Across our services, we’ve made a deliberate decision to avoid using terms like ‘residents’ or ‘clients’ when referring to the people we support. Instead, we call them the people we support. This shift in language matters more than just the words. It reflects a deep commitment to recognising and valuing the unique humanity of each person.

But why is it important and how can it help us to create a stronger, more compassionate culture?

We put the individual needs of people first
In our support settings, the person we support takes centre stage. By saying ‘the people we support,’ we emphasise the person before their circumstances or diagnosis. This simple language choice is as a daily reminder that each individual has a rich history, a unique set of abilities, dreams and ambitions.

Dignity and respect
Labels like ‘resident’ or ‘client’ can inadvertently strip away a person’s identity, reducing them to a category. By using person-centred language, we highlight that they are human, uphold their dignity and show them the respect they deserve. It reaffirms their status as active participants in their own care, not passive recipients.

Empowerment and Independence
When we refer to the people we support, we highlight their capability and their humanity. This language we uses reflects their goals, preferences, and the potential for growth. It encourages a sense of self-worth and empowers them to take an active role in their own support.

Nurturing Positive Relationships
Language shapes our perceptions and interactions. When we consistently use person-centred language, it sets a tone of warmth, empathy, and partnership. We remove the transactional element of the role and move to a focus on the relationship. It strengthens the bond between our colleagues and the people we support.

In a specialist adult care setting, the words we choose matter a lot. They shape the culture, the relationships, and the experiences of the everybody here. By adopting person-centred language, we choose to commit to a culture of respect.