What is the correct term for people who live in long-term care facilities?

In 2022, over 1 million Americans resided in residential care communities, making respectful and accurate language more important than ever. When discussing this significant population, knowing the correct term for people who live in long-term care facilities is crucial for maintaining their dignity and promoting person-centered care.

Quick Summary

The most widely accepted and respectful term for people living in long-term care facilities is 'residents,' chosen to emphasize that the facility serves as their home rather than a temporary medical setting. Using this term supports a person-centered approach that prioritizes an individual's autonomy and quality of life.

Key Points

• Term of Choice: 'Resident' is the most respectful term for people living in long-term care facilities, recognizing the facility as their home.

• Avoid 'Patient': The term 'patient' is best reserved for temporary, acute medical care settings like hospitals and can be dehumanizing in a residential context.

• Person-First Approach: Using person-centered language, which puts the individual before their condition, is a core principle of modern, dignified care.

• Emphasizes Dignity: Choosing the right terminology respects a resident's individuality and life story, rather than defining them by their medical needs.

• Listen to Preferences: While 'resident' is standard, the most respectful approach is to ask an individual how they prefer to be addressed.

• Empowers Residents: Respectful language promotes autonomy and helps residents feel empowered and valued within their living community.

The Significance of the Term 'Resident'

For individuals living in long-term care facilities, such as nursing homes or assisted living centers, the preferred term is 'resident'. This terminology is intentionally chosen to reflect the person's status as a long-term inhabitant of a community that functions as their home, even if for a shorter duration. Unlike a hospital, a long-term care facility is designed to support daily living, social engagement, and personal needs, not just acute medical treatment. Recognizing individuals as residents affirms their continued independence and value as members of a community, rather than defining them by a temporary health condition.

Distinguishing Between Key Terms: Resident, Patient, and Client

Navigating the healthcare system involves different terminologies, and understanding their specific meanings is key to respectful communication. The differences are not merely semantic; they reflect distinct relationships and environments.

Patient

The term 'patient' is most appropriate in an acute care setting, such as a hospital, where individuals are receiving medical treatment for a temporary illness or injury. For example, a person recovering from surgery in a skilled nursing facility for a short period might be referred to as a patient. However, for those in a long-term care setting, using 'patient' can be dehumanizing, reducing their identity to a medical diagnosis rather than recognizing their status as a member of a community.

Client

The term 'client' is often used in social services or home health care, where an individual is receiving non-medical or limited medical services. While this term can imply more autonomy than 'patient' because it suggests a collaborative relationship, it does not fully capture the living situation of someone in a long-term care facility. The facility is their home, not just a service provider, making 'resident' a more fitting descriptor.

The Philosophy of Person-Centered Language

The broader movement toward person-centered language is a fundamental shift in healthcare philosophy. This approach emphasizes the individual first, placing them ahead of any diagnosis or condition they may have. In the context of long-term care, this means moving beyond clinical labels and focusing on the whole person, with their unique life experiences, preferences, and goals. Using person-centered language, including the term 'resident,' helps:

• Empower Individuals: It gives them a voice and promotes self-determination in their daily lives and care planning.
• Reduce Stigma: It avoids reducing a person to a single aspect of their health, combating ageism and discrimination.
• Enhance Dignity: It promotes respectful interactions and a supportive environment where individuals feel valued and understood.

Demographics and Needs of Long-Term Care Residents

Understanding the population served by long-term care facilities is important for providing comprehensive and compassionate care. The demographics of residents are diverse, though studies have highlighted certain trends.

• Most residents are women, often aged 85 and older.
• A significant portion has cognitive impairments, such as Alzheimer's or other dementias.
• The majority require assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) like bathing, dressing, and walking.
• Many long-term residents live with chronic medical conditions.

Communicating Respectfully in Long-Term Care

To ensure respectful and effective communication, consider these best practices:

• Always Ask: The best practice is always to ask individuals how they prefer to be addressed. While 'resident' is the general standard, some people may have a different preference.
• Use Their Name: Whenever possible, use the individual's preferred name rather than a general term. Respect for personal identity is paramount.
• Talk Directly: When speaking with a resident, address them directly, not their family member or a caregiver. This maintains their autonomy and inclusion.
• Listen Actively: Pay attention to the individual's needs, wants, and desires. Their voice is the most important in their care plan.

Terminology Comparison: Resident vs. Patient vs. Client

Feature	Resident	Patient	Client
Setting	Long-term care facilities (nursing home, assisted living, group home)	Hospital, clinic, or short-term skilled nursing	Home health, social services, physical therapy, independent living
Focus	Daily living, community, quality of life, long-term habitation	Medical treatment, diagnosis, and rehabilitation for a specific condition	Service provision, often non-medical, based on a service plan
Duration	Extended or permanent stay	Acute or temporary (e.g., post-surgery)	Varies; could be short-term or ongoing for specific services
Implication	Emphasizes the facility as their home, fostering a sense of community	Defines the individual by their temporary illness or injury	Suggests a business transaction for services; less personal than 'resident'

The Power of Words

The language we use has a profound impact on how individuals are perceived and treated. Choosing 'resident' over 'patient' in a long-term care setting can shift the entire dynamic of care, focusing on a person's life and well-being rather than just their health issues. It is a powerful way to honor their individuality and life history, fostering a more compassionate and dignified environment.

Steps for Using Respectful Language in Long-Term Care

1. Educate Yourself: Understand why certain terms are preferred over others, recognizing the shift towards person-centered care. Resources from organizations like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are valuable. Protecting Long-Term Care Residents from Sepsis | Blogs | CDC
2. Use 'Resident' as the Default: For general communication, adopt 'resident' as the standard term for those living in long-term care communities.
3. Prioritize Their Preferences: If a resident expresses a different preference for how they are addressed, honor it. Asking is always the best approach.
4. Practice Person-First Language: Always put the person before their condition. Instead of saying, “the dementia patient,” say, “the person living with dementia.”
5. Listen and Learn: Be open to feedback and continue to learn about the evolving best practices for respectful and inclusive language in healthcare.

Conclusion

Understanding the distinction between terms like 'resident,' 'patient,' and 'client' is an important part of providing person-centered care in long-term facilities. By choosing to use the term 'resident,' healthcare providers and the public affirm the dignity, autonomy, and individuality of those who call these communities home. It's a simple change that makes a profound difference in fostering a more respectful and compassionate environment for aging individuals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is 'resident' preferred over 'patient' in long-term care?

The term 'resident' is preferred because it emphasizes that the individual is living in a community that functions as their home for an extended period. 'Patient' typically implies a temporary, acute medical state, which doesn't reflect the long-term living situation of most individuals in these facilities.

Does the type of long-term care facility affect the correct terminology?

Yes, while 'resident' is generally the standard for settings like assisted living and nursing homes, an individual in a hospital for a short rehabilitation stay might be correctly called a 'patient'. However, within the long-term care community itself, 'resident' is the most widely used and respectful term.

What is person-first language and how does it relate to long-term care residents?

Person-first language emphasizes the individual over their condition. For people in long-term care, it means referring to them as 'a person living with dementia' instead of 'a dementia patient.' This approach promotes dignity and avoids defining a person by a medical diagnosis.

Is it ever okay to use the term 'client' for people in long-term care?

'Client' is typically used for individuals receiving non-medical social services or home care. While it can suggest a more collaborative relationship than 'patient,' it doesn't convey the same sense of a long-term home as 'resident' does in a facility setting.

How should I address an individual in a long-term care facility respectfully?

The most respectful way is to ask them directly how they prefer to be addressed. If you're unsure, or for general conversation, use 'resident' and the individual's preferred name or title (e.g., Mr. Jones) until you are corrected.

Are there any outdated terms for people in long-term care that should be avoided?

Yes, terms that are dehumanizing or infantilizing, such as 'the elderly,' 'feeder,' or referring to a group as 'the old folks,' should be avoided. The language should always reflect respect and dignity.

Why is using the correct term for people who live in long-term care facilities so important?

Using the correct terminology is important because it validates a person's humanity, independence, and identity. It promotes a positive culture of care and contributes to a more dignified and respectful living environment for residents.