1.1 Firstly Communication involves a sender and a receiver. Both agents do not have to always be present. Though, the sender’s signal and or acts are sufficient to establish that communication has occurred. This results in a message. People communicate in order to express themselves by revealing or requesting information, giving or receiving instructions, sharing ideas, showing feeling and emotions or to discuss facts or fictions. There are several means of communication, from verbal to non –verbal to written communication. Verbal modes of communication include language, symbols, speech, conversations, discussions etc…Non-verbal communication is conveyed through other means such as body language, facial expressions, eye contact, posture etc…The answer to this particular question is of the written type!

1.2 Effective communication is crucial in all walks of life. Through effective communication, exchange of information is achieved. Consequently, misunderstandings, errors, misconceptions or misinterpretations will be eradicated. A resident’s best interests when their current or future needs and subconsequent reviews and or referrals are concerned will be at gain.

1.3 Individuals often adapt to situations they find themselves in when communicating as a matter of convenience. However, in a Care environment, it is very likely that an individual will communicate based on their capacity and state of mind at that moment in time. For this, it is imperative to embrace observation techniques when an individual’s communication of the verbal type for instance has been affected. Body language, such as facial expressions are signs not to be overlooked when an individual is communicating through them. Effective observation will facilitate gaining instant information concerning an individual’s state of both mind and or physical which could be in the form of distress, boredom, lack of interest, pain or simply through a smile which could be translated as the exact opposite of the previous negative finds.

3.1 Communication faces various barriers and these may be in the form of unnecessary, not required, unclear, confusing, heavy, non-concise, overly complicated, inconsiderate and not adapted to the moment terminology, signs or approaches. Other barriers may be of the cultural type or of the personal attribute type such as a loss of eye sight or hearing, emotion, medicine secondary and adverse effects or cognitive impairment etc…
3.4 In a Care environment it is possible to seek help and guidance through friends and or relatives, factual books, specialised agencies (Speech and Language Therapists) or organisations (I can, Carers Direct Helpline, Health and Care Professions Council or the CQC) and or the Internet to name all but a few.
4.1 The data protection Act 1998 came in to effect with a view to protect people’s confidentiality from both, throughout all industries professionally speaking and from a private point of view. This act empowers the limitation of passing or sharing on sensitive information about a