The Power of Words to Create Worlds

The Eden Alternative has a phrase that is used a lot: Words Make Worlds.
The power of language to shift people’s thinking and actions is covered in most every educational offering we have. It is that important!

I recently spoke at the North Dakota Long-Term Care Association annual convention where I had the opportunity to explore the power of language with an audience of about 400 people. All of the convention attendees work in roles that support people who are aging and living with changing abilities across the state of North Dakota.

After looking at how language affects our actions, automatic thoughts (assumptions and beliefs), and physical bodies, I wanted to hear from them, so I asked, “What are some commonly used words or phrases you hear used in your work that need to be changed?” Together they created an incredible word cloud with 818 responses.

What a powerful response from this room full of caring, compassionate people who have chosen to work in such a meaningful profession.

The system and the language that we have inherited seem to be in opposition of what we hold in our hearts. With our language we create a world for the people that we partner in support with to experience and we have the power to make it a world worth living in.

Take a moment to look at the word cloud and reflect on how you would feel if these words or phrases were used to describe you and the assistance you needed.

We don’t use these words with malice in our hearts and we have to start recognizing the unintentional affect that our words have. As the word cloud demonstrates, the institutional model has provided some horrendous language that people outside of healthcare field do not understand.

• Our words reinforce stigmas, ageism, and ableism – even unintentionally.
• Our words and how people describe long-term care have created a fear of living in a support setting.

Karen Shoeneman, formerly with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Division of Nursing Homes says,

“I’ve worked 30 years in long-term care. Over that time, I’ve come to realize that much of the language we use is in need of replacement because it unintentionally demeans people, contributing to a hierarchical sense of ‘us and them’ or a dehumanizing institutional culture instead of a nurturing community with respect for its members.”

As we work to create a more human, person-directed approach to care and support, we need to choose our words wisely.

Be intentional with replacing the words we have historically used with language that builds on strengths and puts the person first. Wise language choices are needed to get people into the right kind of mindset (thinking) that ensure we are honoring everyone involved in the care partnership. Language shapes the context or environment where care partnerships live as well as highlighting the shared values, beliefs, and assumptions we hold. All these aspects come together to influence how we act and interact with others.

When it comes to shifting the culture of care to be more person-directed, language is an important first step.

Eden Members all have a Practice available about committing to a new language because when we shift the words we use, it opens doors to new possibilities. I challenge you to think about what words you and the people around you use on a regular basis that does not align with the world that you would want to live in. Think about what you can shift those words to be instead.

Want to figure out your next steps to changing language where you work? Let’s chat! Schedule A Time With Kristi

Resource: Commitment to Person-Centered Language from Pioneer Network.

About The Eden Alternative

Our Mission: To improve the well-being of Elders and their care partners by transforming the communities in which they live and work. 

The Eden Alternative offers educational opportunities, consultation and a proven approach to honoring Elderhood – with resources for Elders and care partners to elevate well-being. 

About Kristi Doan

Kristi joined the Eden Alternative Home Office Team in January 2022 as a Community Builder and has been involved with The Eden Alternative since 2018.

In her role, she consults with and supports organizations with implementation, creates resources, develops educational tools and materials, and supports networking opportunities between individuals and organizations.

As an Eden Educator, she enjoys facilitating change in communities across the country. Kristi loves spending time exploring the outdoors and has a goal to visit every national park. She lives in Denver with her husband, James, and their four-legged family of multiple cats.