Читать книгу Making The Right Move - Gillian Eades Telford - Страница 7

The first premise is that language used to name people denotes values. The term “elders” refers to people over the age of 65, although the majority of elders in nursing homes are over the age of 85. I have used this term because it denotes an aura of respect and wisdom. It is the term used by aboriginal people for older adults, who are revered in their communities.

It is imperative that we show respect for elders. Infirmity and frailty are not reasons to treat people any differently from anyone else. Respect can be shown by the way people address each other, by the choices clients are given as well as in the general planning of all activities and the set-up of the environment.

Another term frequently used in the book is “client.” I have used this term instead of “consumer,” “patient,” “resident,” or “individual” because it connotes power. A client has the respect of service providers, and nursing homes provide a service of care as well as housing.