Word Choice Techniques
Word Choice Techniques
APPROACH / HELPFUL / NOT HELPFULAsk simple yes or no questions / Does this hurt? / Tell me about your pain?
Allow simple choices / Do you want to sit in the red chair or the blue chair? / Where do you want to sit?
Use simple, common words / Do you have to go to the bathroom (pee, take a leak)? / Do you have to urinate?
Avoid Jargon / I am going to put a fresh bandage on the sore on your arm.
I am going to check your blood pressure / I am going to dress your wound.
I am going to check your vitals
Use positive statements (avoid “no”, “don’t” or “can’t”) / Come with me. I’ll show you your room. / This isn’t your room! You can’t be in here!
Avoid commands / Hi, Joe. Try a bite of this. (Sit down next to him.) Does it need more sugar?
It’s time for your bath now; I’ll help you; we’ll get the water nice and warm the way you like it. / Sit down and eat!
You need to take a bath now!
Use nouns instead of pronouns / Pick up the washcloth. / Pick it up.
Give one direction at a time / Stand up……Come with me…..Wash your face…Dry your face. / Come in the bathroom with me and wash up.
Avoid asking why / Are you feeling frustrated? / Why are you yelling like that?
APPROACH / HELPFUL / NOT HELPFUL
Avoid scolding or shaming / Come with me; I’ll help you get cleaned up.
Distract resident who is swearing with song or activity.
It seems like you are angry with me. / You know better than to play with your food! You stained your new shirt! What would your mother say?
Shame on you! Is that the way a grandmother should talk?
Calm down! Stop yelling at me!
Include personal information to encourage reminiscence / Is this the most terrible meal you’ve ever tasted? I hear you used to cook some great meals; people would ask for your recipes. / All you ever do is gripe about the food! If you get hungry enough, you’ll eat!
Join the person’s world / What kind of car are you looking for? I’ll keep my eyes open for it. Do you like (what ever make he says) better than Fords (or any other)? / You don’t have a car here. You don’t drive anymore.
Use distraction / Let’s go get some ice cream.
I have been looking all over for that purse. Thank you for finding it for me. / That’s Mabel’s purse. Give it to me!
Give one direction at a time / Stand up……Come with me…..Wash your face…Dry your face. / Come in the bathroom with me and wash up.
Ask the opposite / Is there any time that they do not poison your food? / Don’t be silly! If the food was poisoned, everyone would be sick!