Unit HSC31 Promote Effective Communication for and About Individuals

2.3 Think about a service user you support… describe the range of communication methods and styles you use to meet their individual needs?

3.5 Explain how to access extra support or services to enable individuals to communicate effectively

One of the reasons people communicate is to understand each other. Understanding is a big part of communication as you have to understand what people problems may be, but also to take on board their views and opinions on the situation to be in a position to hopefully sort out their underlying problems.

As some peoples communication can change day to day due to medical or physical conditions you can help to identify the best methods to suit them by monitoring them and reporting what you find to your manager they can then put in place aids or different methods that will best suit the individual. Also they will be able to set up meetings with the appropriate people e.g. speech therapist.

Individuals who have communication problems need support to enable them to express themselves effectively. It is therefore important for the carer to be aware of the individuals preferred method of communication and also to support the individual to use their preferred method. Individuals have the right to communicate through their chosen method and their choice should be acknowledged and respected by supporting them. The individual’s right are particularly important when using specific communication methods

Effective communication is not just about speaking and listening. It is also about watching and feeling. Our body language and tone of voice actually communicate more strongly than the words we use. So, listening effectively involves tuning in closely to the other person’s body language and tone of voice as well as their words.

1.1.1.1.1 People communicate for a variety of different reasons. These can be to express our desires and wishes or express our emotions. A baby screaming could be communicating its hunger or pain. We also communicate to survive, to form relationships, socially interact and to share ideas.

Some people use glasses, if it is a child; we have to make sure they are clean. Provide a large print is also helpful. If necessary let a child sit closer. We allow children to touch the things to give them idea how they look. For blind people we provide material in Brile language.

Explain how own role and practice can impact on communication with an individual who has specific communication needs.

The use of language is important, when talking to residents you need to keep things simpler than if you were talking to residents without dementia, however if you’re talking to an adult using very simple instructions this may seem patronising, it is important to choose your language carefully.

In the longer term it can seriously affect interpersonal relationships with peers and family with problems tending to increase with age.(Botting et al 2000). It has also been noted that a third of children with communication problems will go on to develop mental illness if untreated. (Clegg et al 1999).

The client’s presenting concerns/problems are caused by poor communication between the client Ana and her mother Carmen. Ana states that her mother constantly makes offensive

facial expressions, eye contact, and body language. If a deaf person wanted to relay that someone

The way you look at someone can communicate many things, including interest, affection, hostility, or attraction. Eye contact is also important in maintaining the flow of conversation and for gauging the other person’s response.

Eye contact: How interested or involved you are in the conversation is determined by the amount of eye contact you use. Eye contact is an essential part of someone’s nonverbal communications, as well as their social behavior. The amount of eye contact you use can also be received as respect, confidence and social communication; which makes it very important to think of that in some cultures, eye contact can mean different things. In some cultures, maintaining eye contact can be a form or disrespect, versus in North America, eye contact is a viewed as honesty.