Counsellors – Counsellors use their advanced communication skills combined with knowledge of psychological theory to help people. They work with an individual or a small group of people to provide guidance and support in tackling personal problems or difficulties. The service user or patient is encouraged by the counsellor to develop skills and build their own confidence so they are able to communicate themselves more effectively. Many counsellors work as private practitioners, some of which specialise in specific areas such as; self-harm, alcoholism or drug abuse.
Mentors – Mentors support an individual in a subject that they are specialised in when the service user is new to the job or activity. They help the individual to achieve their goal by discussing their needs with them.
Befrienders – Befriends try to create a supportive relationship with their patient or service user. A befriender will have good communication skills, and will generally communicate with their service user in an informal manner to make them feel at ease. However, in some situations a befriender may be forced to take on the role of an advocate in order to help them communicate in a formal way with other people.
Psychologists – Psychologists specialise in various fields of psychology. Clinical psychologists work in the field of mental health and provide assessment and therapy to people who suffer from emotional or psychological problems (such as depression). Many psychologists work in other areas of human behaviour. Educational psychologists work to help people with learning disabilities. Psychologists can help individuals to understand issues with communication and help them to communicate more effectively.
Technology;
In today’s society the use of technology in order to communicate is constantly progressing. Communication aids, such as hearing aids, are becoming more developed and less visible. This development has helped to ensure that individuals who require communication aid are not labelled.
Hearing aids – over recent years the use of digital technology has meant that hearing aids are now more specific to a particular person’s needs. They can now be worn behind or inside the ear, they are now small enough to be hidden and so are not obvious to other people, this avoids stereotyping or labelling. Other aids have now been developed to help people who have impaired hearing, such as; smoke alarms, phone alerts and alarm clocks which use light or vibration instead of sound to alert the service user.
Visual aids – People who suffer from visual impairment are often prescribed glasses or contact lenses, to help with their vision. Other aids which have now evolved include magnifiers and telephones with larger numbers than usual. Books and other written material are also produced in large text; talking books can also be purchased. Screen readers are software programmes that can turn onscreen text into speech or braille.
Computer adaptations – A wide range of adaptations have now been developed to meet the communication needs of the physically disabled as well as the hearing and visually impaired. An example of this is a computer’s mouse and keyboard which can be controlled by head movements for people who have limited limb use.
Preferred language;
As well as spoken languages used by individuals whose first language is English there are other programmes that have been developed to meet the needs of people who are disabled.
Makaton – Makaton combines spoken words with symbols and signs. It is used as a communication method for people who suffer from learning disabilities. People who communicate using makaton might speak a word and then perform a sign using their hands.
British sign language – British sign language is the preferred language of the deaf community in the United Kingdom. It uses hand gestures and signs as a way of communicating.
Braille – Braille is a system of raised marks that can be felt using the fingers, it provides a system of written communication based on a person’s sense of touch that have a limited amount of vision. Braille is named after its inventor, Louis Braille, who became blind at the age of six. Braille has now been adapted to almost every language.
Supporting patients/service users;
In order to communicate with patients and service users in a supportive way, an understanding of their needs must first be obtained through reflective listening skills. Body language also plays a part in supporting a service user;
- A relaxed body posture will show to the service user or patient that you understand.
- Effective eye contact will demonstrate to them that you are interested and paying attention to them.
- Hand gestures can also show the patient or service user that you are interested and passionate about what you’re talking about.
- Tone of voice should be gentle; this will help to make them feel at ease and not on edge.
- Nodding of the head whilst speaking will help to communicate messages such as, ‘I agree’ or ‘I understand’.
- Smiling or looking friendly will also help them to feel at ease and comfortable with talking about their issues or problems.
Empowerment;
Empowerment is enabling a service user or patient to make choices and take control of their own life, is means not being dependent on someone. In order to empower others, care workers must be able to understand each individual situation. Empowerment involves a value system where the worker understands that their life experiences will be different from others. A care worker must be able to support their service user or patient to make important decisions for themselves. Equality also plays a big part in empowerment; the care worker and the service user are both of an equal status.
Promotion of rights;
When in the care of a care worker, a service user has general human rights as well as established national standards, codes of practise and legislation. A service users rights include;
To be treated equally and fairly, and to not be discriminated against.
A service user’s rights
To be given privacy.
To be treated with dignity.
To be given a choice of communication methods.
To be treated as an individual and not stereotyped.
To be respected.
To feel protected and safe.
To be allowed access to their own information.
Confidentiality;
Another important right of all service users is confidentiality for a number of reasons. A service user or patient will not put trust into a care worker who does not keep information private and confidential. This could also affect their confidence in the person or make them feel as if they are not equal and un-valued. A professional service, provided by care workers, must comply with a confidentiality agreement, stating that all information must be kept confidential. This removes any risk to the service user’s safety if details were to be publicised.
Trust, safety and self-esteem;
A trusting relationship between a care worker and their patient or service user must be built in order for the service user to really open up to the care worker and openly express their feelings without hiding anything as this could affect any advice given. If a care worker signs a confidentiality agreement with their client then it shows that they respect the service user. As a result of this agreement there may be an increase in their self-esteem. Care workers must keep their confidentiality agreement in order to protect their service user’s safety. Leaking information about someone’s address or whereabouts could lead to an attack or a burglary.
by
r_ecap (student)
