Australia faces the challenge of an aging population, with an increasing demand for aged care services. However, terms like “aged care facility” and “nursing home” are often met with reluctance or even resistance. My work with aged care providers has given me some insight into the language Australians use when searching online for these services. The term ‘nursing home’ is still deeply rooted in our psyche, despite the shift to the use of “Aged Care”. I am far from an expert on this subject, however it intriques me communication, compassion, anthropologicaly points of view. Not to mention hurtling towards an age that it may become more important.
At this time of year, after many people have seen their family elders for the first time in months over the Christmas holidays, they question whether a loved one should seek daily care. So this had me thinking about the words we use and deeper cultural meaning context to aged care. However, labels carry institutional and clinical connotations that can overshadow the essential human elements of care and community. Is it time for a nation that prides itself on multiculturalism and respect for diverse values to rethink how we name and conceptualise these spaces? I’m particularily drawn to Australian (an North American) First Nations Peoples’ perspectives toward community elders. There is much to be learned from non western worldview. Along with global examples, there is an opportunity to shift the narrative around aged care to one of respect, dignity, and belonging.
Search Trends Over the Past 20 years.
These results are hevaily skewed by the ‘aged care jobs” and related search terms. Brand names such as “Bupa Aged Care, Opal Aged Care, My Aged Care etc.” Covid also impacts the indexed results with Aged Care spiking at the height of the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Language, Culture, and Care: Applying the Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis
The Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis is one of the most debated ideas in linguistics and anthropology. It posits that language shapes thought and how individuals perceive the world. For example, research on dementia care in culturally diverse settings has shown that language-sensitive approaches—such as using terms aligned with cultural values—can improve the comfort and engagement of residents.
This supports the idea that the language used in aged care reflects and actively influences the experiences and perceptions of residents and caregivers. In the context of aged care, this theory offers valuable insights into how caregivers and residents interact, particularly in multicultural and multilingual settings. Aged care environments are increasingly diverse, making effective communication across linguistic and cultural boundaries essential to delivering quality, person-centred care. By understanding the implications of the Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis, aged care providers can foster a more inclusive, empathetic, and culturally sensitive environment.
The Importance of Language in Shaping Perception
Language is a powerful tool influencing our thoughts, feelings, and acts. In First Nations cultures, the elder is deeply rooted in respect, symbolising wisdom, leadership, and connection. Similarly, many other cultures uphold respect for their older generations through honorific titles. For example, in East Asian cultures, elders are often addressed with high regard, such as Zhangzhe in Mandarin or Kanreki in Japanese, symbolising their roles as custodians of wisdom and family heritage. In South Asian societies, titles like Baba or Amma for elder figures evoke reverence and familial closeness. These culturally embedded terms illustrate the universal value of respecting older generations across diverse societies. This idea contrasts sharply with terms like “nursing home,” which can evoke images of clinical, impersonal environments.
Adopting more respectful and community-oriented language, such as “Elder Community” or “Elder Sanctuary,” can reshape how aged care is perceived. These terms were chosen to emphasise dignity, belonging, and respect—qualities that resonate across cultures and align with the values many societies hold for their elders. Although these specific terms have not been widely tested in aged care settings, similar naming practices in initiatives like “Life Plan Communities” in the United States have shown promise in reshaping perceptions and fostering a sense of place and purpose within elder care environments. It is a place of decline but a space of belonging and continued contribution. Anthropologists such as Edward Sapir and Benjamin Lee Whorf have long argued that language influences thought and behaviour, a concept encapsulated in the Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis. This idea underscores how the terms we use to describe environments, people, and relationships can profoundly affect how they are perceived and experienced.
The Role of Non-verbal Communication
Language is only part of the communication equation. As the Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis extends to non-verbal cues, understanding cultural variations in gestures, body language, and expressions is equally critical. Non-verbal communication often reflects deeply ingrained cultural values and linguistic structures. For example, Eastern cultures, prioritising harmony and indirectness, might use subdued facial expressions and subtle gestures, whereas Western cultures might rely on direct and expressive gestures to convey emotions.
This can have significant implications in aged care. A caregiver’s failure to recognise these cultural and nonverbal differences may make residents feel alienated or neglected. Conversely, training caregivers to interpret and respond to diverse nonverbal communication styles can bridge cultural gaps, enhancing the quality of care and fostering trust.
Global Examples of Respectful Terminology
Across the world, there are inspiring examples of how language and design intersect to foster better outcomes for older adults (World Economic Forum, 2021; Hogeweyk Dementia Village, n.d.).
- The Netherlands – Dementia villages like Hogeweyk emphasise community and autonomy, creating environments that mimic regular neighbourhoods.
- Germany – Shared living arrangements called “Wohngemeinschaften” offer home-like settings where residents collaborate and support one another.
- United States – Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) use terms like “Life Plan Communities,” focusing on active, purposeful living.
- Sweden – “Senior Housing” integrates older adults into broader residential areas, promoting inclusivity and reducing stigma.
These examples highlight how names and design philosophies can align to create environments that promote dignity and a sense of place.
Training Caregivers for Linguistic and Cultural Sensitivity
The Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis underscores the need for comprehensive training programs in aged care that emphasise linguistic and cultural sensitivity. Caregivers should be equipped to:
- Recognise and Adapt to Linguistic Differences
Understanding how language shapes perception can help caregivers interpret residents’ verbal expressions more accurately. This includes being aware of idiomatic expressions, indirect requests, and culturally specific ways of expressing gratitude or dissatisfaction. - Navigate Nonverbal Communication
Training in nonverbal communication—such as recognising cultural variations in eye contact, physical proximity, and gestures—can reduce misunderstandings and build rapport with residents. - Foster Cross-Cultural Empathy
Encouraging caregivers to view cultural differences as strengths rather than barriers can enhance their ability to provide compassionate, person-centred care.
Can Respectful Naming Lead to Better Levels of Care?
One of the most intriguing questions surrounding using more respectful and community-focused language is whether it can lead to improved inclusivity and levels of care. Sociologists like Erving Goffman highlight how labelling individuals and spaces influences their interactions and expectations. Terms like “Elder Sanctuary” can frame aged care facilities as spaces of respect and belonging, fostering a shift in societal perceptions.
Shifting the language can encourage care workers to view their work as part of a collaborative, person-centred effort rather than purely clinical or transactional. This perspective aligns with Paulo Freire’s concept of reflective practice, where individuals critically examine their actions and assumptions to improve their engagement with others. For caregivers, this could translate into greater cultural sensitivity, stronger personal connections with residents, and a more profound commitment to holistic care.
Beyond Words: Placemaking and Respect
Respectful naming is not just about semantics—it is deeply tied to placemaking. Placemaking refers to creating meaningful, inclusive spaces that reflect the identities and values of those who use them. For example, renaming an aged care facility as an “Elder Sanctuary” signals a commitment to providing an environment that prioritises dignity, respect, and community belonging, thus transforming perceptions and experiences. When spaces are named with care, they set the tone for how residents and staff interact. Consider terms like “Elder Sanctuary” or “Living Circle.” These evoke a sense of safety, belonging, and community. By reframing these environments through respectful language, we can dismantle the hierarchical, clinical undertones that often characterise aged care settings.
Moreover, placemaking involves creating environments that feel like home—where residents can maintain their identity, engage in meaningful activities, and foster connections. Respectful naming is a foundational step in achieving this, signalling a commitment to valuing residents as individuals and community members.
The Case for Testing and Research
While the theoretical benefits of respectful naming are compelling, we need evidence to support its impact on care outcomes and resident well-being. Methods such as ethnographic studies, longitudinal surveys, and participatory action research could be employed to assess resident satisfaction, caregiver perceptions, and overall community engagement. These approaches would provide quantitative and qualitative insights into the influence of respectful naming on the lived experiences within aged care settings. Testing and research could explore:
- Resident Experience
How does the language used to describe a facility affect residents’ sense of identity, dignity, and belonging? - Staff Perceptions
Does respectful terminology influence how caregivers view their roles and interact with residents? - Community Engagement
Can inclusive and respectful naming encourage greater family and community involvement? - Care Outcomes
When facilities adopt more respectful naming practices, are there measurable improvements in health, satisfaction, or social connection?
A Call to Action
Renaming aged care facilities with terms that embody respect, community, and dignity—such as “Elder Community”—is more than a cosmetic change. It represents a shift in how we value and care for older Australians, particularly in a multicultural society where respect for elders is a shared value across many cultures.
However, before making sweeping changes, we must invest in research to understand the impact of respectful naming on residents, staff, and families. Testing these ideas in real-world settings will provide the insights to make informed, practical changes. With evidence in hand, we can build environments that not only meet the physical needs of older Australians but also nurture their emotional and social well-being.
References
- Freire, P. (1996). Pedagogy of the Oppressed. Continuum.
- Goffman, E. (1959). The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life. Anchor Books.
- Hogeweyk Dementia Village. (n.d.). Available at: https://hogeweyk.dementiavillage.com.
- Sapir, E. (1921). Language: An Introduction to the Study of Speech. Harcourt, Brace & World.
- Sugimoto, Y. (2014). An Introduction to Japanese Society. Cambridge University Press.
- Whorf, B. L. (1956). Language, Thought, and Reality: Selected Writings of Benjamin Lee Whorf. MIT Press.
- Wong, S. T. (2016). “Chinese Elders in Canada: Their Voices and Perspectives on Aging.” Canadian Journal on Aging, 35(2), pp. 145-160.
- World Economic Forum. (2021). “Transforming Dementia Care: Lessons from The Netherlands.” Available at: https://www.weforum.org.
