What’s in a Name

Recently on Marco, there have been changes for the benefit of those of us who have reached the age to think about what's next. I, for one, was looking at the next possible phase of life with The Watermark at Marco Island.

The Watermark looks beautiful and is in the back of my mind. Words like 'age in place', Senior Living Facility, even 'memory care' sounded soft, caring. But then the park next door, a project involving the city and the hospital, was dedicated and given the name Castaways Park. Well, I'm sorry, what's in a name, the old Shakespeare quote from Romeo and Juliet, a name is just a label came to mind. Are we who might be looking to go to the Senior Living Facility on our way to be a castaway? (A person who has been shipwrecked and stranded in an isolated place?) Will there be jokes behind our backs?

Then, last week there was another blow to my feeling unsettled. The new and larger hospital, which we are all looking forward to, will have a large room for those who need care. And it's Marco Dementia Respite. Again, this will be a great advantage for those who will need daily help, but couldn't it have been named something more soft and caring? So, what is in a name? Well, older people who will be going there either for memory loss or the helpers who need some time off, will be telling their friends and family I'm in the Marco Dementia building? So cold, so cruel.

My musing and question is how these parks and buildings, not only here but anywhere, get their naming? Those who are involved, do they think of those who will be using the facilities? And how the name will reflect on them?