Have you ever struggled to communicate with someone from a different culture, ending up simply nodding and smiling politely? Cultural differences can create insurmountable barriers to communication, and those same differences can be found between those promoting home care services and those in need of them.
Take, for example, the following home care industry jargon – phrases that we in the aging care field understand very well, but which can be easily misinterpreted by those seeking care:
- Private Duty. We know refers to private funding being used to pay for home care services, but it also seems to have some sort of military connotations – or maybe even an implication of toileting in private.
- Respite Care. How often do we use this term in everyday conversations? Would you ever say to your spouse, “I’m exhausted; it’s time for some respite?” Your target audience may struggle to understand exactly what this means.
- ADLs/Activities of Daily Living. Doesn’t this sound like something a motivational speaker would promote, maybe through healthier exercise and meal choices? For those in the beginning stages of exploring in-home care, this term can sound vague and obscure.
- Home Care vs. Home Healthcare. These phrases are often confused and used interchangeably, when in fact, as we know, they’re quite different. To go even further, the term “home care” itself can be confusing as well. Consumers might think of mowing the lawn, house cleaning, and clearing gutters when they hear “home care.”
The home care marketing experts at MOST understand the importance of communicating effectively to those seeking assistance for a senior loved one. Contact us to discover how we can help you clearly and concisely present your agency’s home care services to those in need!
