Elderspeak
What to do
Everyone who has contact with people should:
- Pay attention to your language when speaking with people, especially elders.
- Pay attention to the way the elder reacts to your language.
- Avoid use of first names unless you have asked what the elder wishes to be called and have been told to use a first name.
- Avoid using terms of endearment such as "dear" or "sweety".
- Ask your co-workers to observe your conversations with people and alert you to your use of patronizing speech.
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