelley School of Business. “On the one hand, telecommuting can increase productivity because it enhances employees’ feelings of control and autonomy. With the freedom to choose when and how to do their work, employees generally experience greater motivation and satisfaction,” Gonzalez-Mulé. “Of course, there is a caveat here, in that managers should take care to maintain the same performance management systems they use for ‘in-residence’ employees, such as setting specific goals, ‘checking in’ on goal progress, using regular performance evaluations, and the like. “The idea is to communicate to employees that, as long as the work gets done -- which managers can assess with performance management systems -- they can choose when and how to do it,” he added. “On the other hand, recent studies show that telecommuting can increase feelings of isolation. This is because telecommuting workers have significantly less face-to-face contact with their manager and colleagues, which can lead telecommuters to feel alone and socially disconnected. One way to ameliorate these effects is to use technologies that involve virtual face-to-face contact, like Zoom or Skype, or to have at least some ‘real’ face-to-face contact, such as some meetings that are conducted in-person.”
March 6 is the National Day of Unplugging. Communications Professor Joni Siani at Manhattanville College is spearheading a unique project, the “No App For Life” challenge, to address the unintended consequences affecting the first digitally socialized generation. The challenge encourages a week of refraining from social media apps and reminds students that they are human and have all the apps they need to feel connected. “Our college students are considered the first digitally socialized generation,” said Siani. “We've seen the decline in soft skills along with a rise in anxiety, affecting their success in college and both their professional and personal lives. We're dedicated to giving students the skills they need.” Siani has dedicated her research to creating effective solutions to reverse the effects of growing up online. Beginning with the award-winning documentary “Celling Your Soul,” the No App For Life challenge evolved over a ten-year period into a comprehensive project, meeting students where they are with a deep level of compassion that focuses on empowerment. This portion of the curriculum from her classes was so well received, students encouraged Siani to expand it campus-wide. Siani discovered the benefits of the project were not about "going without, but, going within." This is "not anti-technology, but pro-human." Many educators encourage some type of digital abstinence, but Siani created a more comprehensive curriculum that works in a positive approach. The No App For Life challenge provides a writing activity and observational tasks that teach specific skills to practice and hone. Students report these strategies as "life changing" and incorporate the new behaviors into their daily lives with a positive effect on their relationships and mental health. As Siani explains, "Nobody wants to hear that the thing they love isn't good for them. The No App For Life challenge provides students with the skills they need to navigate their world using their ‘human apps.’ Going without their digital default methods, they build self-esteem and confidence while their phones are on the back burner. When students learn how to communicate to have their needs met and address anxiety and stress, they actually are excited to test out their new skills. They want to learn about themselves. This is a personal motivation strategy." If you are a journalist covering the National Day of Unplugging or looking to know more about how technology is impacting society, let the experts from Manhattanville College help with your stories.
FAU Experts Available to Speak on Coronavirus and its Impact Worldwide
Coronavirus has now earned global attention and Florida Atlantic University experts are available to speak with media about the impact of coronavirus on areas related to this worldwide epidemic, including hospitality, tourism, employment sick leave, and politics. If you are a journalist covering the progress of this virus and how it is impacting various sectors and segments of society – then let us help with your stories, questions and ongoing coverage. LeaAnne DeRigne, Ph.D., MSW, associate professor in FAU’s Phyllis and Harvey Sandler School of Social Work LeaAnne DeRigne is an expert on paid sick leave and its impact on the health and financial security of individuals, families and public health in general. Her recent research on the importance of paid sick leave benefits has received wide press coverage,and has been cited around the country by policy makers, lobbyists, and advocates pushing cities and states to mandate sick leave coverage. Key findings from the study, which are representative of the nation, showed that regardless of income, age, race, occupation, full-time or part-time work status, health status or health insurance coverage, workers without paid sick leave were three times more likely to delay medical care than were workers with paid sick leave. She also conducts research on other workplace benefits such as flexible work, vacation time and pensions. Peter Ricci, clinical associate professor and director of the Department of Marketing and Hospitality Management in FAU’s College of Business Peter Ricci is a hospitality industry veteran with more than 20 years of managerial experience in segments including food service, lodging, incentive travel, and destination marketing. While filling the role of hotel general manager for almost a decade, Ricci served as a part-time educator before entering academia full time as both a clinical associate professor and administrator. Kevin Wagner, Ph.D., professor and chair of FAU’s Department of Political Science in the Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters Kevin Wagner’s research and teaching interests include presidential and judicial politics, political behavior and legislative behavior. He is also a research fellow of the FAU Business and Economics Polling Initiative (BEPI). Wagner has lectured extensively on American politics and has served as an expert in many leading newspapers including the New York Times, Boston Globe, New York Newsday, the Dallas Morning News, and the Miami Herald. He has been featured as the political analyst for CBS 12 in West Palm Beach and on national television including NBC’s “Today.” All of the experts listed above are ready and available to speak with media. To arrange an interview simply click on an expert’s profile or email Lisa Metcalf at lmetcalf@fau.edu.
Following Israel’s third election in a year? Let our experts help with your coverage
It looks like the third time might be a charm for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Despite facing corruption charges and failure to form government two previous times, it appears he might have finally secured power to lead the Knesset. However, as results are slow to come in, what comes after winning might be a different matter. A Netanyahu victory would set the stage for a possible constitutional showdown between Israel’s political and judicial power centers over whether he is able to form a government while under indictment. Since Mr. Netanyahu is facing felony prosecution, it is unclear whether the president, Reuven Rivlin, can legally invite him to form a government. The situation has no precedent and the Supreme Court, perhaps hoping a third election would render the question moot, avoided ruling on the subject in January. But the court will almost certainly now be asked to intervene, forcing its unelected judges to choose between disqualifying an elected leader from taking power or allowing a leader who is accused of bribery, fraud and breach of trust to form a new government. At a minimum, Mr. Netanyahu, Israel’s longest-serving premier, could use the electoral result to bolster his hand in negotiating a plea bargain. A new term for Mr. Netanyahu would also clear away domestic political impediments to annexing territory in the occupied West Bank, a move endorsed by the Trump administration and considered illegal by most of the world. The New York TImes - March 02 So, what comes after the election could be as stress filled and unpredictable as the campaign itself and if you are a journalist covering this ongoing story – the let our experts help. Dr. Glen Duerr's research interests include comparative politics and international relations theory. Glen is an expert on this subject and is available to speak to media regarding this topic– simply click on his icon to arrange an interview.
Does the height of a person really matter? In America, if you are running for office, it might. Augusta’s Dr. Gregg Murray was on CNN this weekend discussing how height can play an advantage in American politics. Murray does confirm how a candidate’s height (or perception of) does make a difference in the minds of voters. "Yes, there does seem to be some sort of relationship between an elected leader's height and how her or she is perceived, "says Murray. Here’s the segment: As the long road to November winds and weaves along the campaign trail, there are going to be many, many different factors that candidates look to capitalize on to gobble up every available vote. And if you are a journalist covering the election – that’s where our media-ready experts can help. Dr. Gregg R. Murray, professor of political science at Augusta University, is available to talk about the upcoming election and all aspects surrounding each campaign. Murray’s research focuses on political behavior and psychology with specific interests in voter mobilization and turnout. He is also executive director of the Association for Politics and the Life Sciences.
