Outcome 1 - Understanding why effective communication is important in adult social care setting

Communication is an essential tool to meet the needs of service users and ensure effective team working with colleagues and other agencies. When working in an adult social care setting effective communication is required for the following reasons,

To share and collect information and ideas
To build and maintain positive relationships
To share feelings and respond to the emotions, feelings and wishes of others
To share experiences and opinions
To ensure and maintain the safety of the individual
To express needs and respond to these
To give instructions and ask questions
To socialize

In an adult social care setting there are a range of different relationships these may include the relationship between the individual, their family and friends, colleagues, levels of management, health professionals and other agencies. The relationship between different people and groups requires the need for different approaches when communicating effectively. The way in which these different people communicate may either positively or negatively affect relationships and outcomes.

In my role as a support worker I strive to communicate effectively with all people and groups involved to promote positive relationships. When communicating with the individuals I support I aim to make sure that I speak to them in a way that they understand, this includes using gesture and sign, changing tone and pitch of voice, slowing down the speed in which I talk and giving short sentences and instructions, allowing them time to process the information and respond. I have to make sure that the individuals have my attention as they may make gestures, sign or show body language that I may miss. If I didn’t respond to these it may cause a change in the individuals’ behavior, which could be negative. This might not be the individuals’ fault, if they became frustrated because I had misunderstood, this may cause a break in trust and negatively affect relationships.

When communicating with the families of the individuals I support I aim to present myself as being professional. When there is an issue that needs addressing this is done positively and in a problem solving way, explaining the issue and presenting a possible solution. If I was negative, unprofessional and presented the families with issues and