What to Call People in Nursing Homes: Resident is the Standard
For individuals in a long-term care facility, such as a nursing home, the most common and respectful term is resident. This word choice is deliberate and reflects a modern, person-centered approach to care, which aims to create a home-like atmosphere rather than a sterile, institutional one. The use of 'resident' helps reinforce that the person is in their home, not just a temporary medical setting.
Many organizations and regulatory bodies, including federal agencies like CMS, use this terminology. It's an important distinction from the term 'patient,' which is more appropriate for short-term, acute care environments like hospitals. By using the term 'resident,' staff and visitors are reminded to treat the individual with dignity and respect, as someone living in a community, not just receiving treatment.
The Difference Between 'Resident' and 'Patient'
The distinction between a 'resident' and a 'patient' is not merely semantic; it carries important implications for how care is delivered and perceived. The term you use can shape expectations and interactions within the care environment.
| Aspect | Resident (Long-Term Care) | Patient (Acute Care) |
|---|---|---|
| Environment | The person's home, or a place where they live permanently. | A temporary setting for medical treatment, such as a hospital. |
| Relationship | Focuses on a long-term, holistic relationship that includes medical, social, and emotional care. | Typically a shorter, transactional relationship focused on a specific illness or injury. |
| Language | Emphasizes dignity, self-determination, and individuality. | May sometimes imply a more passive role in one's own care. |
| Autonomy | Promotes a sense of autonomy and control over one's daily life, including personal preferences. | Care decisions are often more dictated by immediate medical necessity. |
| Care Model | Person-centered, focusing on enhancing quality of life within a community setting. | Medically-focused, aiming for the fastest possible recovery and discharge. |
How to Use Language Respectfully
Beyond simply using the term 'resident,' incorporating respectful language is a key component of person-centered care. Small adjustments in vocabulary can make a significant difference in how individuals feel and how they are perceived.
- Use their name, and ask for their preference: Always address a person using their preferred name and title. Never assume that a first name or a casual term like “honey” or “sweetie” is appropriate.
- Avoid outdated labels: Terms like 'the elderly,' 'the handicapped,' or 'feeder' are dehumanizing and should be avoided.
- Focus on the person, not the condition: Instead of defining a person by their diagnosis, focus on them as an individual. For example, rather than saying "the diabetic resident," refer to "Mrs. Jones, who has diabetes."
- Describe the person's needs, not their identity: Instead of "the wanderer," refer to the person as an individual who "tends to wander," which is a more respectful way of describing a behavior rather than a label.
- Encourage self-expression: Ensure that staff communicate with residents in a way that promotes choice and control. For instance, rather than saying, "It's time for your bath," ask, "Would you prefer to bathe now or after breakfast?".
The Importance of Person-Centered Language
Person-centered language is a practice that acknowledges and honors the individuality, preferences, and dignity of every person in care. The shift from institutional language to more respectful terminology is a direct reflection of a larger movement towards improving the quality of life for residents. This approach recognizes that people in long-term care are not defined by their age or medical conditions but are individuals with unique histories, preferences, and desires. Using respectful terms like 'resident' is one of the most foundational ways to uphold these values.
Conclusion
In summary, the most appropriate and respectful term for people living in nursing homes is resident. This term emphasizes the individual's humanity and status as a person in a home-like community, rather than defining them by a medical condition or institutional status. Adopting person-centered language is a simple yet powerful way to promote dignity and enhance the overall well-being of individuals in long-term care settings. By making a conscious effort to use respectful terminology, families, caregivers, and staff can foster a more compassionate and dignified environment for everyone involved.
How to Navigate Communication in Long-Term Care Settings
Communicating effectively and respectfully in a long-term care setting requires sensitivity and a focus on the individual. Here are some best practices:
- Prioritize communication: Active listening is key. Take the time to listen to what a resident has to say without rushing or interrupting them.
- Minimize distractions: When speaking with a resident, find a quiet area and face them directly to aid with hearing and visual cues.
- Incorporate their preferences: Involve residents in discussions about their daily routines, activities, and medical care to promote a sense of control and autonomy.
- Offer choices: Frame requests as choices whenever possible. Instead of giving a directive, ask what they would like to do.
- Address concerns with empathy: If a resident expresses frustration or sadness, acknowledge their feelings and respond with compassion rather than dismissing them.
Understanding and applying these communication strategies helps build trust and ensures that people feel valued and respected, which is the cornerstone of quality long-term care.
