What do you call nursing home people? Finding the Right, Respectful Terminology

According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, millions of Americans reside in long-term care facilities, making respectful language a crucial topic for healthy aging. Learning what do you call nursing home people is the first step toward promoting dignity and person-centered care.

Quick Summary

The most appropriate and respectful term for people in nursing homes is 'residents' or 'long-term care residents,' not 'nursing home people.' Using person-first language is vital to acknowledging their individuality and humanity, rather than defining them by their living situation. Always ask for an individual's preferred name or title.

Key Points

• Use 'Resident,' Not 'Nursing Home People': The term 'resident' is the most respectful and widely accepted term for individuals living in long-term care facilities.

• Prioritize Person-First Language: Always focus on the individual first, not their living situation or diagnosis, to promote dignity and avoid dehumanization.

• Ask for Preferred Name: The ultimate form of respect is asking a person how they prefer to be addressed, whether by their first name, last name, or title.

• Avoid Impersonal Labels: Generalizing terms like 'the elderly' or 'nursing home people' can reinforce negative stereotypes and should be avoided.

• Understand Different Care Settings: The appropriate terminology may vary slightly depending on the facility (e.g., assisted living vs. skilled nursing), so specificity is important.

The Importance of Person-First Language

The words we use to describe older adults, especially those in institutional settings, shape perceptions and can impact their sense of self-worth and dignity. Person-first language, which focuses on the individual rather than their condition or residence, has become the standard in modern healthcare. This approach is fundamental to providing person-centered care, which prioritizes the individual’s needs, preferences, and respect. Using outdated or collective labels like "nursing home people" strips individuals of their unique identity and humanity.

Impact of Impersonal Terminology

Using impersonal or collective language can lead to ageism and dehumanization. It can foster an "us versus them" mentality and create a stigma around long-term care facilities. The subtle difference between saying "residents" and generalizing with a phrase like "nursing home people" shows whether you see them as individuals with rich life histories or simply as a group defined by their circumstances. Promoting respectful language is a powerful way to advocate for the rights and dignity of older adults.

Appropriate and Inappropriate Terminology

When referring to individuals living in a long-term care facility, choosing the right words shows respect and professionalism. Here is a breakdown of common terms and their implications.

Respectful Terms to Use:

• Resident: The most widely accepted and respectful term for someone living in a long-term care or residential facility. It acknowledges their new living space as their home.
• Long-Term Care Resident: Provides additional clarity about the type of facility without being impersonal.
• Older Adult/Person: General, broad terms that avoid potentially limiting labels while still acknowledging age. These are good for overall discussions about aging.
• Specific Name or Title: Whenever possible, use an individual's preferred name (e.g., "Mr. Jones" or "Mary") to reinforce their personal identity.
• People Living at [Facility Name]: A specific and personalized term that grounds the individual's residence in a specific place, rather than a generic institution.

Terms to Avoid:

• Nursing Home People: This is a generalizing and impersonal phrase that should be avoided. It lumps a diverse group of individuals into a single, often negative, category.
• Patients: This term is typically reserved for those in a hospital or undergoing short-term, acute medical treatment. In a long-term care setting, "resident" is more appropriate.
• The Elderly: This is a broad and often patronizing term. It's better to use more specific language like "older adults" or refer to them by their name.
• Elderspeak (Baby Talk): Using overly simplistic language, a sing-song voice, or infantilizing nicknames can be demeaning and undermines a resident’s intelligence and autonomy.

The Difference Between Care Settings

Not all senior care is the same, and the type of care setting can influence the most appropriate terminology. Understanding these differences is key to providing context and demonstrating knowledge.

• Nursing Home: Provides 24/7 skilled nursing care for individuals with complex medical needs. Residents here require assistance with multiple daily activities.
• Assisted Living Facility: Offers a balance of independence and support, with help for daily activities like bathing, dressing, and medication management. Residents typically have their own apartment-like unit.
• Residential Care Home (Board and Care): A smaller, more intimate setting, often a converted home, where a limited number of residents receive personalized care. Similar to assisted living but on a smaller scale.
• Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC): A campus that provides multiple levels of care, from independent living to skilled nursing, allowing residents to age in place as their needs change.

Comparison of Care Settings

Feature	Nursing Home	Assisted Living	Residential Care Home
Level of Care	24/7 skilled nursing	Assistance with daily living	Personalized care in a small setting
Living Space	Shared or private rooms	Private apartments/units	Private or shared rooms
Staffing	Registered nurses, CNAs	Caregivers, support staff	Live-in caregivers
Cost	Typically higher	Varies widely	Often more affordable
Social Activities	Group activities, therapies	Diverse social calendar	Small group, family-like setting
Focus	Medical and long-term needs	Independence and community	Intimacy and personal attention

Promoting Dignity and Choice in Communication

Effective communication with residents is crucial for their mental and emotional well-being. It should be based on respect, patience, and a genuine interest in their individuality. Here are some actionable tips:

1. Ask for Their Preference: The simplest and most respectful approach is to ask how they would like to be addressed. A question like, "How would you prefer I address you?" goes a long way.
2. Speak Directly to Them: When conversing with a resident, speak directly to them, not to their family members or caregivers. This acknowledges their presence and autonomy.
3. Active Listening: Take the time to listen to their stories and opinions. This validates their experiences and shows that their input is valued.
4. Avoid Assumptions: Do not assume a resident is hearing or vision impaired. Adjust your communication style based on their individual needs, not on preconceived notions about older age. Speaking clearly and at a normal pace is typically best.
5. Non-Verbal Communication: Your tone, body language, and facial expressions are just as important as your words. A warm smile and attentive posture can convey respect and kindness.

How Family and Friends Can Promote Respect

Family members and friends play a key role in advocating for respectful language in senior care settings. By modeling appropriate terminology and actively communicating with staff, they can help create a more person-centered environment. Educating visitors and other family members on the importance of person-first language ensures a consistent and dignified approach to communication.

For more guidance on communicating effectively with older adults, see MedPro's resources on the topic 10 Strategies for Communicating Effectively With Senior Care Residents.

Conclusion: Language is the First Step

The language we use has a profound impact on how we view and interact with others. While the question "what do you call nursing home people" may seem simple, the answer reveals a shift towards a more humane and dignified approach to senior care. By consistently using person-first terminology like "residents" and addressing individuals by their preferred names, we honor their individuality. This small change in communication is a powerful step toward ensuring that older adults receive the respect and dignity they deserve throughout their aging journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most respectful way to refer to someone in a nursing home?

The most respectful way is to use their name and preferred title, such as 'Mr. Jones.' Collectively, the most appropriate term is 'residents' or 'long-term care residents.'

Why should I avoid saying 'nursing home people'?

The phrase 'nursing home people' is a broad generalization that can be seen as impersonal and dehumanizing. It reduces individuals to a single, defining characteristic and can reinforce negative stereotypes associated with institutional living.

What is person-first language in the context of senior care?

Person-first language means you put the person before their condition or residence. For example, instead of saying 'a dementia patient,' you would say 'a person living with dementia.'

Is it okay to use the term 'patient' for someone in a nursing home?

No, it's generally not recommended. The term 'patient' implies a temporary, acute medical state, whereas 'resident' acknowledges that the facility is the person's home. It’s more respectful to use 'resident' in a long-term care setting.

How can I find out how a resident wants to be addressed?

The best way is simply to ask them directly. You can say something like, 'How would you prefer I address you?' or 'Is it okay if I call you Mary?'

What's the difference between a nursing home resident and an assisted living resident?

A nursing home resident typically requires 24/7 skilled nursing care for complex medical needs, while an assisted living resident lives more independently and primarily needs help with daily activities like dressing or bathing.

Are terms like 'seniors' or 'older adults' appropriate?

Yes, 'seniors' and 'older adults' are generally accepted collective terms. They are preferable to more dated or broad phrases like 'the elderly,' but using an individual's name is always the most respectful option.