How to Decide What Name Should a Nursing Assistant Call a Resident

According to numerous healthcare studies, addressing a resident by their preferred name significantly increases their sense of dignity and satisfaction with care. Understanding what name should a nursing assistant call a resident is a fundamental aspect of providing respectful and personalized care in any long-term or residential facility.

Quick Summary

A nursing assistant should always use a resident's preferred name or title. This shows respect, fosters trust, and aligns with person-centered care principles. It is crucial to ask for and use the resident's specific preference and avoid overly familiar or infantilizing terms.

Key Points

• Ask for Preference: Always ask a resident directly how they would like to be addressed to show respect for their individuality.

• Avoid Dehumanizing Nicknames: Do not use generic, infantilizing, or overly familiar terms like "honey," "sweetie," or "grandma" unless specifically requested by the resident.

• Document and Communicate: Ensure a resident's naming preference is recorded in their care plan and communicated to all staff to maintain consistency.

• Recognize Individual Dignity: Using a preferred name validates a resident's identity and personhood, which is critical for their psychological well-being.

• Build Trust: Showing respect through proper naming builds a strong, trusting rapport between the nursing assistant and the resident, which benefits all aspects of their care.

• Default to Formal: When in doubt or during initial contact, it is always safest and most respectful to use a formal title (Mr., Mrs., Ms.) and the resident's last name.

Prioritizing Resident Preferences for Respect

The foundation of modern long-term care rests on the principle of person-centered care, which emphasizes the individual's dignity, choices, and independence. The way a nursing assistant addresses a resident is a simple yet powerful expression of this principle. The most crucial rule is to always ask the resident how they prefer to be addressed and then consistently honor that preference. This can vary significantly from person to person, and making assumptions can be disrespectful.

For many residents, particularly those from older generations, being addressed formally with a title and their last name (e.g., "Mr. Jones" or "Mrs. Smith") is a sign of respect. For others, a first name or a nickname may be what they have been called their entire life and what they prefer. Some might have strong aversions to certain names or nicknames. By asking directly, the nursing assistant empowers the resident and affirms their individuality. This practice is especially important for residents who may feel a loss of control or identity as they navigate the complexities of long-term care.

The Importance of Consistent Communication

Once a resident's preference is known, it should be documented clearly in their care plan. This ensures that every staff member, from the nursing assistant to the physician, uses the correct form of address. Consistent communication reinforces respect and builds trust. Conversely, inconsistent use of names can be confusing and lead to feelings of disrespect or anonymity. For a resident with cognitive impairment, consistency is even more vital, as it helps maintain a sense of stability and familiarity.

Avoiding Disrespectful Language

While good intentions may be behind it, using overly familiar or infantilizing language is a common pitfall. Terms like "sweetie," "honey," "dearie," or "grandma" are often viewed as patronizing and disrespectful. These terms strip the resident of their adult status and can be highly offensive. Even if a resident does not immediately object, it does not mean they appreciate the label. The safest and most respectful approach is to stick to the name they have explicitly requested.

How to Establish a Resident's Naming Preference

Establishing a naming preference is a simple, yet intentional, process. It should be done early in the relationship and reinforced regularly. Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Initial Introduction: When you first meet a resident, introduce yourself clearly. Then, ask a direct and respectful question such as, "Hello, my name is Alex. What would you like me to call you?".
• Active Listening: Listen carefully to their response. They may give you a specific nickname or ask you to use their full name with a title. Always respect their answer.
• Confirm and Document: Reiterate their preference to confirm you heard correctly. For example, "Okay, Mrs. Jones, I will call you that." Then, immediately document the preference in their chart or care plan for other staff to see.
• Regular Check-ins: Periodically, you can confirm their preference, especially if you notice a change in their communication or if they refer to themselves by a different name.
• Respectful Corrections: If a fellow staff member uses an incorrect name, a gentle, private reminder is the best practice to maintain the resident's dignity without causing embarrassment to anyone involved.

The Psychology Behind Proper Naming

The impact of being addressed by one's name goes far beyond simple etiquette. It has significant psychological benefits for residents. A person's name is a core component of their identity. When it is used respectfully, it validates their personhood and reinforces their sense of self. This can combat feelings of loneliness, invisibility, and dehumanization that can sometimes accompany institutional living.

Conversely, when a person feels their name and identity are being ignored, it can lead to increased anxiety, resistance to care, and a feeling of powerlessness. Proper naming is a fundamental way to maintain a resident's psychological well-being and foster a positive, trusting relationship with their care team.

Formal vs. Informal Naming Conventions

Aspect	Formal Naming (e.g., "Mr. Peterson")	Informal Naming (e.g., "Betty")
Appropriateness	Safe, respectful default for initial interactions and with unfamiliar residents.	Appropriate only when explicitly requested or indicated by the resident.
Context	Often preferred by older residents or those who value professional distance.	Suitable for building a closer, more personal rapport once permission is given.
Benefits	Reinforces dignity, commands respect, and avoids assumptions.	Can foster a more intimate and comfortable relationship.
Risks	Can be seen as overly stiff if a resident prefers familiarity.	Can be perceived as condescending or disrespectful if not requested.
Best Practice	Start formally and transition to informal only at the resident's request.	Never assume; always ask first.

Conclusion: A Small Action with a Large Impact

Determining what name should a nursing assistant call a resident is not a trivial matter, but a cornerstone of respectful, person-centered care. By prioritizing a resident's expressed preference, avoiding disrespectful terms, and ensuring consistency among the care team, nursing assistants contribute to a positive and dignified environment. The simple act of using a preferred name can profoundly impact a resident's sense of self-worth and trust in their caregivers, improving their overall quality of life in a care facility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it so important to call a resident by their preferred name?

Using a resident's preferred name honors their dignity and individuality, which is a core tenet of person-centered care. It builds trust, improves communication, and helps combat feelings of depersonalization that can occur in care settings.

What if a resident has a cognitive impairment and can't state their preference?

In cases of cognitive impairment, it is best to consult the resident's family or next of kin to determine their long-standing preference. Additionally, observe how family members address them. Consistency is key to providing a reassuring and familiar environment for the resident.

Can I use nicknames for a resident?

You should only use a nickname if the resident explicitly asks you to. Many people have a strong attachment to their nicknames. However, never assume. Always start with a formal approach and let them guide the conversation toward a more informal name if they desire.

Are terms like 'honey' or 'sweetie' always inappropriate?

Yes, in a professional care setting, it is best to avoid these terms. While intended to be friendly, they can be patronizing and erode a resident's sense of dignity and self-respect. Stick to the name the resident has provided.

What should I do if a coworker uses an inappropriate name for a resident?

Privately and respectfully remind your coworker of the resident's documented preference. Gently explain the importance of consistency and dignity in communication. Address the issue with a charge nurse or supervisor if it persists.

How do I ask a resident for their preferred name without sounding awkward?

During your initial introduction, you can simply ask, "Hello, my name is [Your Name]. What would you like me to call you?" This is a polite and direct way to open the conversation and show that their preference is important.

Does a resident have the right to be called by their preferred name?

Yes, residents in long-term care facilities have specific rights, and being addressed by their preferred name is part of maintaining their dignity and respect, as guaranteed by law in many regions.