Comments on: Asides: How We Speak to Our Residents

By: Patti

Patti — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 16:37:05 +0000

I think this approach is fine…getting to know the residents and THEN these kinds of names…Grams and Papa is age appropriate and often well received by the elderly. It’s the cutesy nick names and baby like rhetoric that is offensive.

By: Tracy D.

Tracy D. — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 12:42:22 +0000

I hear “Grandma” and “Pawpaw” used a lot, even by new CNA’s who should have been taught not to do that. The odd thing is that the resident’s seem to respond well to this. Personally, I will call a resident using Mr. or Mrs. and their surname until we know each other. Then it’s generally Mr. or Miss and their first name and occasionally just their first name if they have asked me to do so or our relationship has progressed that far.

By: Mazie

Mazie — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 01:27:34 +0000

I sure do agree to this