What Do Caregivers Call the People They Take Care Of? A Guide to Respectful Terminology

With one in four adults now acting as a caregiver, the language used in this role is more important than ever [1.8.1]. When considering what do caregivers call the people they take care of, the terminology often reflects the setting and a growing emphasis on respect and dignity [1.2.1, 1.4.2].

Quick Summary

Caregivers use varied terms like 'client,' 'patient,' 'resident,' and 'care recipient' [1.2.1, 1.4.1]. The choice depends on the setting and a modern shift towards person-centered language that prioritizes individual dignity over labels [1.4.2].

Key Points

• Context is Key: The term used—'patient,' 'client,' or 'resident'—largely depends on the care setting, such as a hospital, home care agency, or long-term care facility [1.4.1].

• Rise of 'Care Recipient': Neutral and respectful terms like 'care recipient' or 'care receiver' are increasingly favored by advocacy organizations to describe the relationship accurately [1.3.4, 1.3.6].

• Person-Centered Shift: There is a significant movement towards 'person-centered language,' which prioritizes the individual over their diagnosis (e.g., 'a person with dementia' instead of 'a dementia patient') [1.5.1, 1.5.2].

• Family vs. Formal: In informal settings, caregivers typically use familial terms ('mom,' 'dad,' 'my spouse'), while professional settings require more formal distinctions [1.2.1].

• Asking is Best: The most respectful practice is to ask the individual what term they prefer, empowering them in the care relationship [1.4.4].

• Impact on Dignity: The language used directly impacts the dignity and self-perception of the person receiving care, making mindful terminology a crucial part of the caregiver's role [1.4.2].

The Evolving Language of Care

Words have power, especially in a relationship built on trust and support. The question of what to call a person receiving care doesn't have a single answer; instead, it reveals a spectrum of terms shaped by the environment, the nature of the relationship, and a significant cultural shift towards person-centered care [1.4.2, 1.5.2]. As of 2025, with an estimated one in four adults providing care, understanding these distinctions is crucial for fostering dignity and respect [1.8.1]. While informal caregivers often use familial terms like "mom" or "my husband," professional settings have a more defined, albeit evolving, lexicon [1.2.1]. The goal is to move beyond labels that define someone by their needs and instead see them as a whole person [1.3.2, 1.4.2].

Common Terms and Their Contexts

The most frequently used terms in professional caregiving each carry specific connotations tied to their environment [1.2.1, 1.4.1]:

• Patient: This is the traditional term used in medical or clinical settings, such as hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, or when a registered nurse provides care [1.4.1, 1.4.3]. It implies that the individual is under medical treatment or diagnosis [1.4.1]. However, some view this term as passive, suggesting something is being done to the person [1.2.5, 1.4.2].
• Client: This term is common in non-medical home care agencies or when services are purchased [1.2.1, 1.4.1]. It suggests a professional, service-based relationship and can imply more autonomy and choice on the part of the person receiving care [1.4.3].
• Resident: Used exclusively for individuals living in long-term care communities, such as assisted living or nursing homes [1.4.1]. The term emphasizes that the facility is their home.
• Care Recipient: A neutral and increasingly popular term, a 'care recipient' is defined as an adult with a chronic illness or disabling condition who needs ongoing assistance [1.3.4]. It is favored by organizations like the Family Caregiver Alliance for its respectful and direct nature [1.3.4]. Other similar terms include 'care receiver' [1.3.6].

The Shift to Person-Centered Language

There is a strong movement in healthcare and senior living to adopt person-centered language [1.5.1]. This approach intentionally places the person before their condition or situation [1.5.1]. For example, instead of calling someone a "dementia patient," the preferred phrasing is a "person living with dementia" [1.5.1]. This philosophy rejects labels that can be stigmatizing or dehumanizing [1.5.4]. It emphasizes that a person's identity is not defined by their need for assistance. A study on medical literature found that 68% of articles still used non-person-centered language, highlighting the ongoing need for this shift [1.5.3]. The ultimate form of person-centered language is simply using the person's name, reinforcing their individuality above all else.

Comparison of Common Caregiving Terms

Term	Primary Setting	Connotation
Patient	Hospital, clinical, medical [1.4.1]	Medical diagnosis, treatment, sometimes passive [1.4.3, 1.4.6]
Client	Home care agency, private hire [1.2.1]	Transactional, service-based, implies choice [1.4.3]
Resident	Assisted living, nursing home [1.4.1]	Emphasizes home and community living
Care Recipient	General, advocacy groups [1.3.4]	Neutral, respectful, focuses on the care relationship

How to Choose the Right Term

Navigating these terms requires sensitivity and situational awareness. Here are a few steps to guide the choice:

1. Ask for Preference: The most respectful approach is to ask the person what they prefer to be called [1.4.4]. This empowers them and honors their identity.
2. Consider the Setting: Adhere to the standard terminology of the environment. Use 'resident' in an assisted living community and 'patient' in a hospital setting unless otherwise directed [1.4.1].
3. Default to Neutral Language: When in doubt, 'care recipient' is a safe and respectful option [1.3.4]. Better yet, simply use their name to foster a personal connection.
4. Prioritize the Person: Avoid outdated and depersonalizing terms like 'the elderly' or 'handicapped' [1.3.2]. Always focus on the individual, not their diagnosis or age.

Conclusion: Language is an Act of Care

Ultimately, what caregivers call the people they take care of is more than just semantics; it's a reflection of respect, dignity, and the nature of their relationship. The move away from clinical, passive labels toward person-centered, respectful language is a positive development in the caregiving field. By being mindful of our words, caregivers can affirm the identity and worth of the individuals they support, making language itself a fundamental act of care. For more information on caregiving topics, a great resource is the AARP Caregiving Glossary [1.6.4].

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a patient and a client in caregiving?

A 'patient' is typically someone in a medical or clinical setting receiving treatment, while a 'client' is usually someone receiving non-medical services from a home care agency or professional [1.4.1, 1.4.3].

Why is 'person-centered language' important in senior care?

Person-centered language, such as saying 'a person with a disability' instead of 'a disabled person,' focuses on the individual's identity rather than their health condition. It reduces stigma and promotes dignity and respect [1.5.1, 1.5.2].

What is a 'care recipient'?

A 'care recipient' is a formal and respectful term for a person who receives ongoing assistance with daily tasks due to a chronic illness, disability, or age [1.3.4]. It is often used by caregiving organizations.

Is it okay for a family caregiver to just use 'mom' or 'dad'?

Yes, in informal family caregiving situations, using familial terms like 'mom,' 'dad,' or the person's name is most common and appropriate. The formal terms are typically for professional settings [1.2.1].

What term is used for someone in an assisted living facility?

The standard term for someone living in a long-term care setting like assisted living or a nursing home is 'resident' [1.4.1].

Are there any terms to avoid when referring to people receiving care?

Yes, it is recommended to avoid outdated and potentially offensive terms like 'the elderly,' 'handicapped,' or 'sufferer.' It is also best practice to avoid defining someone by their illness, like calling them a 'diabetic' instead of 'a person with diabetes' [1.3.2, 1.5.3].

What is the most respectful way to refer to someone I am caring for?

The most respectful approach is to ask the person what they prefer to be called. When in doubt, using their name is always a good choice, as it affirms their individuality [1.4.4].