Person-Centred Language
Publish Date:
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.
The Ontario Centres for Learning, Research and Innovation in Long-Term Care (CLRI) and Behavioural Supports Ontario (BSO) work together to deliver the Person-Centred Language (PCL) Initiative. The PCL work is supported by an expert panel.
Resources and Materials
PCL Summary
Person-centred language should be used when talking to or about people who live and work in LTC. This is a summary overview of the person-centred language in long-term care.
PCL eCourse: For Team Members
Learn what person-centred language is and why it is important when supporting residents. Explore the four Commitment Statements designed to promote its use in long-term care environments.
PCL eCourse: For Leaders and Managers
After learning what person-centred language is and why it is important when supporting residents, discover helpful strategies to implement, enhance or sustain it in your LTC home. Explore the four Commitment Statements designed to promote its use.
Word Swap Poster
Implement PCL into practice today! This Word Swap Poster offers 15 words as examples to swap out in everyday language to support implementation of the PCL principles.
PCL Pledge
Take the online pledge to commit to using person-centred language in your daily interactions with those who live, work in and visit your long-term care home. The pledge can be completed individually and as a team.
PCL Posters
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.
PCL Toolkit Report
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.
PCL Webinar
This webinar shares strategy and resources to increase the use of person-centred language in your long-term care home, developed in collaboration with Behavioural Supports Ontario, the Alzheimer Society of Ontario and people with lived experience.
PCL Award
The Person-Centred Language Award recognizes the extraordinary efforts of champions who are dedicated to creating supportive and life-affirming environments for residents, family care partners and team members in long-term care.
Words Matter video
This video introduces person-centred language and explores how verbal and non-verbal interactions can shape the experiences of individuals in long-term care settings. Embrace the principles of PCL and join us in honouring the dignity of each person living in LTC.
Encouraging Respectful Conversations: Embracing Calling In
Discover how calling in and person-centred language can transform care environments. Explore practical tips and examples to foster empathy, respect, and inclusivity in every interaction. Made for both individuals and teams!
Acknowledgements
The Person-Centred Language initiative and resources have been co-developed by BSO and the Ontario CLRI with support from an expert panel.
Related Resources
Your Feedback Matters
Your feedback is valued and allows us to improve our resources available to those working and living in long-term care. Please take a minute to fill out the following form:
"*" indicates required fields