Unit 1: Principles of Communication in Adult Social Care Settings.
1. Understand why communication is important in adult social care settings.
Why people communicate:
People communicate for different reasons. Some use it to express and share ideas and experiences. It’s a way to pass on knowledge from one person to another or others and in turn receive knowledge back. People use communication to express their own feelings, needs, wishes and preferences. But probably one of the most important reasons why people communicate is to get to know and understand one another. Without this process the world as a whole would be a very lonely place.
The effects of communication on own work:
Effective communication can affect communication between colleagues, the service provider and other external services. It can affect teamwork – between colleagues or colleague and client. Without effective communication there would be a lack of participation, support and trust. The colleague would lose the ability to understand and share someone else’s feelings or situation ie not show empathy.
Misunderstandings whether between colleagues, or colleague and client would be minimised if a high standard of communication was in place.
Effective communication plays an important role with regards to recording and reporting both written and verbal. Poor communication leads to inadequate, misleading recording or reporting where as good communication would lead to the opposite.
The importance of observing others’ reactions:
It is important to observe an individuals reaction when communicating with them to understand what it is they are trying to express. Whether this be through verbal communication eg tone, pitch, silence or non-verbal eg body language, facial expressions, eye contact, gestures or touch.
Careful observation helps identify any changes in an individuals needs and with the aid of effective communication the individual’s needs are met.