The Power of Labels Exercise This exercise was adapted from the inspiration of Karen Stobbe and her...

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 Ombudsman Mark Wandersee, Executive DirectorOffice of Ombudsman for Long-Term Care ElderCare Rights Alliance40719 County Hwy 23, Ortonville, MN 56278 2626 E. 82nd St, Suite 230, Bloomington, MN 55425Phone: 320-273-2364; Fax: 320-273-2254 Phone: 952-854-7304; Fax:

952.854.8535 ann..holme@state.mn.us mwandersee@eldercarerights.org

The Power of The Power of LabelsLabels

“The difference between the right word and the almost-right word is

the difference between lightning and lightning-bug.”

Mark Twain

Woman In 213Wanda

Resident

My Friend

Old WomanElder

Problem

Solver

Complainer

Agitated

Active

DepressedLonely

Demented

Forgetful

Elopement Risk

Likes To Walk

Fall Risk

Wants To Walk

Needs Restrain

tSchedule

Walks

Difficult

Determined

Aggressive

Assertive

Non- Compliant

QuestionsTreatment

Manipulative

Resourceful

Behavior

Communicator

Behavior

Life Long Way of Doing

Care Plan Problem

My Strengths

Disabled

Needs Support

FeederNeeds Assist At

Meals

Wheelchair Bound

Wheelchair User

Needs Diaper

Needs Pad/Brief

Incompetent

Has Capacity

Helpless

Empowered

Support Support My My

Decision Decision MakingMaking

RespectRespect

MyMy InnDDivIduAivIduAlitlit

yy

Help Me Maintain MY Daily Schedule

SupportSupport

My My

ParticipatiParticipati

onon

Allow Allow MeMe

CONTRCONTROLOL

Support Support My My

CHOICESCHOICES

The The Power Power of of

LabelsLabels