Let's Build Communities, Not Facilities Whilst designing modifications to a building for children with disabilities, I discovered its archived construction documents from 1972. They were entitled, ‘Subnormal Children’s Farm’. It was, in fact, a school, not a farm. The building was quite beautiful, the name of the building less so. Although verbal expressions of prejudice and stereotypes are less common now, prejudice in language still persists in more subtle forms. This is evident in language associated with accommodation for older people, particularly those receiving care. Whilst acknowledging many organisations have changed their language already, following is an example I believe we will look back on with regret and would particularly like to see change, universally. RESIDENTIAL AGED CARE FACILITY, HOME-LIKE CARE FACILITY HOMELIKE To the residents living there, it IS home. They NEED it to be home. What makes a place home is an emotional connection and sense of belonging, a safe haven, a comfort zone. I’m perplexed as to why some organisations purport to provide their residents with a place that is, at best, ‘like’ home, but don’t seek to actually provide them, by definition, with a home. FACILITY Definition: ‘Something designed, built, installed, etc., to serve a specific function affording a convenience or service’ If organisations and their services are to be resident-centred, as recommended by the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, a building designed to prioritise the convenient delivery of services is, by definition, antiquated. Therefore, the word ‘facility’ is antiquated. Let's Build Communities Not Facilities Let's Get Rid of the 'F' Word
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