Language of Person-Centered Care: an Exercise for Language has tremendous power to shape our interactions, moods, relationships, actions and perfor- mance. How we say things is just as important as the content. Language can be either be positive and appreciative or negative and deficit-based. The words we choose can make tremendous difference; in long-term care settings language sometimes veers too far toward deficit-based language. This Activity prompts staff to consider the impact of the language used when referring to residents, and talking with residents, and is based on work by Lori Todd, Executive Director, and her staff at Loomis House in Holyoke, Massachusetts. To consider our word choices and the impact they have on our own actions and on others. Positive language and word choices that reflect respect and caring for individuals whose home is the facility, and whose quality of life is determined by the values and attitudes of staff. For each word or phrase, work with your group to brainstorm strength-based alternatives to the word or phrase. How would you like staff to speak about a loved one in your family? Review the of Person-Centered Care “Language Worksheet” (page 56) and see if there are any other words in common use in your facility that should be added. (This worksheet is also included in the Appendix.) You can do this exercise with staff, as well as with residents and with families. You may want to compare how the responses are similar and/or different from each group. Sharing the results of this exercise with staff, residents and families will open up awareness and sensitivity to how our language can help us move from doing things and residents to doing things with residents. “for” “to” Riffs and Variations Try different word sets, shorten the list to move through the activity more quickly, post responses in public places, repeat the exercise at regular intervals and see if responses change over time. Staff in the facility, as well as residents and families, might also start noting to
Language of Person-Centered Care: an Exercise for Language has tremendous power to shape our interactions, moods, relationships, actions and perfor- mance. How we say things is just as important as the content. Language can be either be positive and appreciative or negative and deficit-based. The words we choose can make tremendous difference; in long-term care settings language sometimes veers too far toward deficit-based language. This Activity prompts staff to consider the impact of the language used when referring to residents, and talking with residents, and is based on work by Lori Todd, Executive Director, and her staff at Loomis House in Holyoke, Massachusetts. To consider our word choices and the impact they have on our own actions and on others. Positive language and word choices that reflect respect and caring for individuals whose home is the facility, and whose quality of life is determined by the values and attitudes of staff. For each word or phrase, work with your group to brainstorm strength-based alternatives to the word or phrase. How would you like staff to speak about a loved one in your family? Review the “Language of Person-Centered Care Worksheet” (page 56) and see if there are any other words in common use in your facility that should be added. (This worksheet is also included in the Appendix.) You can do this exercise with staff, as well as with residents and with families. You may want to compare how the responses are similar and/or different from each group. Sharing the results of this exercise with staff, residents and families will open up awareness and sensitivity to how our language can help us move from doing things “for” and “to” residents to doing things with residents. Riffs and Variations Try different word sets, shorten the list to move through the activity more quickly, post responses in public places, repeat the exercise at regular intervals and see if responses change over time. Staff in the facility, as well as residents and families, might also start noting to