What is it about?
Terms of endearment, such as ‘dear’, ‘love’ or ‘sweatheart’, are common, especially in certain parts of the country. Rekha Elaswarapu examines new regulatory standards and judgements and asks whether these terms ultimately have an impact on individuals and their care.
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Why is it important?
Ensuring that care is delivered in a personalised way and this involves the care giver and receiver are equally engaged in the process. Communication and the use of right language is very important to get the best outcomes. Use of inappropriate language or gestures can impede provision of good care. Understanding personal preferences and cultural aspects are underpinning factors for ensuring dignity in care.
Perspectives
I led on the very first review on 'Dignity in Care for older people in hospitals' way back in 2007 when I was leading on the older people strategy for the then regulator Healthcare Commission. As part of training for the inspectors I was asked why they could not use the terms of endearments if that was an acceptable part of the culture in some part of UK. My response was that it is important that the person being subjected to endearments are comfortable with it and do not object to this. If this is not the case inappropriate communication can cause barriers in care provision. The key is 'one size does not fit all' and each individual should be treated as such. In 2015 the current regulator Care Quality Commission objected to such practices in a care home and this topic hit the news again. The controversy about use of endearments reared its head again. You can read my article to get a balanced perspective on this important aspect of care. As an Independent Dignity Adviser I do feel putting the person in receipt of care first is vital to ensure dignity in care.
Dr Rekha R Elaswarapu
Rekha Elaswarapu Consultancy
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Don't call me dear: age discrimination or just a tradition?, Nursing and Residential Care, January 2016, Mark Allen Group,
DOI: 10.12968/nrec.2016.18.1.27.
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