Jacie Whittaker
Assignment 201­ Principles of Communication in Adult Social Care Settings Ai)
­Visual communication, using signs, photographs and drawing to pass the information on.
­Verbal communication, sharing of information with someone by speech.
­Written communication, sending an email to someone or writing in a care plan.
­Non­Verbal communication, using body language to get across how you feel. Aii)
­To find out people’s thought and opinions.
­To pass on information.
­To share experiences.
­To plan something.
­To ask questions. Aiii)
­It is important to observe the reactions of an individual when you are communicating with them because you may be able to tell if they are feeling embarrassed or upset with what you are asking them, this can help you to either put the question in a different context or can tell you that this isn’t something they are willing to discuss with you at that present moment.
­It can also help you notice any changes in a person’s needs. If you can see a person is struggling to understand you they may need to use some other form of communication, or may need help in the form of flashcards, hearing aids etc. Aiv)
a)
It is important to find out about a person’s communication and language needs so you can ensure you are doing everything possible to help them understand you and give them the best opportunity to communicate anything they need to with you in a way that they are comfortable doing so.
b)
It is important to find out a person’s wishes and preferences because it can help you find the best way to approach them with a difficult or sensitive topic. It ensures you are respecting their cultural wishes and can make them feel more comfortable with you, which encourages them to communicate with you openly. Ensuring you get the best information for their care plan. Av)
a)
Good communication can have a positive effect on the way a social care worker interacts with their colleagues because it enables them to run a smoother and more consistent service if everyone understands each other and listens to other people’s opinions and feedback.

It helps prevent mistakes being made and should minimise safeguarding concerns. It also helps relieve stress and pressure from one person if everyone works in the same way and understands why, making it a nicer more relaxed atmosphere to work in.
b)
Good communication has a positive effect on the way a social care worker interact with service users and carers because it helps to promote person centered approach, it gives them chance to communicate their wants and needs clearly. Knowing they have someone to communicate well with can make them more comfortable and more likely to share personal information with you. It shows you respect them and treat them equally and should also help towards making sure no mistakes are being made.
c)
Good communication with other professionals has a positive effect on the way a social care worker interacts with other professions because it helps to build a good reputation for yourself and the company, organisation you work for. This also give everyone a better understanding of each others roles and responsibilities, helping ensure each individual is getting the correct support from the correct person straight away, instead of various different people trying to do it in various different ways. The support from having good communication can be a great help because you have so many other professionals you can ask for help and advice if you are struggling with something. Avi)
Language barrier­ This can be overcome by looking into a persons care plan before speaking to them, making sure you have the correct equipment to help you communicate with them to the best of thier ability. i.e, getting an interpriter, or using short sentences, or giving options for them to just say YES or NO to. Visual Impairment­ Communication with someone who is visually impaired can sometimes be difficult. This can be overcome by ensuring the person can hear you clearly. Sitting close to them so they know where you are and you can engage them in conversation. Also the use of brail if the resident can understand it can help overcome the barrier. Feelings­ If a topic is sensative or embarrassing for a person they can be very withdrawn and unwilling to talk about it. This barrier can be overcome by making the person feel comfortable with you. gaining their trust. Getting down to thier level when speaking to them and looking them in the eye can make them feel less intimidated and more comfortable to talk you. If this doesn’t work then you could seek the help of a family member of other professional who has a better relationship with the person. Avii)
Checking the information you have given a person has beenunderstood correctly is very important. You could do this by asking the person to repeat to you what you have said in their own words and how they understood it, also watching thier body language and facial expressions thoroughout the conversation can be a big sign of whether they have undersatood

you or not. They may look uncomfortable or confused, you then know to start again and try and rephrase it in a different way easier for them to understand. Aviii)
You can get information and support that enable effective communication from;
­Manager
­Alzheimer’s society
­Speech and Language Therapy

Confidentiality
Confidentiality means you have a duty to keep all information, whether verbal or written, about a resident, staff member or the ogansiation within the work place, discussing anything about any of these things needs to be done professionally and privately!
-Close the door!
-Think, is this inforamtion relevant to this person?
-Always File away personal information!
-Never disclose personal information unless you feel the person is at risk!
A person can tell you lots of things and ask you not to repeat them, but sometimes its necessary!
If a person tells you they have been mistreated in any way, you must report it! If you feel a person is at risk of harming themselves, report it!
If you feel the health and safety of others is at risk, report it!
In some situations there can be a breach of confidentiality. If you hear of someone disclosing personal information to someone it does not involve i.e, another resident, or a personal friend then you must report it to your manager or senior staff member.
Also in some situaitons you may be unsure if you should disclose certain personal about a resident to, another professional, family member or friend.
Also seek advice first if you are unsure!
There are serious consequences to disclosing personal information unnessecerialy! Always refer back to your home policies and procedures!