Principles of Communication in Adult Social Care Settings

...

find out suitable communication methods, use pictures or objects. Supporting with meals and personal care. Encourage to use hearing aids, spectacles, body language, sign language and using buzzers. When communicating make sure the environment is suitable, no loud noise, listen and keep eye contact. Make sure service user feel comfortable and safe. Avoid jargon and abbreviations. Be patient and listen carefully. Speak in English language which is part of Brendoncare care policy. Do not discuss matters regarding nationality or religion unless they initiated.

Speech therapist can suggest ways of making things easier for an individual who may have suffer a stroke.

It is better to use short sentences , use names, avoid open ended question, use closed question instead. Would you like to do this or that?

3.4 Describe strategies that can be used to clarify misunderstandings

When misunderstanding happens I use different communication methods to clarify what I said. I write the information down on paper to be read instead. I give enough time to service user to think about what I said and wait patiently for a feedback. I encourage to wear hearing aids and glasses.

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

There are different ways how individuals can access extra support to communicate effectively:

• Translators

• Sign language and lip speaking

• Speech and language therapist

• Advocacy services

• Family and friends

• Ask the individual (service user)

4 Understand principles and practices relating to confidentiality

4.1 Explain the meaning of the term `confidentiality΄

Confidentiality means not to pass any private information of residents to other people not involved in their care.

4.2 Describe ways to maintain confidentiality in day-to-day communication

We should not leave personal information unattended. Records should be locked away or kept in a safe easy access place. We should not leave computers on or allow to other people to use our password. We should avoid to conduct conversation in a public place or anywhere we can be overheard. Do not disclose information to anyone unless we are sure they have the right to see the information. Do not name the individual we work with in front of other people during training sessions. Do not leave personal records unattended.

4.3 Describe the potential tension between maintaining an individual’s confidentiality and disclosing concerns to agreed others

• If an individual tell us something that puts them or you at risk of harm

• Request from the court

• Threat to public safety

• Police have requested information regarding a crime

• Doctor

4.4 Explain how and when to seek advice about confidentiality

Confidentiality can be formed in friendship with service users, as well as with colleagues and carers. People will tell us personal information about themselves and because of confidentiality we will have to decide whether to keep information to ourselves or report it to line manager or more senior manager. We can discuss and seek advice with our supervisor or manager. We have to be aware of employer’s policies about confidentiality and information sharing.