b'COMMUNICATIONS PHILOSOPHYPerson-Centred LanguageMore than just wordsBy Courtney Stasiuk-MohrP erson-Centred Language (PCL) ismembers and care partners, it shiftsWords matter. We all know this. And transformative. And its more thanthe focus from tasks and diagnoseslearning about PCL helps us combat just a communication tool. PCLto the unique person receiving carethe stigmas associated with aging is a philosophy, one with the powerby emphasizing their humanity andand other complex health conditions, to make long-term care homes a trueindividual needs. For example, PCLespecially when working with residents community for people who live andtalks about residents not patientsin long-term care and older adults work in one.and acknowledges that long-termliving with dementia. In short, using PCL means putting the person first, Using PCL is about adopting acare settings are homes, where care isalways. For example, rather than way of speaking and writing thatprovided, not facilities. PCL is a practicesaying a dementia patient, we might prioritizes the individuality, preferenceswhich recognizes that every residentsay a resident living with dementia. and autonomy of people living inhas a story, a history, and a voice thatChanges likes these go beyond how long-term care settings. For teamdeserves to be heard. we speak to each other too; they can be reflected in written documents, policies, signage, and more.Adopting PCL can help reduce stress among residents as well as team members and care partners by promoting better communication and deeper connections. Despite these benefits, studies show that the uptake of PCL in a variety of contexts and care environments can be challenging. If someone has been using a particular term or phrase over the course of a 25-year career, for example, this can be tricky to modify, understandably. Implementing PCL is a process, and one that homes and practitioners can implement gradually. PCL in actionThe Behavioural Support Ontario Provincial Coordinating Office (BSO PCO) and the Ontario Centres for Learning, Research and Innovation in Long-Term Care (Ontario CLRI) at the Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging (RIA) partnered in 2017, with the support of an expert panel, on the PCL initiative to promote person-centred language in long-term care and beyond. In six short years, the PCL initiative has developed a set of commitment statements and associated products to inspire language choices that are appropriate, respectful, life-affirming and inclusive for everyone. This includes individuals who communicate via responsive behaviours/personal 32 LONG TERM CARE TODAY Fall/Winter 2023'