Dear Abby: “She Has a Name in Georgia” (Dec. 2) complained that the care staff at the assisted living community where her mother lives calls her “Granny,” “Grandma” and “Mamma.” She found it disrespectful, and I agree with her.

I am an R.N. with two advanced nursing degrees. Calling a resident “Granny,” “Dear” or “Honey” is not loving or caring. It is degrading, humiliating and hurtful! It does not matter what the ethnicity of the attendant is; there are standards of conduct and patient’s rights. I suggest “She Has a Name” ask the director of the facility for copies of the standards of care and patient’s rights documents.

The family may want to install a “nanny cam” in the room if it will provide peace of mind. There are many fine communities where care of the residents is professionally and caringly provided. I hope they are able to find one for their mother. — Retired R.N. and Resident Advocate

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