Person-Centred Language Leadership Implementation Guide
Publish Date:
Creating a culture of person-centred language (PCL) is more than a one-time initiative. It happens through everyday conversations, shared learning, and ongoing support.
The PCL Leadership Implementation Guide is a practical, easy-to-use resource that helps LTC leaders and PCL champions support their teams in embedding PCL in everyday practice. It helps teams assess where they are in their PCL journey, identify priority areas, and integrate PCL into recruitment, onboarding, education, and daily communication. It also provides a package of practical tools, templates, and resources to support implementation and sustain PCL as part of organizational culture over time.
The guide covers:
- Building a shared understanding of what PCL means and why it matters
- Supporting leaders and PCL champions to model and embed PCL across the home
- Understanding current PCL readiness, identifying where to start and what to prioritize
- Supporting ongoing learning, coaching, and mentorship
- Bringing PCL into recruitment and onboarding for new team members, residents, and family care partners
- Recognizing and celebrating PCL champions within the home
- Addressing common challenges in applying PCL
- Strengthening and sustaining PCL practice over time
The guide also includes practical tools that can be easily adapted to the unique context of each LTC home, including:
- A PCL Organization Assessment tool to help teams identify priorities and opportunities for embedding PCL
- HR and recruitment tools, including sample job description language and interview questions that incorporate PCL values
- Orientation resources, including onboarding checklists and a sample Welcome Letter reflecting the home’s commitment to PCL
- Sample huddle questions and conversation prompts to support team reflection and discussion
- Sample survey questions to understand how PCL is being applied and supported across the home
- A “Word of the Month” template to reinforce PCL concepts and
- Certificate templates to recognize and celebrate PCL champions
- … and more!
The guide can be used during:
- Onboarding and orientation
- Training sessions and workshops
- Team huddles and discussions
- Coaching and mentoring conversations
- Documentation and team communication
- Ongoing quality improvement and culture change efforts
Note: An accessible PDF and French version of the guide are in development. Stay tuned.
Interested in more resources to support your PCL journey? Take a look at our suite of PCL resources.
Program Partners
The Person-Centred Language initiative and resources were co-developed by BSO and the Ontario CLRI with support from an expert panel.
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