What's In A Name?

Written by: Kate Snyder, Executive Assistant

The other day, I was chatting with EECM Board Member Joan Millar about our non-medical respite care facility, the Orr Compassionate Care Center. Joan has been involved with the Orr Center for many years and she mentioned that at the Center, they are diligent about referring to the people staying there as guests, not clients. It was only a passing comment but it stuck with me and for the last couple days, I’ve been contemplating the importance of this distinction.

I think we can all agree that language is powerful. It can (and does) shape reality – when we describe something, we give it life and meaning. I think this is particularly true when it comes to language about people. How you choose to refer to another person says a lot about what you think of him or her and will most likely influence the interaction between you, whether you realize it or not.

Just for fun, I looked up “client” and “guest” in the dictionary and found the following:

Client – the party for which professional services are rendered OR a person using the services of a social services agency.

Guest – one who is the recipient of hospitality at the home or table of another.

I feel like I could probably leave it at that and make my point, but I’ll press on for a bit, just in case. “Client” is a technical and somewhat sterile term – it makes me think of lawyers and busy people in suits. It establishes a division between “receiver of service” and “giver of service” that will not be easily breached.

On the other hand, “guest” is warm and personal. Calling someone a “guest” means that you are extending your hospitality and friendship to that person and inviting them to spend some time with you.

It’s an interesting contrast, and I think that this distinction of language – guest instead of client – has helped to create the special atmosphere that exists at the Orr Compassionate Care Center. When you walk in, you enter a very homey environment. There is nice carpeting and neatly painted walls with wooden trim. Comfy couches and house plants. The guests eat meals together, sit and chat with staff members, and are generally treated…well…like guests – with warmth, good humor, and understanding.