Mrs. Beth Namara

Encouraging an individual to communicate their needs, preferences and personal beliefs affecting their personal care is very important in health and social care. As care workers we have to always consider people’s preferences even if it is not what we would like as individuals. There may be cultural considerations that I might need to think about as a person but this does not stop me from encouraging an individual to communicate what they want. When I realize that the service user is not able to communicate their needs, preferences and personal beliefs with ease, I am always patient and give them more time or use other methods of communication to find out. (58.1.1) As a care worker it is my responsibility to promote effective communication at work by being able to understand both verbal and non verbal messages the service users use. I know how to communicate well with the service users and to listen to their needs attentively in order to understand the message they put forward for me. For example I maintain eye contact all the time with the person I am talking to, listen carefully, use my body gestures to show them that I am listening and interested in what they are telling me. This gives them the assurance that I am listening to what they are telling me and I respect what they are telling me. (58.1.1) Sometimes I ask the family, friends or previous care workers for advice or seek for information about their needs, preferences and personal beliefs. For instance some service users prefer a bath to a shower or a strip wash, I have to respect that even If I feel that it is more practical to have a shower than a bath. Some service users prefer to have a bath three times a week I respect their choice and do exactly what pleases them as long as it is what they want and it is their choice. I avoid imposing my own views on them even if their choices conflict with what I feel is right. (58.1.1) Some service users have their religious beliefs or