CQC joins the 'Call to Action' Dementia Words Matter campaign

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has signed up to an important campaign to show the health and social care regulator’s commitment to best practice in the use of language when talking or writing about people living with dementia.

“Dementia Words Matter” is a DEEP Guide, written by people with dementia, that sets out the words and descriptions of dementia that we would prefer are avoided.

Chief Executive at CQC, David Behan, said: “Using language like 'a person suffers from dementia' perpetuates fear and stigma and is completely at odds with the aspirations of people living with dementia. They tell our inspectors that they want to live well and be supported to do so.

“CQC has a vital role in making sure that people receive care that is safe, effective, compassionate and high quality. We know how important language is in ensuring that care is respectful and person-centred.

“Sadly, this understanding is not always shared by the media or other organisations. I am pleased that CQC is supporting this campaign. I hope we can encourage others to reflect on the language they use when talking about people with dementia and be more positive.”

The Call to Action is asking organisations to commit to the “three Cs”: Check words and descriptions used in printed materials against the DEEP Guide; Change any words and descriptions that people with dementia have identified as ones to avoid; and Challenge the bad words whenever seen or heard in newspapers, on TV, on websites and in conferences and meetings.

To read more click the link “Dementia Words Matter”.