Language we love

“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.”

Sure, someone may have offered this adage to you when dealing with a verbal conflict between you and your peers, but we all know it’s simply not true. We’ve all been on the sharp end of a pointed conversation, a white-hot insult, or a disparaging stereotype—and while a trip to the emergency room was avoided—those words may still have left a sting.

It all boils down to one thing: words matter. A lot.

The flow of status quo

Language, like most aspects of society is constantly evolving, shaping and reflecting society’s growth. Words have power—whether in pop culture, medical diagnoses, or daily interactions.

Keeping up with changing language can feel daunting, but as research and cultural understanding evolve, so do we. Staying open-minded allows us to avoid unintentional harm and engage in more thoughtful, inclusive conversations. Recognizing that language will continue to change helps us embrace progress and invite more voices into the conversation. For example, the term “senile” incorrectly reinforces a harmful stereotype to describe older adults as confused or forgetful, but in reality, a person living with dementia has a medical condition with a wide range of symptoms. Using a person-first language reduces stigma, and creates a more respectful and accurate understanding of aging and cognitive health.

This shift in language not only helps us communicate more effectively but also creates a supportive environment where people feel empowered to express themselves without judgment.

The language of aging

Often, when it comes to progress in the language of aging, many negative stereotypes linger; slower to change than most. Older adults are often left out of the conversation, and instead are talked at, rather than to, and suffice to say that makes it difficult to create an open channel for discourse. Often, this will lead to older adults not communicating their needs for fear of being seen as a burden, or feeling their opinions don’t matter—putting them at greater risk of isolation, and downplaying symptoms of illness and injury.

“It can be challenging not to speak over top of your parent or loved one, especially if you are in a care-giving role,” says Kera Redlack, VP of Wellness and Employee Engagement. “Ultimately, we see better outcomes when older adults are actively involved in the conversation, especially when it comes to their personal wants and needs. Using inclusive language and active listening can go a long way to ensure your relationship with your parents or loved ones doesn’t deteriorate, and their needs are heard and responded to.”

“Updating our language isn’t just about buzzwords,” says Kera. “It’s about shifting our mindset. For example, ‘living in a community’ feels far more welcoming than ‘going to a facility’—and that shift can positively impact how someone perceives changes in their health or the transition to a new lifestyle.” She continues, “United’s model is built on relationship-centred care, ensuring older adults feel supported while maintaining the autonomy to make decisions about their care and lifestyle.

Reflecting its commitment to the use of age-positive language, United has created a glossary of preferred terms, providing a more positive alternative to traditional senior living language.

For example:

• Instead of: Facility, agency →Try: Community, residence, home"Community" and "home" create a more welcoming and familiar atmosphere, reinforcing a sense of belonging rather than an institutional setting.
• Instead of: Room or unit → Try: Suite, homeThese terms convey comfort and personalization, making the living space feel more like a home rather than a medical or institutional environment.
• Instead of: Inclusive community → Try: Integrated community"Integrated community" emphasizes meaningful participation and connection among all residents, rather than just inclusion as a concept.
• Instead of: Aging in place → Try: Living in the communityThis phrase focuses on continued engagement and independence rather than simply remaining in one place as a passive process.
• Instead of: Cognitive support → Try: Memory care, United MindsThese terms emphasize specialized, person-centered approaches to supporting individuals with cognitive changes in a dignified way.
• Instead of: Patient, client → Try: Resident (refer to them by name, not their suite number)Using "resident" and their actual name respects their individuality and reinforces a sense of home, rather than a clinical or transactional relationship.
• Instead of: Nursing team → Try: Wellness team, United CaresThis shift highlights a holistic, proactive approach to well-being rather than a focus solely on medical care.
• Instead of: Acting out, aggressive, agitated → Try: Protecting the selfThis reframe acknowledges that behaviours often stem from a person's need to feel safe rather than being disruptive for its own sake.
• Instead of: Challenging behaviour → Try: CommunicatingRecognizing behaviours as a form of communication encourages understanding and supportive responses rather than labelling actions as problems.
• Instead of: Non-compliant behaviour → Try: Responsive behaviourThis term shifts the focus from defiance to recognizing that reactions are often responses to unmet needs or distress.
• Instead of: Caregiver, care provider → Try: Care partner"Care Partner" acknowledges the equal and collaborative role of family members and others in supporting well-being, rather than a hierarchical relationship.

United in community

For many, starting the search for senior living options can feel daunting, there’s a lot to take in, but finding the right words can help you find your path to a new status quo.

Stop by one of our communities to see how United puts words into action!