The Power of Labels Exercise This exercise was adapted from the inspiration of Karen Stobbe and her husband’s plenary at the 2007 Pioneer Network Conference in Minneapolis. Suggested Instructions for Use: 1.Print each of these slides as two different labels (one set is a “non-person” set beginning with “Woman in 213” or just ”213”; the other a person-centered set beginning with “Wanda”). Add ribbon or string to be able to place each of these labels around participant’s neck. We used tag board as a backing. 2.Two presenters are needed to be place labels around necks and converse with volunteers and participants. 3.Introduce the exercise with asking audience why staff don’t always speak up when they think there is a problem. Someone will likely state “fear of being labeled a troublemaker” or something similar. Respond with “Do you think we label residents? Do you think affects the way we communicate and provide care?” 4.Then read the Mark Twain quote from “The Power of Labels” slide. 5.Ask for 2 volunteers from your audience and ask them to react as labels are placed around their necks. 6.Alternate labels starting with “Non-person” set (“Woman in 213”) on first volunteer – then “Advocate” set (“Wanda”) on the other volunteer. 7.After all labels have been used (ending with “Helpless” and “Empowered”), ask volunteers to respond as to their feelings. Take time here. Then ask audience to share observations. 8.Conclude the exercise by placing the “larger slides” signs (“Support My Decision Making,” etc.) around volunteer’s necks – ending with “The Power of Labels” sign. Please contact either of us with any questions and/or additional ideas and suggestions to improve or adapt this exercise. We’d appreciate the feedback and sharing of your experiences using this exercise. Thank you! Ann Holme, Regional OmbudsmanMark Wandersee, Executive Director Office of Ombudsman for Long-Term CareElderCare Rights Alliance County Hwy 23, Ortonville, MN E. 82 nd St, Suite 230, Bloomington, MN Phone: ; Fax: Phone: ; Fax:

The Power of Labels “The difference between the right word and the almost-right word is the difference between lightning and lightning-bug.” Mark Twain

Woman In 213 Wanda

Resident My Friend

Old Woman Elder

Problem Solver Complainer

Agitated Active

Depressed Lonely

Demented Forgetful

Elopement Risk Likes To Walk

Fall Risk Wants To Walk

Needs Restraint Schedule Walks

Difficult Determined

Aggressive Assertive

Non- Compliant Questions Treatment

Manipulative Resourceful

Behavior Communicator

Behavior Life Long Way of Doing

Care Plan Problem My Strengths

Disabled Needs Support

Feeder Needs Assist At Meals

Wheelchair Bound Wheelchair User

Needs Diaper Needs Pad/Brief

Incompetent Has Capacity

Helpless Empowered

Support My Decision Making

Respect My nDivIduAlity Respect My InDivIduAlity

Help Me Maintain MY Daily Schedule

Support My Participation

Allow Me CONTROL

Support My CHOICES

The Power of Labels