The Shift from "Patient" to "Resident"
Historically, individuals in nursing homes, like those in hospitals, were often referred to as 'patients.' The term was standard medical jargon, reflecting that a person was receiving some form of medical care. However, over time, a movement toward person-centered care began to change this. Advocates and care professionals recognized that the temporary, clinical term 'patient' was inappropriate for a person whose nursing home was their permanent or long-term residence. The transition to using the term 'resident' was intentional, designed to promote dignity, autonomy, and a sense of home for those receiving long-term care.
Why Terminology Matters
For many, moving into a nursing home represents a significant life change. Using language that reinforces a clinical, temporary status can be damaging to a person's sense of identity and well-being. 'Resident' is not just a different word; it signifies a fundamental shift in perception. It helps caregivers and family members remember that the individual is not merely a case to be treated, but a person with a life, history, and home. This simple linguistic change can have a profound psychological impact, fostering an environment of respect rather than one of dependency.
The Core Difference: Temporary vs. Permanent
One of the clearest ways to differentiate the terms is by understanding the nature of the stay. A hospital 'patient' is there for a temporary period to receive specific, often acute, medical treatment. Their stay is focused on resolving a health issue before discharge. A nursing home 'resident,' on the other hand, lives in the facility, potentially for years. The facility is their home, not just a place for a medical procedure. The care is ongoing and addresses a holistic range of needs, from physical and emotional well-being to social engagement, not just a temporary medical issue.
Understanding Person-Centered Care
This shift in terminology is a cornerstone of the person-centered care philosophy. This approach emphasizes seeing the individual, not the illness. It prioritizes the resident's choices, dignity, and personal preferences, allowing them to maintain as much control over their own life as possible.
Resident Rights and Self-Determination
The federal 1987 Nursing Home Reform Law was a landmark piece of legislation that reinforced this philosophy. As detailed by The Consumer Voice, this law requires nursing homes to "promote and protect the rights of each resident". These rights include being treated with dignity and respect, being free from abuse, and the right to make independent choices about their daily lives. Using the term 'resident' supports these rights by grounding the care in the individual's living situation rather than solely on their medical needs.
Creating a Home-like Environment
Fostering a home-like environment is a priority for modern long-term care facilities. It involves more than just providing a room. It means creating a sense of community, security, and personal space. The term 'resident' perfectly aligns with this goal, as it's the same term one might use for someone living in a traditional apartment or neighborhood. It moves away from the sterile, institutional feel of a hospital and helps create a comfortable and familiar atmosphere.
The Role of Family and Caregivers
Family members and professional caregivers play a vital role in upholding this respectful terminology. It is important to educate family members on why the term 'resident' is preferred and to ensure that all staff members are trained to use appropriate, person-centered language. This creates a unified approach that benefits the individual in care and reinforces the facility's commitment to dignity.
Patient vs. Resident vs. Client: A Comparison
| Aspect | Patient | Resident | Client |
|---|---|---|---|
| Setting | Hospital, clinic, temporary care | Nursing home, long-term care facility | Professional services (outpatient, legal) |
| Duration | Temporary, often for acute treatment | Long-term, ongoing stay | Transactional, for specific services |
| Focus | Medical diagnosis and treatment | Holistic well-being, quality of life | Service delivery, contractual relationship |
| Autonomy | Often limited by medical condition | Emphasized, encouraged, and protected | Varies by service, can be high |
| Environment | Clinical, institutional | Home-like, community-oriented | Professional office |
The Right Way to Address an Individual
Beyond the general term, individual preference is key. Always ask a new resident or their family how they prefer to be addressed. Some may prefer their first name, while others may prefer a formal title like "Mr." or "Mrs.". Using respectful, individualized language is the ultimate expression of person-centered care.
Conclusion: Respect Through Language
In summary, the question of whether people in nursing homes are called patients is a significant one with a clear answer: they are residents. This change in terminology is part of a larger movement to provide respectful, dignified, and person-centered care. By using the term 'resident,' we acknowledge an individual's right to a home, to autonomy, and to a continued life of value. It's a simple change that makes a world of difference in the lives of those in long-term care.
