Showing that you value others
Valuing others shows that you care about their needs. It also shows that you actually understand what is being said and what emotions are being reached out for. Valuing others is very important. If a person does not feel valued – if a person feels emotionally threatened during an interaction then this will create a barrier that is likely to lead to misunderstandings. It is important to try to learn about the beliefs and values of other people in order to make sense of what they are trying to communicate.
How does this link to health and social care?
It is my job to make sure that each service user is being valued. My colleagues will need to show a high level of commitment before starting the job. I will need to make sure that they can value the elderly making them feel as if they are wanted and also making them feel as if they are at home. I will need my colleagues to make this job feel as if it’s more than money, and that they really care about helping the elderly and showing that they value them.
Text messaging using mobile phones
The use of text messaging and using mobile phones is a modern use now. There are over 60million mobile phones in the UK. This shows that a each individual could be carrying around more than one phone. The elderly may be using a mobile phone the reason for this is because they may be living at the old people’s home and still texting family members at home to let them know they are okay. Or they maybe make phone calls to other relatives and friends. This should be allowed because the elderly do not have much to do during the day as they get tired very easily and each individual as a different cause for being in the home. So they can get through the day by using mobile technology allowing communication from over the phone. The use of technology is has been well adapted in the UK and although most people still do not know how to use mobile phone it is simple to learn.
How does this link to health and social care?
It is important that I do not make any of the service users feel as if they are imprisoned at the home. I wouldn’t want them to feel as if they can not talk to other people and have to just sit in their rooms in silent communicating with only those in front of them. My colleagues will be busy during the day and may not be able to talk to every individual as and when they want to be spoken to and therefore I would allow them to use mobile technology to get in contact with whom they wish. It may be a friend or a member of family.
If the service users said they did not understand how to use the technology I would allow my colleagues to help them out teach them and give them lessons maybe. However, I wouldn’t allow the colleagues to write the text message out for the service users as they may want it to be private and they have the right to keep text messages private and confidential.
Allowing the service users to use technology would allow them to feel that they have understood and adapted well to the modern world as they have achieved using a mobile phone. It would also allow them to feel happy that they have got in contact with their family or friends.
Always offering choices to service users
It is crucial that service users know what services can be offered. They should not be sitting in the dark at all times not knowing what they can and should do. This will not allow them to take full advantage of the services offered. There are many different services that can be offered in the old peoples home for example, the use of having a group meeting to discuss what activities to do. There may also be a time were the elderly can learn how to use a mobile phone. There may be a wider range of choice from being able to eat when you like to being able to invite guests around.
The service users need to be sure they know all the services that are available if they didn’t it would again complicate situations making them think the service is not available.
How does this link to health and social care?
I would need to make sure that I have informed all the workers at the home of how services are provided, and of which services are provided. It is also important that I put up a notice that helps the workers aware of the services which could be offered. It may not just be the elderly that are not benefiting from the services, it could also be the workers which are not benefitting from the services available and if they don’t know what they are the elderly people are unlikely to know what they are.
I would allow the elderly, to take advantage of all the services provided after taking in consideration of what they are capable of doing. For example, if a woman wasn’t able to use the mobile phone because she was blind I would get one of the workers to dial the number for her and leave her in peace.
Using an appropriate language for communication
The way in which a service provider communicates to a service user has to be perfect. It should be formal at all times and it should also make the service user feel comfortable to communicate back. In all situations there are many different ways to say one sentence for example, ‘’what you saying?’’ This is in the modern day is used to say ‘’ How are you doing?’’ If a service provider was to talk to an elderly person in an informal way it wouldn’t make them feel comfortable simply because they do not understand what is being said.
Using appropriate communication will show a level of respect to the service users. The main idea is making the service user feel as if they are ‘’at home’’ making them feel comfortable. We can not judge how the service users will respond and so therefore it is important that we always communicate formally.
How does this link to health and social care?
It is important as service providers that I provide the best communication skills from my workers and me. As well as this, I shouldn’t allow workers to speak to service users informally when they do not know them. As if will be working for this home in the near future I am not aware of the people that are going to be living here and spending time here so I will not be able to judge how they would like to be spoken to whether its informally or formally. Some people may like to be spoken to informally because it makes them feel more at home than at somebody else’s home. Some may speak formally as they would at home. It all depends on what background they have been raised in.
I would make sure that all the services users feel as if they are spoken to in an appropriate language I have to make sure that they are not being taken advantage for, and swear words are absolutely minimised. The service users are the most important people in the home, with out them there would be no home so it is crucial that I do what ever I can to make sure they are communicated in an appropriate language.
Adapting the environment to improve communication
It is very hard to hear what someone is saying if there is a lot of background noise. It is very difficult to make sense of other people facial expressions if you cant see their face properly due to poor lighting. People sometimes feel uncomfortable if they are trying to communicate with a person who is too close or at a distance. A room that is too hot, stuffy or cold may inhibit communication if it makes people feel tried or stressed.
How does this link to health and social care?
It is important that when conversations are taking place that there is enough light in the room, the is also low background music. The reason for this is because if the music on the background was loud then the service users in the home will not be able to talk to each other which will make them feel stressed out.
The reason that I wouldn’t have loud music in the background is because I will always have to remember that I am dealing with the elderly and I will need to make sure that there ears maybe very sensitive so something that is not loud to us may be very loud for them. I may play low classical music in the background so it gets them in a relaxed mood.
As for the lighting I would make sure that the rooms are fully lit at all times if the room isn’t lit the service users wouldn’t be able to read each others facial expressions and this maybe a way that they communicate if they did not hear what they first said.
When we meet and talk with people, we usually use two language systems: verbal language and non verbal/body language. Our body can send messages to others by the way we interact and move, by the signals we show and receive.
In the care home the workers will need to show a level of non verbal communication for all the service users. For example if a cleaner was to clean, she/he would smile and have a relaxed body posture so that the service users do not feel threatened.
I will need to make sure in the care home the workers are smiling constantly at the service users the reason for this is because it indicates that everything is fine and that the service users shouldn’t be scared to ask for help as much as time as they want during the day.
Also I would need to make sure that the workers in the care home which are talking to the service users always looked interested in what is being said. The service users will always want to feel as if they are being listened to and their ideas are being accounted for. If the workers were not listening and constantly ignored what was being said it would cause them to feel frustrated.
Finally, it is crucial that the workers in the care home are always calm and they do not over react in a situation which may occur, for example to service users arguing over something, the workers will need to make sure they try and calm down the environment, by not raising there hand or not showing any rude gestures.
In this part of the assignment I will be talking about service users which need specific communication and the types of support that might be benefit them.
Visual disability
There are many different methods that blind people could use. Because visual can get damaged for anybody at any age it is important to have different methods of communications with out being able to see. I have done some research to find what sort of equipments is available for those who suffer from it.
-
Print - Many people with low vision can read standard print if it is well designed. They may also use magnification or certain lighting to improve readability. However reading a long document can be slow and exhausting and reading small print can be impossible. People with little or no vision will not be able to read print. It is important that I judge the people in my home to see those who can read print and those who are not able to read it
-
Clear Print - brings together basic design elements such as font, type size, contrast and page navigation. By following guidelines, cutting edge design can also be inclusive design. Documents that use clear print will find a wider audience because they are easier to read. Clear print may be used for those who are not totally blind and can still see a little bit clear print has more variations to it allowing it to appeal to more of a wider audience.
-
Handwriting – many people who get blind can still write because they may have got blind later in life, they will still be able to sign for form and still be able to pay bills. However, they do not receive much technology as they will get a pad and a thick pen this thick pen will allow them to do a signature on a paper which will then be placed on the form of which the signature is required.
In the old peoples home I will need to make sure that signatures are only made when I am around, I will need to see that the form requires a signature and that the workers are not making the blind fill out unnecessary forms I will train workers to fully read the form to the blind and help them understand what it is about.
-
Braille- Braille is a system of raised dots which people read with their fingers. There are around 20,000 people in the UK who state that Braille is their preferred reading medium, but many more use Braille for labelling or read Braille signs.
I would make sure that in the care home I would have equipment of Braille as it seems to satisfy most of those who are blind this may be the most easiest way to communicate. I would want the service users to know how to use the Braille and get familiar with it.
-
Moon - Some people, particularly if they lose their sight later in life, find Braille too difficult to master. However, they may be able to read Moon, a system made up of lines and curves.
There are many different types of methods that the blind can use; the modern method is the use of technology. Here are a few which could be used:
- Closed Circuit Televisions (CCTVs) which magnify print up to 48 times the original size,
- speech software which converts text on a computer screen to speech,
- Braille translation software which translates information on a computer screen into Braille which is read on a keyboard,
- screen enlargement software that enables the user to magnify the text on their screen to a suitable size
Overall, for the use of visual disability I would make sure that my workers describe objects to those in need, allowing them to notify what is in front of them if they were to go past it every day. For example, if an old man was to walk up the stairs everyday he would know that there is a round coat hanger near the stairs so now he knows his near the stair case. Also I would train the workers to help assist those who are blind hold there hand and guide them to where they want to go as well as explaining details that sighted people take for granted maybe a little step. Finally, I would make sure that I get glasses checked for the elderly on a regular basis, because it is possible for eye vision to improve. The elderly do not have much time in the home maybe 10 to 15 years and it would be great to see them being able to have some sort of vision back.
Hearing disability
There are many people that suffer from hearing disability. Some people are born with the disability and sometimes it may be developed in later life. It is important for health and social care workers to be able to help those who suffer from this disability, by helping them use different methods to communicate. The different methods which could be used are stated:
-
hearing aids, these are used for those who can still hear a slight percentage of volume but find it difficult to hear words clearly
-
Minicom – this is a text base telephone where those who suffer from the disability can use the telephone to help them read what is being said
-
Visual communication – this can be somebody using sign language, sign language is very popular in the modern day and has been for a very long period of time. It allows people to understand what is being said and clearly allows them to communicate by reading hand gestures.
In the care home there are many different methods of approaching a service user. I will explain below what I should do in the care home and how I will approach the service users
Firstly, I will make sure I do not shout at the elderly. I will need to make sure I know those who have a hearing disability and those who have a visual disability only then can I approach them in a by using different methods. I will make sure that I train the workers not to shout loud at the service users which are deaf. The reason for this is simply because if they are deaf they wouldn’t be able to hear any better, so shouting will hurt there hears I will need to make sure I use the methods which have been proven to work. If one of the workers was to shout at the services users then they would see the facial expressions on the worker and feel as if they have done something wrong, it would make them feel uncomfortable.
Secondly, I would try and show pictures and write messages, to those who are in need the reason for this is because they are blind they may still be able to see perfectly as they do not have a visual disability, because they are able to see clearly they can look at pictures and I would be able to set out messages that they can read to help them understand what is being said in addition to help them communicate with others.
Thirdly, I would make sure that the environment that the elderly are placed in is one where they can have a chance to communicate. It is essential that the background noise is reduced to a minimum simply because those who suffer from the disability may have sensitive hears and may not be able to hear anything that is being said regardless of how hard they are trying to concentrate.
Finally, I would make sure there are trained interpreters as well as BSL signers. This is important because social care workers are usually trained to know the basics of sign language. Sign language may be seen as the simplest form of communication for those who are deaf and therefore I would make sure that there is at least one trained worker in the home. I would also try and train my self so that I can be useful to those in need.
Overall, I would make sure that those who suffer from hearing disability get the chance to use every method of communication that is possibly available to them. I would allow them to choose which ever method they prefer weather its visual communication or IT support.
Physical disability
Physical disability is common; those who suffer from physical disability usually have to rely on others to get through the day. They easily get stressed out and need a lot of help most of the time. They can be said to be treated like ‘children’ even though they may have a brain of an adult physical they are unable to do anything. However, sometimes it can affect the way they communicate. Many people that are physically disabled can not speak but may understand what is being said to them. There are ways in which I would help those who a physically disabled in the care home.
Firstly, the workers and I would try and increase our knowledge of the disabilities. The word disabled has many different meaning to each individual, each individual may suffer from a different cause and therefore it is our job to find out what the need is for each specific service user.
Secondly, I would make sure that workers are trained to use pictures and signs as well as clear and simple speech. Something which isn’t too complicated for the service user to understand. Those who disabled do get frustrated very easily because they know what they want to say only they are not able to say it. Clear pictures and clear speech will help those in needs to slowly think and find away to reply back.
Thirdly, the main method which I would need to stick by and make sure that I train all the staff by is simply being calm and patient with the service users. The reason for this is because the service users are physically disabled which means that they will react slowly to what is being said. I will have to understand that they do not understand what I am saying if I am speaking really fast and not allowing them to read my facial expression. Being calm would allow them to feel comfortable as it shows that the service providers are not angry or annoyed at the service users.
Furthermore, I would make sure that I set up group meetings for those who are physically disabled as they can share interests with one and other allow them to have time to look at each other as this can be a method of non verbal communication many of those who are physically disabled may not be able to communicate in any way other than smiling. I would need to make sure that those who can not communicate do not feel alone and isolated as they cant find nothing to interest them. I would make sure that time is spent with them and they are satisfied even though it may feel to the workers that no progress is taking place and it hasn’t changed the mood of the service user.
Learning difficulty
Learning difficulties are increasing, they are usually found in those from a younger age than those who are older. It is not like a visual or hearing disability that can be lost at anytime in life. Learning difficulty is common of those at a young age however, can last till they are fully grown adults. There are ways to approach this difficulty, I have stated them below
The use of signs and symbols, this is a way to help communicate for those who suffer from the learning difficulty, it allows them to look at the signs and symbols which are heavily annotated pictures are a big help to those in need.
Makaton is a method of communication using signs and symbols and is often used as a communication process for those with learning difficulties.
Another method is an advocate; an advocate is someone who speaks for another person. In care work, a volunteer might try to get to know someone who has a learning disability. The volunteer tries to understand and then communicate the service user’s needs and wants. Advocates should be independent of the staff team and so can argue for the service user’s rights without being influenced by what is the easiest or cheapest thing to do.
This helps me because it tells me what I should do; the best method I personally, think is to get an advocate for those in need at the care home. The advocate may help on a weekly basis where as the other days the service user can try the use of Makaton. I will make sure that each individual that suffers from the learning disability has the chance to try and learn something new every day or once a week, even if it is a simple gesture.
Psychological problems including depression, anxiety, self –esteem and personality needs
It is crucial for each worker to listen to each individual needs making sure that everybody has a chance to speak and talk out everything that seems to be bothering them. There are many disadvantages if a service user didn’t get to speak and felt lonely.
Firstly, I would get a counsellor to work apart of them team. A counsellor simply spends time listening to, and building an understanding of, their client’s problems. If the service users in the home I was to work in spoke to a counsellor they would feel better as the counsellors are professionally trained to deal with day to day problems. I would allow each individual communicate with the counsellor regardless of their disability.
Secondly, for those who are disabled and are not able to speak I would get a psychologist as clinical psychologist work in the field of mental health and sometimes provide assessment and therapy to people who have emotional or psychological problems such as depression and anxiety. This service could also be used for all the service users.
Thirdly, Befriender seek to create a supportive relationship with others, a befriender will have good communication skills that enable them to listen to and build an understanding of, a service user’s views and feelings. This could be a great advantage to the care home simply because I could train staff to be befriender and would benefit the service users as they are comfortable talking to somebody they see on a daily basis. However, I will need to take in consideration that becoming a befriender takes many hours of training and it isn’t as easy as it seems.
Finally, the elderly suffer from depression which could lead to anxiety this could be short term or long term, either way it is dangerous for an individual. This could occur to any body weather they have a hearing disability or weather they have a learning disability depression is something they may suffer, simply because they are left alone in the family. Or they are chucked in to the care home not wanting to be there, or simply because they are grieving over lost ones as time has passed by. Either way it is my job to make sure that the services users get full use of all the services and are taken well care of. It is also important that I allow the service users gain self esteem I could do this by talking to them one on one, I could train staff to talk to the service users on a regular basis. More importantly I would need to choose those who want to work here and feel that this is more than just a job. Because the elderly may not have much time to live and suffering from depression could cause earlier deaf, so I will make sure all the workers are trained so that they can deal with the real life problems that the elderly have to face on a daily basis.
