Page 41 - Play to Learn -- In the New Nursing Home Environment

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n Other Words
PURPOSE
To look at language in the nursing home that perpetuates the institutional model and indignity of elders.
DESCRIPTION Participants brainstorm and confront institutional language and brainstorm more person-centered ways of expressing themselves.
PARTICIPANTS Team
TIME 10-15 minutes
SUPPLIES flipchart and markers
Steps:
• Ask participants to give examples of institutional or demeaning language they have heard or themselves used in the nursing home. Start them with a few examples: “bibs” and “feeder” of course, but also using “we” instead of “you” as in “How are we doing today?” And the way we talk to each other that shows a task-centered, hierarchical environment: “That’s not my job.” Handing out orders “Do this.” List examples on the left side of the flip chart.
• When you have a good-sized list, ask folks to offer alternative language for each example that is more dignified and person-centered.
• Ask people to think about using more positive language and even suggest that they gently remind each other when they slip.
• You may want to open up the discussion to talk more generally about communication issues like talking over residents instead of to them, givingexplanations of what needs to be done instead of demands, etc.
Person- centered language
That’s not
my job.
MEETINGS AND COMMUNICATION GAMES