- Use visual aids
- Write major points if necessary
- Provide handouts of important topic information
- Speak loudly and clearly
- Face the individual when speaking
- Arrange the room in a circle so that the individual can see everyone
- Speak slowly and repeat ideas in different ways
- Allow tape recorders
(Plumley, 2008)
Persons with average hearing are able to tune out audible distractions such as road noise, air conditioning, and chatter. On the other hand individuals with hearing disabilities have difficulty filtering out background noise and hearing aids or cochlear implants do not perform this task either. All noises are amplified by the devices and handed to the individuals in a mixed up bundle. In order to have a good environment for a hearing impaired individual one should:
- Keep windows closed
- Turn off air conditioners
- Insist that people do not talk during an important conversation
- Look into floor rugs and or acoustic wall panels
-
Use an to enhance signal to noise ratio
(Plumley, 2008)
This communication need is important because the service user with the hearing impairment can communicate with other people. Using which is good for client because he or she can understand the conversation better. By having this need the service user will not feel frustrated that he or she has to ask the speaker to repeat what he or she said.
Text messaging has given the deaf community a way to communicate with a mobile phone. This provides a new sense of independence for the deaf community as they can carry a lightweight, easy to use, portable device with them anywhere in the world and communicate with anyone who also has a mobile phone. Since mobiles are a trend in our society, text messaging does not call attention to a disability. Though, mobile phones sometimes cause interference with hearing aids (Schindler, n/d).
Visually impaired
Visual impairment is the term used to describe individuals with irretrievable sight loss. This term is not used to describe does individuals who have sight problems can be corrected by spectacles or contact lenses. However it does include those individuals whose sight might be improved by medical intervention such as a surgery. If a person is short sighted or long sighted, but he or she can see normally when he or she put the glasses on or wear the contact lenses, then he or she is not visually impaired (Anon,2006).
- Use of oral communication
A visual impaired can find the process of communication time consuming and frustrating. Visually impaired clients cannot understand nonverbal cues such as body posture, gestures or facial expression. This can be a disadvantage. One should first ask client what his or her preferred method of communication is. When communicating with a visual impaired individual one should speak slowly and directly in a normal tone of voice. Oral communication is important so that the client can hear what the person has to say because he or she cannot read body gestures and body language (Jaccarino, 2009).
If a visual impaired knows Braille then he or she is much more independent, since e or she can apply labels to items and be able to know what’s in them without having as ask others for help. For example the visual impaired may request to receive his bank statement in Braille. This communication need helps the service user expand his or her life (b-Anon, n/d).
- Use of glasses, magnifiers and IT software to enhance display.
In order to enhance display eyeglasses, contact lenses, and eye drops can help. Though sometimes surgery may be required, for example, cataracts are often treated by removing the clouded lens and replacing it with an intraocular lens. Special equipment such as microscopic and telescopic glasses and voice-recognition software can help a visual impaired lead a more independent life and he or she can even get a job by using IT software (c-Anon, n/d).
Spoken language differences
Interpreters help communities who do not communicate in the same way to communicate with each other. These do more than simply translate words they transmit concepts and ideas between languages. These individuals must make sure that they understand the subject of the conversation in order to accurately transmit information from one language into another. Interpreters, they must be sensitive to the cultures associated with their languages of expertise. This communication aid is important because sometimes individuals cannot communicate although they use non-verbal communication (Anon, 2009).
Translators are used in order to translate written materials from one language into another. These individuals usually have excellent writing and analytical ability. The translations that they produce must be accurate and they also need good editing skills (Anon, 2009).
Sign language interpreters must have a good knowledge different sign language such as English and Maltese sign language. This is combined with signing, finger spelling, and specific body language. This is important for a spoken language difference so that efficient communication is carried out and there is no misunderstanding (Anon, 2009).
Learning disability
A learning disability is a neurological disorder which comes from a difference in the way a person's brain is "wired." Individuals with learning disabilities are smart but they may have difficulty reading, writing, spelling, reasoning, recalling and organizing information. is a type of learning disability which is language based disability in which an individual has trouble understanding written words (Logsdon, n/d).
Makaton is an communication programme which is used by children and adults who need it as their main means of communication. This is a systematic multi-modal approach for the teaching of communication, language and literacy skills. This Makaton is also a source of highly functional vocabulary for both the person with communication needs and their interactive partners. This programme is important because this gives a chance to individuals who cannot communicate to communicate better. Individuals with learning with disability can even have friends, get a job and live an independent life by using this programme (Logsdon, n/d).
Advocates are persons who represent individuals with disabilities to get the needed services. These help students with to negotiate with schools and other service providers by offering opinions and conducting research. It is frustrating for a individual when schools or other agencies do not offer a type of service and or other piece of equipment. An advocate is important in order to fight for the service user’s right so that he or she is given the necessary services (Logsdon, n/d).
Symbols are used in order to aid individuals with learning difficulties. Signs and symbols help individuals to spell for those who are not able to use traditional text as a means of reading and self-expression (Logsdon, n/d).
Psychological problems such as depression, anxiety and personality and self-esteem needs
Listening skills are important when handling an individual with psychological problems such as depression. When a person listen to another one’s problem he or she will feel better. Therefore communication is essential in order to treat a problem such as depression.
When a person has a psychological problem a friend is important in order to share his or her feelings. A person may feel lonely if has he or she hasn’t got a friend. If an individual has a friend he or she increases his or her self esteem because he or she feels part of a peer.
Counseling is important because it can help an individual understand his or her problem. For example when a person suffers from depression the counselor helps the service user understand depression.
D2. Analyse how communication in health and social care settings assists the physical and emotional well-being of service users and other key people.
- An elderly man is residing in a residential home. This individual is visually impairment due to diabetes problems. The care worker has to use touch and verbal communication in order for communication to take place. Since he cannot see body gestures, body language and face expressions the care worker has to show her thoughts by using words. The disadvantage of using touch as a type of communication is that some individuals do not like to be touched even if it is appropriate. The care worker must avoid touch if he or she knows that this elderly has been abused or molested. One can ask the service user if he wants the care worker to hug him for example in order to show empathy before hugging him. On the other hand touch can be an advantage because the visually impaired service user might feel isolated since he cannot see what is around him. Touch shows him that he is not alone. Verbal communication can easily be misinterpreted. This happens because some people for example use sarcasm but visual impaired cannot see the other person’s face expressions and body language. Though verbal communication is very useful when communicating with visually impaired. In order to have a good verbal conversation one must speak clearly and slowing in order to be understood immediately so that the service user would not feel frustrated and embarrassed that he has to ask the care worker to repeat what he or she just said. The care worker can also encourage the service user to use Braille so that his self-esteem will increase because he would be more independent.
- A hearing impaired child in a main stream school has a learning support assistant (LSA). The child uses a hearing aid. The LSA has to use verbal communication, sign language and non-verbal communication. If the LSA wants to communicate with the child the LSA should first try to speak slowly and clearly while he or she is facing the child. IF the child doesn’t hear the LSA speaking he or she can lip read. If on the other hand if is a lot of noise and one cannot communicate the care worker should use sign language not verbal communication. Sign language is better in a noisy environment because the child can understand better and he or she will not feel embarrassed and humiliated to ask the LSA to repeat again. Non verbal communication such as hand gestures, body language and facial expressions are very important because they help the child understood what the LSA wants to tell him or her. The disadvantage of non verbal and verbal communication is that is can be misunderstood. On the other hand sign language has no disadvantages if the LSA and the child know sign language fluently.
- A child has dyslexia and he has an LSA. The LSA can use Makaton, verbal and non verbal communication in order to communicate with the child. Makaton is very useful in school in order for the service user to communicate. Though outside school, the Makaton language is not known so the child may find it hard to communicate with other people. Verbal communication is very useful in this case because the child can understand easily. On the other hand the child may misinterpret verbal and non verbal communication. It depends on what type of words the LSA uses and what type of tone he or she uses. Non verbal communication such as facial expressions and body language is also essential in order to help the child understand what the LSA is communicating.
Conclusion
In this assignment I have:
- Identified how the communication needs of patients/service users may be assisted, including non verbal communication
- Explained the specific communication needs patients/service users may have that require support, including the use of technology
- Analyzed how communication in health and social care settings assists patients/service users and other key people.
References
a-Anon. (n/d). What’s hearing loss?. Retrieved 7th June 2010 from
Anon. (2006). What is visual impairment?. Retrieved 7th June 2010 from
Anon. (2007). Hearing aids. Retrieved 7th June 2010 from
Anon. (2009). Interpreters and translators. Retrieved 7th June 2010 from http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos175.htm
b-Anon. (n/d). How to learn braille. Retrieved 7th June 2010 from http://www.eyehelp.co.uk/learning-braille.html
Berke, J.(n/d). Sign language. Retrieved 7th June 2010 from
c-Anon. (n/d). Visual impairment. Retrieved 7th June 2010 from
Jaccarino, J.(2009). Vision impairment: treating the special needs patient with a sensory disability: patients' loss of vision need not impede their dental care. Retrieved 7th June 2010 from
Logsdon, A. (n/d). Denying services - why do schools deny services to students with disabilities?. Retrieved 7th June 2010 from
Plumley, K.(2008). Learning difficulties for the hearing impaired. Retrieved 7th June 2010 from
Schindler, C.(n/d). Text messaging: more than just an add-on to cell phone plans. Retrieved 7th June from
