INTRODUCTION TO COMMUNICATION IN HEALTH, SOCIAL CARE OR CHILDREN'S AND YOUNG
PEOPLE'S SETTINGS UNIT ‐ SHC 021 GILLIAN CROSSMAN

1.1 People communicate to give and receive information and to share information and ideas. Good communication helps in building a relationship based on trust. 1.2 We are able to care more effectively for individuals when we communicate with them as we get to know their needs better. They are able to tell us their needs and we are able to care for them better by knowing their individual needs. Communication in care plans and record books lets carers know when any change happens and helps to ensure all changes are recorded. It also helps to ensure consistency of care given to the service user. 1.3 It is important to observe an individual's reaction when communicating with them to see if they are happy or not with the care we provide or if there is a problem. People communicate in different ways and body language, e.g. facial expressions, is an important aspect as some individuals find it difficult to communicate verbally. If a service user looks confused, the question or statement can be rephrased and in this way communication can be effective. 3.1 Sensory deprivation ‐ when someone cannot pass on or receive information because of an impairment to one or more of their senses, the most common being seeing or hearing.

Foreign language ‐ when someone uses a foreign language or uses sign language, we may not understand what they are trying to say. Jargon ‐ when a service provider uses technical terms it may be difficult for the service user to understand, simpler terms could be understood more easily. Slang and dialect ‐ people from different geographic areas may use different words and pronounce words differently and may also use different terms and phrases which may be misinterpreted or misunderstood. Cultural differences ‐ it is important to respect peoples culture and way of life, for example in some cultures men and women do not touch, even to shake hands. Distress and emotional difficulties ‐ emotional states for example anxiety and depression, may affect a persons ability to hear and understand messages. Health issues ‐ when you are feeling ill, you may not be able to communicate as effectively as when you are feeling well. Some long term illnesses such as Multiple Sclerosis or Dementia may also affect a persons ability to communicate. Environmental problems ‐ noisy environments affect our ability to hear and concentrate, poor lighting could affect our ability to see non verbal communication and a deaf persons ability to lip