Language Rights and Elderly Care

The promotion and protection of cultural rights and respect for the cultural diversity of people is a fundamental right developed by the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Within the Promotion and protection of cultural rights and respect for cultural diversity is the assurance of the linguistic rights of all people. The fulfilment of this right is necessary both in our sector and in society in general.

Based on the following criteria; the choice of language, place of birth and cultural level of the users, an analysis was carried out in our Gerontology Centres and the Fraisoro centre was identified as the centre where working to ensure linguistic rights is given the highest priority

Considering language as a fundamental factor for communication and empathy between user and carer, from the centre and within the implementation of our care model we add the data of language to the collection of the user's life history. It is in the life history where the most important personal moments of their lives, their tastes and customs are collected and where any expectations they may have are met.

By working with language as a fundamental asset in the relationship between people, we achieve

• Understanding content and communication
• The relationship that arises, so that it is one of trust and tranquillity.
• Respect for their culture and customs.
• Dignity of the person.
• Respect for their rights.
• Minimising the impact it may have on their health and socio-affective situation.
• That users can express themselves and understand their wishes better.

This is our point of view. What do you think? How do you work in this area in your centres?

On the 19th of February we were invited to Tolosa from the Fraisoro Centre to a round table discussion on the importance of language in the care of the elderly" organised by the Tolosa Town Hall.

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