201cert.1
People communicate for a variety of reasons. In my care home setting communication occurs with the service users, the management, the working staff in the home and with outside professionals and visitors. There are several different reasons why people communicate. On a more extreme level, one person may wish to talk to another because they feel lonely or neglected and need reassurance. However, more usually a person wants to communicate to another to ask for something, for example, they might want a drink or some food, or need help with a task….Communication can happen to find out information, to ask and respond to questions, to give information and to give instructions. Communication can also happen for general conversation, for companionship and friendship.
Effective communication is vital for the social care worker. The service user and the social worker need to understand each other clearly in order for the service user to receive the best possible care. Successful communication involves the social care worker speaking clearly and using phrases and sentences that service users can understand. This also involves the social care worker communicating clearly and openly with other members of staff, the manager and other professionals so as to make sure that the best possible care is provided and that this is done so reliably. Not doing so can mean that communication doesn’t work and this in turn means that working relationships break down and as well as misunderstandings communication barriers are created.
The social care worker should always observe an individual’s reactions to see whether he or she fully understands what you have said to them. If the service user for example looks confused then the social care worker must then adapt their communication and re-phrase the question or statement. In this way communication will be effective. It is also