Inadequate Support of Expression of Needs of LTC Residents in Linguistically Incongruent Homes

Numerous barriers to health care exist in today's system, one of them being linguistic incongruence. Our expression through language is paramount to the understanding and representation of one's needs, identity, and personhood, however, not everyone receives the resources and aids necessary to do so. One vulnerable group, older adults in long-term care, face a multitude of challenges in the expression of their needs in linguistically incongruent homes. By not having adequate support to bridge the language gap, the need of residents are not being met, leading to diverse negative physiological, cultural and social outcomes.