Aii – Describe two ways how effective communication can affect relationships in an adult social care setting between individuals using the service, their carers, colleagues and other practitioners. By having effective communication within a service you can encourage active participation from the service users, carers, colleagues and anyone else using the service. If effective communication is used, you are able to promote empathy and reach a shared understanding. Aiii Identify three ways of finding out the communication and language needs of an individual Asking the individual – You would be immediately be able to establish their most effective way of communicating. By observing the individual – You would be able to visually see if they need any aid to communicate Asking friends and family – They will be able to inform you of the most effective way to communicate and the most preferred by the individual Looking at the individuals care plan – You would be immediately informed off the preferred method of communication and the way in which is best to communicate with the individual
Aiv – Describe three factors to consider when promoting effective communication There are many different factors that need to be considered when using effective communication. You need to establish whether the person needs any aids to assist them when communicating. Once you have established this, you need to find the best possible way to communicate with them. The way in which you approach that person, does your body language need to be considered or your tone of voice? This could be so you make the person feel as comfortable as possible to ensure you they are reading your body language correctly. The environment may need to be adjusted, for example , loud noises or flashing lights could distract the person ,which could lead to ineffective communication.
AV – Describe three verbal and three no verbal communication methods and styles that a social care worker may use in an adult social care setting. Verbal – Vocabulary, knowing what vocabulary to use and not to use needs to be remembered as the person you are speaking to may not understand. Verbal – The tone of your voice is very important as the individual could misinterpret what you are trying to say. Verbal – You need to ensure you are both speaking in the right language. Non Verbal – The use of written words is beneficial to communicate with someone who is deaf or someone who is unable to talk. Non Verbal – The use of body language is important as this can be misinterpreted by other people. Non Verbal – Eye contact is important as it can reassure the other person that you are listening to them. Avi – Explain why it is important to respond to an individual’s reactions during communication When you are communicating with someone it is important that you respond the correct way using different methods. This can reassure the individual that you understand them and can show that you are showing empathy. If you did not show any response to that individual, it could lead them to becoming frustrated or distressed as they may feel you do not understand them and they are enable to convey what they are trying to say. They may feel they cannot communicate with you which could lead to lack of confidence with in you. Avii – Explain how an individual’s background can influence the way they communicate.
The individual that you are communicating with may only speak their native language. Gestures that they use may be different. They may respond to touching for example holding someone’s hand of hugging. The tone of voice that is used may be different to what they are used to. Aviii – Identify three examples of barriers to communicate and explain how you could over come each barrier. A Noisy environment, which could distress the individual. – The environment should be adjusted accordingly prior to your meeting with the individual. Communication Aids, if not used to could prevent communication – You need to check which communication aids are needed. You need to check whether they are working, does the individual need a medical review, is that the correct aid for that person. Not allowing enough time to listen, this could stop the individual being able to communicate their needs – Finding time to listen to the individual , if they take a while to communicate , ensure you have freed up enough time, ensure you are being patient and are aware.
Aix Describe two strategies you could use to clarify misunderstandings. Once you have communicated with an individual you could respond with a summarisation to clarify that you have understood. If you have not this could allow the person to correct you. If you are ensure of what someone has tried to communicate with you, you could seek clarification from another person involved with the individual. Ax A social care worker wants to enable more effective communication with individual’s using the service. Explain how they could access extra support or services that may be helpful. You could seek extra support from the individual’s family and friends, they may be able to help with information on the preferred method of communication and why they like using this to help you understand. Support could include attending GP appointments with that person regarding their communication needs. Speaking to their social worker who may be able to help with background information. Attending support groups to see how the individual communicates with other people. Speech and language services may be of help to educate you with different techniques and methods of communication. Translation services may help if you do not speak the individual’s language.
Task B
Bi How would you explain the term confidentiality to Hannah? I would explain to Hannah that confidentiality is that Hannah’s information should be treated confidently at respectively at all times. That Hannah’s confidential information can be shared when it is needed to ensure effective care is delivered. Also, that Hannah has the right to object to her confidential information being shared and this will be respected. Before any information has been shared to anyone involved within her care, this would have been explained and she would have needed to agree to her information being shared to benefit her health. There may be times when there are other obligations and duties that outweigh the obligations to confidently. This would purely be for the benefit of Hannah’s care. To reassure Hannah, I would explain that all staff have to follow policies and procedures on a daily basis ,to ensure confidently rules are followed and her information is treated with respect. Bii – Describe the possible tensions that may arise between telling others of Hannah’s decision and keeping this information totally confidently. Confidently could be breached as the wrong person could receive confidential information. Hannah could feel that her personal information is not being respected. There could be safeguarding issues as Hannah’s health could be affected. Biii – Describe ways to maintain confidentiality in day to day communication. When discussing an individual it is important that there are not people present who should not be. When passing on information it is vital that you check the identity of the person who is receiving the information. Always keeping written records safe and do not leave files lying around for other people to access. When having private conversations always ensure you have privacy. Do not discuss person information outside of work. Biv – Explain when and how a social care worker should get advice about confidentiality. If you are unsure if you are passing on confidential information to the right people or need some clarification, you could refer to you confidentiality policy within your workplace for information and guidance. If you felt that you or someone else has breach confidentiality within your workplace you could seek help and advice from your line manager.
