So let me get right into it, terminology matters.

We live in a society that doesn’t always think about how actions and words can impact others. In fact, we live in a world where a lot of people only think of themselves.

Where is this post coming from? Well, for those of you that haven’t heard or who don’t live in Ontario let me give you a short recap of what is going on.

So recently the Ontario Government made the decision to call in the Canadian Military to support some of our Long Term Care Facilities struggling with COVID-19. Well, the reports coming to the government are devastating.

These reports specifically focused in on 5 facilities that included poor nutrition, cockroaches, terrible personal hygiene and neglect.

Now for those of you that work in LTC, this is probably devastating but also not overly surprising. We know that the funding that goes into our facilities is lacking leading to a shortage of staff, poor working conditions, staff burnout, a lack of resources and some staff that just really don’t care.

Well, these reports are being made public. The government feels that its their responsibility to make the public aware of what is going on. This means that a lot of things are being discussed. A lot of conversations are being had.

Now, this is where terminology comes into play.

As a Recreation Therapist, my roles involves me doing a lot of different things. Among other things part of my job involves educating and advocating for my job and those I support. This includes things like the words people use.

If you’ve ever worked with me in the past or know me personally, you know that I’m not afraid to speak up. I’m not afraid to politely remind people what is and isn’t appropriate. I’m not afraid to educate those around me.

Like anyone else, there are certain things that bother me more than others. With all of the reports coming out right now, there is one that has really stood out to me and it’s genuinely bothering me. So here I am writing about it in the hopes that maybe, just maybe, someone will read it and it will help others make a simple but important word change.

So what’s the word? Diaper.

A lot of politicians, new stations and reporters are talking about the issues found and one of those issues is the lack of personal hygiene. One of those personal hygienes concerns is the fact residents aren’t being changed, that they’re sitting in their own urine and feces for extended periods of time.

When you read the articles or listen to the reports, the word diaper is constantly being used. In fact, it’s basically the only word being used.

So whats the issue you may ask, well let me tell you.

These articles and reports are focused on how we need to do better. How we need to do a better job of support them. How changes need to be made to ensure we are providing our seniors a sense of dignity and respect.

What a lot of people may not realize is that using the word diapers is doing the complete opposite of that. It’s degrading and disrespectful.

The residents in LTC aren’t children. The residents are adults and they deserve to be treated like one. Babies wear diapers, adults don’t. Adults wear briefs.

It is bigger than just our seniors though. This goes for anyone that isn’t a baby that needs to wear any type of incontinence products. Children, teenagers, young adults, adults and seniors. If they aren’t a baby, it’s not a diaper.

I know it doesn’t sound like a lot but this simple terminology change goes a long way. Many of them hear what you’re saying and are able to tell when you are or aren’t respecting them. It impacts their ability to trust you and the rapport you will have with them. Even if they can’t understand you or hear what you’re saying, it’s about respect. It’s about giving every single member of our communities the dignity that they deserve, the dignity that you ask for and want.

Terminology matters. We need to be just as mindful of our words as we are of our actions.

These individuals could be your grandparent, your parent, your sibling, your child, your partner. These individuals could be you. You wouldn’t want your loved on being disrespect, you wouldn’t want someone depriving you of your dignity.

So help me spread the word. Words have power and if one simple change of words can make a difference, lets do it. Let’s respect our seniors, respect the individuals in our community. Lets ensure that everyone has the dignity they deserve.