Posted on October 28, 2021 by AJ Adams -
This one-page Word Swap Poster invites readers to consider swapping out common words in favour of person-centred language(PCL)-friendly words in everyday conversations.
The poster is available in French and English and contains a total of 15 examples under four categories: people, places, actions, and items.
We hope these examples can inspire you to reflect on the power of words when supporting people with, or at risk, of responsive behaviours/personal expressions. You can also explore more PCL resources to support your LTC homes’ inclusion journey.
Download the Word Swap Poster
Posted on June 2, 2021 by AJ Adams -

The Reflections on the Use of Resident Support Aides report (RSA Report) presents findings from a recent survey on the use of resident support aides (RSA) and similar roles in LTC homes during the pandemic. The RSA report summarizes reflections and perspectives from leaders about the value and future of the RSA role.
The report provides:
- Data on types of responsibilities assigned to RSAs at different LTC homes
- Data on types of education or training that RSAs would have benefited from
- Quotes and reflections from LTC leaders about their use of the RSA role
Download RSA Report
Looking for more perspectives on front line care providers? Read the PSW Perspectives Report to explore PSWs perspectives and ideas for LTC homes.
Acknowledgments:
The Ontario Centres for Learning, Research and Innovation in Long-Tem Care (CLRI) would like to acknowledge and thank the members of the Ontario Health (Central) – RSA Working Group for their time, effort, and insights in developing the RSA survey and report:
- Jill Knowlton – Jarlette Health Services
- Kim Utley – SE Health
- Dee Lender – Ontario Association of Residents’ Councils
- Julia Scott – Markham Stouffville Hospital
- Melissa Mei and Megan Suddergaard – Ontario Health
- Shilpi Majumder and Audra Thompson-Haile – Ontario Centres for Learning, Research and Innovation (CLRI) at the Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging, Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging
Posted on December 8, 2020 by AJ Adams -
Posted on September 28, 2020 by Lyra Taylor -
Practical knowledge of person-centred language ensures that appropriate, respectful, life-affirming and inclusive language is used when talking with and referring to people who communicate via responsive behaviours/personal expressions associated with dementia, complex mental health, substance use and/or other neurological conditions, and their care partners.
Posted on May 8, 2020 by AJ Adams -
The rapid rise and severity of COVID-19 cases in long-term care (LTC) has led to the urgent redeployment of health professionals to LTC environments. The Ontario COVID-19 Education Task Force (powered by Michener Institute of Education at UHN), in partnership with the Ontario Centres for Learning, Research and Innovation in Long-Term Care (CLRI) and the Baycrest Centre for Education, developed an LTC section on covidcarelearning.ca, an online learning management system to support upskilling for health-care workers being redeployed for COVID-19 care.
Please share this resource with incoming team members who are new to the LTC environment. These materials facilitate redeployment to a team-based model of care quickly and safely in LTC homes, and support team members to bridge their knowledge from current practice to the requirements to care for COVID-19 and other residents.
Posted on April 27, 2020 by AJ Adams -
Posted on April 1, 2020 by AJ Adams -
Posted on December 4, 2019 by Holly Hebner -
The Person-Centred Language toolkit and report has background information, useful suggestions, activities, reflection questions and other resources to increase the use and spread of person-centred language in your long-term care home.
Activities can be done individually, as a small or large group, across your organization, and during recruitment, orientation or education sessions.
Practical knowledge of person-centred language ensures the appropriate, respectful, life-affirming and inclusive language is used when talking with and referring to people who communicate via responsive behaviours/personal expressions associated with dementia, complex mental health, substance use and/or other neurological conditions, and their care partners.
This toolkit is available in English (French version coming soon).
Download the Toolkit and Report
Acknowledgments
The Person-Centred Language initiative and resources have been co-developed by BSO and the Ontario CLRI with support from an expert panel




Posted on December 4, 2019 by Holly Hebner -
These posters feature the Person-Centred Language Commitment Statements and imagery to encourage the use and spread of person-centred language in your long-term care home.
Two versions of the poster are available in both English and French:
1) Full version with additional actions for each commitment statement.
2) Simplified version with larger graphics rather than additional wording.
Poster download options:
Full version (Updated Poster Coming Soon)
Simplified version
Hard copies of the Person-Centred Language posters may be requested at any time to be mailed to Ontario Long-Term Care homes by emailing info@clri-ltc.ca