Who do you say I am? Language, Culture and their Intersection with Quality in Residential Aged Care
- Publication Type:
- Thesis
- Issue Date:
- 2025
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This thesis investigates the shift in language from “person-centred care” to “consumer-directed care” in Australian aged care policy, and its implications for the implementation of person-centred care models aimed at enhancing quality of care and quality of life for older people. This research seeks to understand the ways in which language–particularly how the older person is referred to, such as “patient”, “care recipient”, “consumer”, “person”, and “participant”, in policy documents and research–influences residential aged care providers’ culture and practices of person-centred care. An explanatory mixed-methods approach was employed. The results finds that while terminology matters, the way terms are interpreted is even more significant. By exploring the intersection of language and culture–how language shapes organisational culture and influences care delivery–the study reveals how linguistic choices can unintentionally impact the quality of care. Words have impact based on the underlying message or intent, the individuals articulating them, and the prevailing socio-political context. This study offers fresh insights into current challenges and proposes strategies to promote more respectful and compassionate care environments. These findings are especially timely, as Australia is preparing to implement a new Aged Care Act, predicated on human rights principles and updated terminology.
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