1. The Power of Language: Enhancing Culture through Language

2. Watch ‘The Power of Words’

3. Video – ‘The Power of Words’  What was your reaction to watching the video?  Implications for everyday life?  Implications for working life?

4. Language is the roadmap of a culture. It tells you where its people came from and where they are going. -Rita Mae Brown

5. Language is… A body of words used to communicate A choice of words or style of writing

6. How does language impact? Our words communicate… – Meaning – Beliefs – Attitude – Values – Feelings – Agenda

7. Visualization Freedom

8. MPL Language History Facility

9. MPL Language History One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest Community

10. Language choices impact…

11. Language choices Power to positively impact …  Confidence  Teamwork  Culture  Morale

12. Language choices Power to negatively impact …  Confidence  Teamwork  Culture  Morale

13. Discovering Language Opportunities Identify commonly used words Facility Community

14. Discovering Language Opportunities Identify commonly used phrases How can I help you? How can I support you?

15. Discovering Language Opportunities  Consider context  Consider possible interpretations of words

16. Discovering Language Opportunities Does word promote successful aging? Does it empower others? Does it convey a strength? Does it promote a positive culture? Ask:

17. Words for thought…. Paternalistic Ownership implied Eek! “My Residents” “Our Residents” Paternalistic

18. Words for thought…. Paternalistic Ownership implied “Your Residents”

19. Words for thought…. “My Residents” “Residents at Community Name” “Our Residents” Other phrasing ideas?

20. Words for thought…. Higher Levels of Care Higher Levels of Living

21. Words for thought….  Be aware of using:  Pet names: “Sweetie,” “hon”  Generalizations: “Older adults are wise, cute, sweet, etc.”  Making limiting statements: “Our residents don’t…”

22. Words for thought…. Doing for, fixing, caring for Serving, supporting Helping

23. Next Steps: Taking it home  Take inventory  Consider from culture perspective  Brainstorm with team  Involve Residents  Select alternative words  Pay attention to the impact  Continue to evolve