Assignment 201 Principles of communication

Assignment 201 Principles of communication in adult social care settings
TASK A- Short answer questions
Ai.
1. Verbal communication through speech, language, talking and noises/sounds.
2. Non- verbal communication through sign language, gestures and body language.
3. Written communication using pen and paper or electronically via email.
4. Visual communication using signs, photos and pictures and symbols.
Aii.
People communicate using various methods to:
1. Express their feelings and emotions. This helps to build and maintain relationships with the person.
2. Share their knowledge,
3. Make themselves understood and ask questions.
4. For social reasons, when planning and agreeing to things.
5. And, to pass and receive information between themselves.
Aiii.
Observing the reactions of an individual when communicating is important to identify:
1. Whether they have understood what has been said to them via facial expression/ body language or verbal response. The client would usually carry out the action or respond if they have understood what has been communicated.
And
2. To identify if there are things that are being done or said that the client does not like. This can be noticed in change of mood, body language or verbal aggression. Observing the person for changes in mood and frustration, these could possibly impact on the communication.
Aiv.
a. By learning about an individual’s communication and language needs you can make sure that any aids or AT’s (Assistive Technology) are available to them i.e. pen/paper, interpreter, picture board. This gives chance for the clients’ needs to be met.
b. By finding out about the clients wishes and preferences you can give a more personal centred approach and make the client feel valued. E.g. If a client is of a different faith learn about their faith, this will enable effective communication.
Av.
a. Colleagues
If communication is good between colleagues it ensures that information is shared aiding job satisfaction. This will have a positive effect on the care worker, relieving stress and pressure. This leads to job satisfaction and a happy workforce.
b. Individuals using the service
If communication is good between worker and client it leads to an increase in trust and confidentiality from the client. Good communication would put the client at the centre of their care, making them feel valued as an individual, supporting a person centred approach to care.
c. Other Professionals
Having the correct information and using the correct language can help communication with other professionals. Using formal language will give a sense of knowledge to the other professionals and enable them to have the correct information in relation to the service user. Agencies can share knowledge and skills between themselves helping build relationships and understanding.
Avi.
Barrier
How it can be reduced
1. Hearing Difficulties
For an individual is hard of hearing as opposed to profoundly deaf ensure any hearing aids they have are in correct working order and in use, talk clearly facing the individual without covering the mouth so they can lip read if they wish, ensure there is little or no background noise or other people talking. If an individual is profoundly deaf and uses sign language to communicate ensure that an interpreter is available.
2. Visual Impairment
For an individual with a visual impairment words and appropriate touch are important in communication. If an individual uses other formats to communicate i.e. braille, large print or audio books ensure these are available for the individual.
3. Language differences
If an individual doesn’t speak the same language as the social care worker the worker needs to ensure that an interpreter is available family/ friend or a professional. Use simple instructions as the client may be able to understand bits of your language. Picture cards for basic instructions/ items can be used so that the client can express his/her wants and needs.
Avii.
1. You can check if an individual has understood what has been communicated to them as the individual will carry out the instruction asked by them using their method of communication. Using pause, repeating or rephrasing questions also checks communication has been understood.
2. An individual’s body language will show if they have not understood the communication. They may show signs of confusion or have closed body language. Nodding and smiling are usual signs of acknowledgement.
Aviii.
1. A language interpreter who can translate between the social care worker and client.
2. A sign language interpreter who can communicate between social care worker and client.
3. An advocacy service who can communicate on behalf of the client.

What is it?
Confidentiality means not disclosing private and personal information about one person to another without authorisation. Confidentiality relates to everybody and maintaining it builds trust.
How can you maintain confidentiality?
By not disclosing somebody’s personal information to another person in public. E.g. Carers discussing a client on their break in the dining room.
By storing all personal details and information about individuals securely. Written information such as care plans are to be kept locked away and electronic information password protected. This is governed by the Data Protection Act 1998.
By only giving out personal information if the individual has given consent.
By checking the identity of the person requesting information.
By only providing personal care and administering certain medications in private areas.
When can confidentiality be breached?
On occasions confidentiality can be breached meaning information can be disclosed without the individuals’ permission. Examples such as:
When a person contracts an infectious disease, professionals may need to discuss this information with other agencies and care providers to reduce the risk of further infection.
When an individual discloses that they are at risk to themselves. A professional may disclose this information to other agencies to protect the individual.
When an individual discloses that they are at risk of or is being abused. Again a professional may disclose this information to other agencies including the police to protect the individual.
Where to go for help and advice
If you believe that your confidentiality has been breached this can be distressing. It can be important to find out where and why your information has been shared. You can seek help and advice by using an advocacy service or seeking legal advice. The following agencies can also offer advice:
Information Commissioner’s Office - Tel: [phone]
Website: http://www.ico.org.uk
Equality and Human Rights Commission- Tel: [phone]
Website: http://www.equalityhumanrights.com