Posted on 03/24/2017 12:44:02 PM PDT by Morgana
We might think names like 'sweetie' or 'dear' are terms of endearment.
But what seems like a kind gesture may actually be taken as patronizing, a new study finds.
Scientists say elderly sufferers of dementia are often exposed to 'elderspeak' - a loud and slow form of baby talk for seniors.
This makes them feel like they are incompetent and can lead to a downward spiral of social isolation and cognitive decline.
Researchers studied nuns at a Midwestern convent and fount a very different approach - one that brightened the spirits of their suffering sisters.
(Excerpt) Read more at dailymail.co.uk ...
As in a 5K race. My writing skills are fine, thanks for your concern.
It’s different in the south...in the south it’s a speech pattern.
Yes indeed
Occurs in New Jersey too
It’s outright condescending.
I hate it as well.
I’m not YOUR sweetie.
I think they raise a good point.
My mother-in-law had dementia and of the daughters-in-law, it fell to me to step in when a caretaker besides her regular one was needed.
I NEVER would have dreamed of being condescending to her, even though it was necessary to make sure I was very clear about things, that I had to simplify instructions and take things one step at a time and speak slowly sometimes and patiently explain what was going on for the fifth time in as many minutes.
Dementia patients cannot help what is happening to them and in their more lucid moments know it and hate it. I don’t think it helps at all to treat them as any less than adults, even when you have to relate to them at a level a child would understand.
You can if you’re 62 and cute!
My boyfriend thinks so!
Any phrase can be used in a way that’s insincere or condescending, but in the south “sweetie” is a term of endearment and I like it.
I call my sons “sweetie” or “sweetie-pie” all the time.
You said it!
Myself, Being a product of country and southern life, I always and still believe these are terms of kindness. Just like opening a door for someone regardless of their sex or age. And yes, I love it when a gentleman helps me with anything. I believe it is highly admirable. Many of us still wave at someone driving down our street even though we don’t know them. Including calling someone sir or ma’am. I see these are good manners and friendliness. The sweetie, dear, etc. are more casual and familiar situations showing good manners and acceptance to make one feel good and at ease. As good manners were meant for. Of course, at the office in this PC world they want to remove saying Mr. and Mrs. anymore, and yes Sir, Ma-am, etc. I also believe in a good firm handshake and eye contact.
Just to add another 2 cents—I do see what they are saying about taking care of someone and babying them. I have an older parent I care for. Helping them to maintain face of dignity is important. There is a big difference between being nice and being condescending or appearing over-caring. You need to maintain an adult relationship with the respect of such, even when their abilities are declining.
Ha, ha!! Cancel that, then!!
They were a mistake, too.
True. It was still a colossal blunder.
“Creating religious orders to provide Catholic parents with cheap daycare ———”
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So THAT’S why religious orders were created———what about the Xaverian Brothers, Jesuits and Christian Brothers——were they created for cheap daycare also?.
Interesting point of view.
.
.
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I didn’t say all Orders were created for that purpose. Some were.
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