Unit 1: Principles of Communication in Adult Social Care Settings

Understand why communication is important in adult social care settings:
1.1 To gain and share information, to gain reassurance and acknowledgment, To express needs and feeling, To share ideas and thoughts and getting to know one another.

1.2 Effective communication is important as it ensures that information is clear and accurate. This reduces the possibility of mistakes being made, and ensuring appropriate care service is provided by you and your team.

1.3 It is important to observe an individual’s reactions when communicating with them as it helps give a better understanding of what they are trying to express in the situation, their reaction will tell you if any changes are needed.
Understand how to meet the communication and language needs, wishes and preferences of an individual:
2.1 To find out the resident’s needs, wishes, beliefs and values, to understand what a resident is trying to express, to avoid exclusion or any resident becoming distressed or frustrated and to support them and be fully involved in their daily life.
2.2 Facial expressions, eye contact, written words, touch, physical gestures, body language, behaviour, pictures, symbols etc
Understand how to reduce barriers to communication:
3.1 Different language, visual sight, hearing impairment, learning and speech impediment, health, disability and learning difficulties, shyness etc
3.2 Use gestures and pictures, speaking slowly and clearly, providing a quiet and private environment, ensuring communication aids are available and working properly, be encouraging, use tone of voice rather than facial expressions to communicate mood and response
3.3 Observe who you are communicating with, read face expressions and body language, ask questions, and consult others
3.4 Care plan, manager, colleagues, keyworkers, relatives, the resident themselves, speech and language services.
Understand confidentiality in adult social care settings:
4.1 Confidentiality - Not sharing information about