Principles of communication in adult social care setting

Communication is a big factor when it comes to finding out key information about the service user. Having good communication skills helps build relationships with both service user and their families. We need to have good communication amongst our work colleagues who are involved in their personal care to be able to give the best care possible and to meet all their individual needs and requirements.By having good communication we can learn how the service user is feeling, what they are thinking and learn about their personal preferences. We can communicate in many different ways, not just by talking but by body language, facial expressions, eye contact, touch and writing. Explain how communication affects relationships in an adult social care setting. Having good communication within the adult social care is very important as it allows me to give the service user the best quality care I can give if I know all the needs and requirements of that particular service user.

By having good communication with the service user and the people who are involved in their care plan can be very helpful as we are updated on any changes or requirements the service user may need or any other specific information we may need to be aware off. Outcome 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. To establish any communication and language needs with an service user my first actions would be the read their personal care plan, this is were I will find out all the information I need on the individual, it will also tell me if they have any speech problems or language barriers I need to be aware of. Once I have read their individual care plan I would then approach the service user and ask if they are able, but if this is not the case I would then communicate with the service user’s family and ask if they have developed a way in which they can communicate with the particular service user who is requiring the care.

This may be the case with someone who has suffered a major stroke which has left the service user with speech difficulties. If the service user has speech difficulties this can mean that the service user can get very frustrated and annoyed due to not being able to explain what their needs are so I would ask the service user very simple questions that they can simply answer by giving me a nod or a shake of the head or even by winking once for a yes or twice for a no. 2.2 Describe the factors to consider when promoting effective communication When promoting effective communication I would take on board the service user’s age, gender, religion and their social class. By looking at these key things about the service user I would adapted to the individual by the language I would use and the way I would approach the service user. For example If I was to be caring for a young adult/teenager then I would approach and talk to them differently than I would to an elderly service user. If the service user had bad hearing then I would talk on a louder level in which the service user can hear me, but not too much on where it can be dismissed as coming across annoyed or impatient.

If a service user is partly blind or is having trouble with their eyesight then I would approach them by putting my hand gently on their back or arm to make them aware of where I am or I would do this to guide them. Describe a range of communication methods and styles to meet individual needs. There are range of different communication methods and styles to meet and exceed the service users needs, for example Verbal communication, this is were I can directly communicate with the service user just by talking, the style in which I would communicate would be polite, precise, formal and friendly. By communicating this way I can openly find out information about the service user, any hobbies and special requirements they need. Once more I would find out who else if involved in their care such as their family or friends. Non verbal communication involves communicating with a service user without using words or directly speaking to them. I would visually communicate with them by making small hand gestures, approaching them in friendly manner or a gentle touch to give them support and comfort.

Having good eye contact can also give them reassurance that you are listening which makes the service user feel important. When I arrive at the service users home it is important that my body language is formal and friendly along with my appearance being smart and representable as the service user will respect my presences. If I didn’t have a formal approach, the service user may feel uncomfortable confused and that they are not receiving professional care. I would create a friendship with the service user by becoming closer to them to show them that they have my full attention. 2.4 Explain why it is important to respond to an individual’s reactions when communicating. It is very important to respond to an individual’s reactions when communicating as it shows I am aware of what they are saying or requesting and more importantly shows I am listening. By listening to the service user and meeting their needs and requirements it shows them I have understood. By just listening to the service user and giving them your full attention this can stop the service user becoming frustrated and irritated.

Their response doesn’t just have to be verbal communication this can again this can just be a simple nod or shake of the head or just simple hand gestures. Outcome 3 understand how to overcome barriers to communication Explain how individuals from different backgrounds may use communication methods in different ways. Due to individuals coming from different backgrounds and cultures this means communication can be challenging. This can vary, the service user may have difficulty in understanding the English language or can understand the English language but who are partially deaf. Because of this the service user again may become frustrated and irritated as they find it hard to communicate with their carer. They may use hand gestures or writing to communicate to get their personal requests and requirements across. Being a community carer myself I always find that staying calm and patient, suggesting different ways of communicating or using hand gestures myself, both I and the service user gets their eventually in meeting their specific needs and requirements or any help they may need. Identify barriers to effective communication

Whilst trying to communicate with a service user there may be a few barriers I may face. For example if the service user may not speak English then I would come up with a solution to try and communicate and meet their needs and requirements. If I was to care for someone who was visually impaired this would create a barrier when needing documentations signed, I would also make the service user aware of my identity and make them feel at ease. It may cause a barrier when needing to see communication forms. Service users who are deaf or have impaired hearing will find it hard to communicate therefore I would again come up with solutions such as, hand gestures or writing for them to then understand their needs. When dealing with service users who have dementia or learning difficulties communication can be very hard as they may not understand that we are they to help or can become very confused or frustrated within themselves. Explain how to overcome barriers to communication

To overcome barriers in commutation I would do further research about these impairments so I would understand more on what the service user is going through. Once more I would be patient, friendly and welcoming for the service user to feel at ease in their own home. I would also get the best knowledge i can about the service user to build a relationship with them in a professional manner. If friends or family members are present on my arrival then I would communicate with them to find out if there is assistance or support such as speech therapy, TV loop system or large print books. 3.4 Describe the strategies that can be used to clarify misunderstandings To clarify to the service user that I have not misunderstood I would simply ask them to repeat the question they may have asked or a request they may have made. I would then repeat it back to the service user to find out if I have understood and met their requirements. Explain how to access extra support or services to enable individuals to communicate effectively. There are so many different ways in which extra support or services can be accessed for service users to help individuals comminute effectively. For example: Social worker, GP, Nurse, Carers or Family, support groups and many more. Outcome 4 Understand principles and practices relating to confidentiality

Explain the meaning of the term confidentiality

Confidentiality means not sharing personal information about people without their knowledge and agreement, and ensuring that personal information cannot be accessed or read by people who have no reason to see it. We can only pass it on if there is a need and right to do so under the principles of data protection act 1998. 4.2 Describe ways to maintain confidentially in day to day communication. To maintain confidentiality in day to day communication I would make sure that the individuals care plan, records and past medical history is kept safe and in a safe place. I would make sure that information is only accessed to though’s who have authorisation to do so, e.g. other carers who are involved in their personal care. Outside of work I would never share or discuss personal information regarding a service user as this would be breaking the service user’s confidentiality. Describe the potential tension between maintaining an individual’s confidentially and disclosing concerns to agreed others.

If I was the share concerns on a particular service user to agreed others then it may cause tension between myself and the service user as they may feel I have broken their trust. I would only share my concerns with agreed others If I was aware of sexual, mental and physical abuse or even financial abuse. 4.4 explain how and when to seek advice about confidentiality If I was insure on what to do if I had concerns about the service user and the individual’s confidentiality then I would seek advice from my manager or agreed others and I would again seek advice is if was unsure about confidentiality from my manager and the C.Q.C.