Words Matter: Avoiding Elderspeak
Mary Ann Buckley is the Director of Community Outreach and Education at Corewood Care. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a bachelor’s and master’s degree in social work. She is passionate in her role as an advocate and improving the lives of older adults through education.
As a Social Worker with over 30 years of experience—primarily in the field of Aging Life Care management—Corewood Care’s Mary Ann Buckley has accumulated countless thoughts and observations over the years. She’s witnessed profound changes in our field and also identified areas where I believe meaningful change is still needed. One simple but impactful way we can elevate our profession is by examining the words we use.
There are many other terms that deserve a closer look. But for now, we hope these examples resonate with you—and inspire you to think about the words you use every day.
Together, let’s elevate our profession by choosing language that reflects our respect, compassion, and commitment to the older adults we serve. Learn more from Mary Ann Buckley with her recent feature on Aging Life Care Association!