Unit 10 Principle of Communication in Adult Social Care Settings

1.1 Identify different reasons why people communicate
To share information, opinions and ideas with others, to give instruction and to ask any questions, to express their needs and feelings, to give instruction and encouragement to others, to socialize with, tell stories and comfort others.
1.2 Explain how communication affects relationships in an adult social
Care setting
All individuals communicate to ensure that their preferences and needs are met. As a senior carer I discuss the choices available to the individual to give them an informed choice in regards to their care. This is done in a professional manner. Communication in adult care setting can build relationships/friendships but it can also have a negative effect as miss understandings can happen causing tension between those involved.
2.1 Compare ways to establish the communication and language needs, wishes and preferences of an individual
Some people find it difficult to communicate; this may be caused by a medical problem such as Autism or Dementia others find it difficult due to being unable to physically speak. In order to support individuals with their communication difficulties, the individual needs to understand the difficulties they face. It is of the up most importance that you recognize that people are individuals for instance the way you may communicate with Mr A is different from the way you would communicate with Mr B similarly they will both communicate back to you in different ways. You need to know what is important to both of them including their very basic information such as their names or what they prefer to be called.
2.2 Describe the factors to consider when promoting effective communication
You need to consider if the individual has any sensory impairments such as poor hearing with or without aids or poor vision etc, you also need to consider the age of the individual and the individuals capacity. You must also take into consideration the individual Ethnic background as well and the environment that you are communicating in.
2.3 Describe a range of communication methods to meet individual needs
Verbally – for those individuals that are able to communicate face to face and this makes it easier to gauge their response by reading their body language. Non verbal gestures – this is when you use your body language, facial expressions, hand gestures and appropriate and effective use of eye contact. Picture cards/flash cards – for those non verbal individuals’ pictures of objects or places etc and also Braille – this is for those with extremely poor sight, multiple bumps that are able to be felt using touch that spell out words.
2.4 Explain why it is important to respond to an individual’s reactions when communicating
By communicating face to face the person listening may not always respond verbally if they have understood instruction or agreed. By observing the listeners body language this will help to indicate if the listener has understood/agreed. Body language is instinctive and much more reliable than verbal communication in many cases.
3.1 Explain how individuals from different backgrounds may use communication methods in different ways
There are many different communication methods and these are used in all different ways depending on someone’s background for example family’s may communicate using expressions or gestures and possibly one word answers that may seem odd to someone outside the family for instance my nephew may say this computer game is good but refuses to play it, to an outsider this is confusing as to those in the family we know that means rubbish. Our ethnic Origen may also affect our communication as different ethnic Origen’s use communication differently
3.2 Identify barriers to effective communication
Sensory impairments, environmental noises, strong accents, health issues, different religions and cultures, all emotions, stress and