Unit 201 Principles of communication in adult social care settings

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

1.1Identify different reasons why people communicate

In care we communicate in order to gain a relationship with others, to give and receive information and instructions. To make sure others can understand us and that we are being understood. It’s easier for us to give opinions, share our emotions and feelings and to give encouragement to show that others are valued.
Communication is important in a care setting so you can meet the needs of an elderly. It makes it easier to communicate with them individually and their relatives; and also to communicate with other staff members. This makes a job easier as we can work as a team and working continually with the care. It helps other staff members aware of current situations or changes in your workplace.
Individuals communicate with a carer to express their needs and to tell them what they want and the carers have to make sure that those needs are met. I would discuss the options available to them and allow them to choose what they wish regarding their care. This will make them feel more valued independent and feel someone is listening to them.
People want to get views, wishes and information across to others for all kinds of reasons. It can be vital to make a person’s quality of life better if they are communicating that they are in pain or it can be to make emotional contact with others to express feelings.
People live and communicate within a range of different groups and communities, including:
• families
• neighbourhoods
• workplaces
• schools and colleges.

1.2 Explain how effective communication affects all aspects of working in adult social care setting

In your job you need to communicate with people all the time. First and foremost is the person you are supporting, but there are also their family and friends, who are likely to be involved in the support plan. You will also have to communicate with colleagues and with other professionals.
The way in which you communicate will be different depending on the person with whom you are communicating and the purpose of the communication.

1.3 Explain why it is important to observe individual’s reactions when communicating with them

All communication has an effect on the person you are communicating with. It is a two-way process called an interaction, and it is important that you watch the effects so that any problems can be identified and dealt with. Any relationship comes about through communication. In order to be effective in providing care and support, you must learn to be a good communicator. But communication is about much more than talking to people. People communicate through:
• speaking
• facial expression
• body language
• position
• dress
• gestures.
You will have to know how to recognise what is being communicated to you, and be able to communicate with others without always having to use words. It is not only the expression on people’s faces that tell you how they feel, but also the way they use the rest of their bodies. This area of human behaviour is known as non-verbal communication. It is very important for developing the ability to understand what people are feeling. If you understand the importance of non-verbal communication, you will be able to use it to improve your own skills when you communicate with someone.

Outcome 2: Understand how to meet then communication and language needs wishes and preferences of an individual
2.1 Explain why it is important to find out an individual’s communication and language needs, wishes and preferences
Understanding and elderly wishes and preferences is important. It enables effective communication. It helps understand what an individual is trying to express. To understand their needs, wishes, beliefs, values and culture. If their needs are not met it can make them feel excluded if