"Shut-ins" Do you know that term?

[Micca]

Just a random memory--When I was a kid they'd talk about shut-ins at church. The pastor or sometimes volunteers would set aside some time each week to visit those who weren't able to leave their home to come to church. It's probably still a thing, to visit people who can't get around, but the term is probably no longer appropriate. Same with "Invalid." "He needs someone to take him to doctor appointments, he's an invalid."

So what's the 21st century term to describe these folks? Or is it even taboo to speak of them as a group? I was on another forum where (mostly older) guys were talking about how they like to stay close to home--or at home--as much as possible Made me think of the "shut-ins" I'm sorta voluntarily one

 

[Dan Murphy]

So what's the 21st century term to describe these folks?

Home-bound?

 

[lanejudy]

Shut-ins are still mentioned at church by that term.
I think "disabled" or "elderly" (depending on the situation) is more common for referring to a person who needs assistance.

 

[soccerdad72]

I still hear the term "shut-in", but I suppose the more common phrase used now might be home bound.

 

[tinkerbellandpeterpan]

My mom organizes food delivery in her over 55 community to those who don't or can't leave their homes and the term they use is homebound.

 

[NYCgrrl]

I was a shut-in during the pandemic as were many of us.

Currently, I’m home bound by choice not by designation.

DGD said I’m not disabled just momentarily broken.

I called my mother a little old lady when her mother called her and her sisters that . Mom is gone so nobody else around to rename me.

I’ve no problem being referred to as a senior citizen. Nothing condescending about the term to my way of thinking and I’ll prolly get something for free…

 

[TippyThomas]

I know what they are, but I've never hear that term before. I don't know that I ever knew a term for those in those circumstances but we did help, visit and assist them often.

 

[tvguy]

I think "shut ins" still applies. But I think the explosion in personal mobility devices means there are far fewer shut ins than I recall when I was a kid in the 1960's. They are relatively affordable, and often insurance will pay for them. But I live in area where there are more Senior living communities than Starbucks. The one closest to me has 800 residents in a community that offers everything from Senior apartments, to full care home facilities, and everything in between. Their bus is at the grocery store every day unloaded seniors in Little Rascals.

 

[Babs Johnson]

I like homebound as a preferred term but find nothing pejorative about “shut in.”

 

[NYCgrrl]

I like homebound as a preferred term but find nothing pejorative about “shut in.”

Shut in sounds like you’re being hidden away probably because you have a “disease” such as poverty and illness brought on by an inability to work anymore. It’s not the stereotypical view anymore but still exists. As another poster pointed out ECVs have made seismic changes in lifestyles mostly for the good.

 

[slo]

I have heard the term, but I don’t know if it’s still used. I don’t find the phrase offensive in any way. When I go to church on Saturday night, I’ll have to ask one of the elders that handles the ministry that goes to people‘s homes, and ask them what the correct term is.

 

[Micca]

But I think the explosion in personal mobility devices means there are far fewer shut ins than I recall when I was a kid in the 1960's.

That thought occurred to me tvguy. There are more options for people not to get shut-in, and if they do reach a point where they no longer can leave the house, it's time for an assisted living or nursing home.

 

[_19disnA]

Am familiar with that term but doesn't seem to be used as much anymore. Just because someone is 'elderly' doesn't mean they can't be independent, still drive a car or do things on their own. Whatever the newest term happens to be, I relate it more to someone with mobility issues who can't leave home on their own and/or requires assistance from others to do that.

People tend to live longer now so it isn't like you retire and then die within the next 5 yrs.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Shut in sounds like you’re being hidden away probably because you have a “disease” such as poverty and illness brought on by an inability to work anymore. It’s not the stereotypical view anymore but still exists. As another poster pointed out ECVs have made seismic changes in lifestyles mostly for the good.

I never put that connotation on the term "shut-in". I always just thought it was people who, for one reason or another, didn't leave their home (safe) spot.

 

[Southernmiss]

Shut in or homebound are the terms our church uses

 

[Imzadi]

There is an excellent national Meals on Wheels program which visit these kinds of people. On their website they use the term homebound and seniors.

https://www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org/

I've also seen the words disabled or infirmed used.

 

[disykat]

I don't find "shut in" offensive but agree that "home bound" seems better. I can't believe I hadn't actually thought about the term invalid before, but that's terrible! How have we used that term and found it okay? Yikes.

 

[Kitty 34]

Around here I think most refer to people as house or home bound.

 

[Imzadi]

I don't find "shut in" offensive but agree that "home bound" seems better. I can't believe I hadn't actually thought about the term invalid before, but that's terrible! How have we used that term and found it okay? Yikes.

The term is "IN-va-lid":
in·va·lid1
/ˈinvələd/
noun
noun: invalid; plural noun: invalids.

1. a person made weak or disabled by illness or injury.

Not "in-VALID":
adjective
not valid: such as having no force or effect

1. The judge declared that the contract was invalid.
2. Or to invalidate something.

I never thought about it as I don't really think of the word spelled out meaning the same as to invalidate someone.

 

[disykat]

Oh, I agree they are pronounced differently. That's why it's never occurred to me. I realize there are homographs and multiple meanings of words, but that's exactly why we often substitute other words to avoid confusion. This is definitely one of those words.