This study investigates the shift in language from “person-centred care” to “consumer-directed care” in Australian aged care policy, and its implications for the implementation of person-centred care models aimed at enhancing the lived experience in residential care settings. Motivated by first-hand experiences this research sought to understand the ways in which language–particularly how the older person is referred to, such as “care-recipient”, “consumer”, “person”, and “participant”, in policy documents and research–influences residential aged care providers’ culture and practices of person-centred care. Using an explanatory mixed-methods approach. The quantitative phase involved content and sentiment analysis using Leximancer across major national reviews and inquiries into aged care (2011–2021), revealing a marked shift in policy discourse towards “consumer-directed care”. These findings informed the qualitative phase, which included 46 semi-structured interviews with CEOs, cultural change facilitators, academics and researchers. The qualitative component identifies how terminology from policy documents influences practices in residential aged care, particularly the implementation of person-centred care models aimed at improving the quality of care and life for older people. It finds that while terminology matters, the way terms are interpreted is even more significant. The research highlights a critical confusion in the sector, especially in how residents are described, whether as “consumers” or within the framework of “person-centred care”. This conflation is examined through the lens of  Bourdieu’s social practice theory. By exploring the intersection of language and culture–how language shapes organisational culture and influences care delivery–the study reveals how linguistic choices can unintentionally impact the quality of care. By unpacking these linguistic subtleties and their practical effects, the study offers fresh insights into implementation approaches to promote more respectful and compassionate practice environments. By highlighting the unintended consequences language can have on care quality, these findings are especially timely, as Australia is implementing new human rights based legislation.