Principles of Communication in Adult Social Care Settings

UNIT 10

PRINCIPLES OF COMMUNICATION IN ADULT SOCIAL CARE SETTINGS

1 Understand why effective communication is important in adult social care settings

1.1 Identify the different reasons why people communicate

There are different reasons why people communicate:

• Greeting-acknowledging another person

• Passing on information

• Socializing

• Self expression

• Seeking information

• Through thoughts and ideas

• Reasoning

1.2 Explain how communication affects relationships in an adult social care settings

Communication is very important to make a good working relationship within the workplace We can maintain a good teamwork by communicating to our colleagues as we share ideas and passing on information so we can share knowledge between us. It also help us to find out better and individual choices. When we communicate we need to make sure that we are communicating in the way and that it is being understood. Ensuring the environment is appropriate, and good communication enable trust between me and resident.

2 Understand how to meet the communication and language needs , wishes and preferences of an individual

2.1 Compare ways to establish the communication and language needs, wishes and preferences of an individual

The ways to establish individual’s communication and language needs are using body language. To persuade the individual we can use gestures, pictures and actual object. We have to make sure that we speak clearly and slowly. It’s important to make eye contact and avoid distraction during communication.

2.2 Describe the factors to consider when promoting effective communication

When we communicate we need to make sure we speak clearly. Our tone of voice is appropriate for our conversation and there are no distraction. We have to talk slowly enough for the other person to understand of what being said. If we have to use non verbal communication which means using body language, gestures and pictures. Eye contact is very essential. Environment plays major part as well. We have to check if is light enough while communicating. We have to be close enough to person who we talk so is good communication.

We have to avoid loud noise in surrounding when during communication. Service user should feel safe and comfortable. Disabilities such as hearing loss, impaired vision, mobility problems or speech impairment can affect communication.

2.3 Describe a range of communication methods and styles to meet individual needs

Range of communication methods and styles to meet individual needs:

• Tone of voice

• Facial expression

• Touch

• Sign language

• Makaton

• Lip reading and Braille

• Speech

• Actions

• Gestures

We have to use verbal, non verbal and written communication. When I communicate verbally I try to speak slowly and clearly. For non verbal we have to use body language, gestures, pictures and actual objects. Written communication I write clearly to make others to understand what is written.

2.4 Explain why it is important to respond to an individual’s reactions when communicating

It is important to respond to an individual’s reactions to find out the reason why they react that way. This can help us to understand them so we can help them to solve their problems. If they are hungry or sad we can be aware of it so we can get the correct help by consulting professional body on ways to find out.

3 Understand how to overcome barriers to communication

3.1 Explain how individuals from different backgrounds may use communication methods in different ways

Individuals from different backgrounds use communication methods in different ways: for example in some countries some religion does not allow children or women to speak up. Some people speak very fast what can be language barrier for certain people. There are also different methods of communication depends on culture and education. It means that they can use different types of body language and gestures that other people will not understand.

3.2 Identify barriers to effective communication

Physical barriers: Speech disability

Hearing disability

Vision impairment

Wheelchair and bedbound resident

Environment barriers: Noise

Crowd

Lightning

Other residents/ staff/ visitors

Cultural barriers: Gender different

Accent/ language

Nationality/ religion

3.3 Explain how to overcome barriers to communication

Follow the care plan to