SHC21 unit reference 1 Level 2 credit 3
We all communicate in different ways and as we cannot always rely on verbal communication, we need to find different ways to communicate.
Common methods
Vocabulary tone of voice high or low but none threatening as some people may not be able to hear.
Non verbal
Eye contact, sign language, symbol or picture makaton.
Writing using objects, touch, physical gesture.
Body language, lip reading, emotions.
Effective communicating is important as it ensures that information is clear, concise, accurate, and non – judge mental, and informative. This reduces the possibility of mistakes being made and appropriate care is given. It`s also important to work as a team so that you all work to achieve the same outcome.
Observing a service user`s reactions you can tell if they are
Happy or sad
Satisfied, comfortable
Worried agitated
This will tell you if everything is ok with the service user you are providing support or if there is a problem.
When reducing barriers to communication, We need to choose a quite place with few distractions.
Back ground noise and more than one person speaking at a time. Ensure you have the service user`s attention in any conversation.
Always ensure if service user have hearing aids that they are working, and make eye contact, before starting to speak. Talk with a normal voice but slower.
Allow plenty of time for a service user or person or person`s to absorb what you have communicated and to give a response, this will enable the support worker to understand as well if the service user has had time to have understood what the communication was about. This will enable the support worker to use familiar phrases not words the service user or person or person`s cannot understand.