Barriers to Communication.

4. Disability and Illness

The disabilities, impairments and illnesses that some patients and clients experience can make communication more difficult unless care workers find ways of adapting to them. For example, people who have difficulty with the spoken or non-verbal aspects of communication, depending on their particular impairment. People who hale learning disabilities may struggle to understand the content of communications that include complex, difficult language and words or ideas that they are not familiar with. Care workers should always try to emphasise with the person whom they are aiming to communicate with. They should try and work out how to get their message across to the person in the most effective way.

Nasima khanom

Barriers to Communication:

There are three main ways in which communication can become blocked:

1. If a person cannot see, hear or receive the message.
2. If a person cannot make sense of the message.
3. If a person misunderstands the message.

Apart from visual and hearing disabilities, the first kind of block can be created by environmental problem:

• Poor lighting.

• Noise.

• Speaking from too far away.

Occasions when the people might not be able to make sense of message include the following:

• Different languages are being used, including sign Language.

• People are using different terms, such as jargon (technical language) slang and dialect.

• One of the speakers has a physical or intellectual disability, such as an illness, memory loss, or a learning dysfunction.

Examples of misunderstanding include the following:

•  Cultural different: Different cultural interprets non-verbal and verbal messages, and humour, in different ways.

•  Assumptions about people: assumptions about race, gender, disability, etc. can lead to stereotyping and misunderstanding.

• Emotional different: very angry or very happy people may misunderstanding.

• Social contact: strangers may not understand conversations and non-verbal message understood by close friends.

Supporting individuals:

The care value base requires care worker to value people’s equality and diversity as well as their rights.

People will feel value and respected when they have been listened to, and when they feel their needs and wishes have been understood by the care Worker. Good communication skills are vital for this, and care Worker must find ways of overcoming the communication barriers that often arise between the client and Worker. Good communication skills are vital for this, and care worker must find ways of overcoming the communication barriers the often arise between the client and worker.

Nasima Khanom

Barriers to Communication:

There are three main ways in which communication can become blocked:

Ways of overcoming barriers to communication:

Visual disability:

• Use conversation to describe things.
• Help people to touch things (e.g. touch your face so that the person can recognise you).
• Explain the detail-sighted people take for granted.
• Check what people can see (many registered blind people can see shapes or tell the difference between light and dark).
• Check that spectacles are being worn, if necessary, and that they are clean.

Hearing disability:

• Do not shout: speak normally and make sure your face is visible so that those who can lip-read are able to do so.
• Use pictures or Write message.

• Learn to sign- for people who can use signed language, such as Makaton or British sign language (BSL).
• Use the services of a professional communicator or interpreter when sign languages are employed.
• Check that hearing aide etc., are being used and are in working order.

Environmental barriers:

• Check and, if necessary, improve the lighting.

• If possible, reduce the background noise.
• Move to a quieter or better-lit room, if this will help you.
• Work in smaller groups if this will help you see and hear each other more easily.

Language differences:

• Use pictures, diagrams, and non-verbal signs and expressions.
• Use a translator or an interpreter if the person does not speak the same language as you.

• Do not make assumptions or stereotype.
• Do not assume that people with physical or sensory disabilities have learning disabilities.
• The elderly who have communication difficulty should not be labelled as ‘confused’

Nasima Khanom

Barriers to Communication

There are three main ways in which communication can become blocked:

Jargon Slang and Dialect.

• Try dfferent ways of saying things – try to make sense of sounds or words people do not seem to understand.
• Speak in short sentences and speak clearly

Physical and intellectual disabilities (such as learning disability)

• Use picture signs as well as clear simple speech.
• Be calm and patient.
• Organise meetings for a group where people can communicate with others and share their interests and views.
• Make sure no one isolates himself or herself.

Misunderstandings

• You should always be alert to different cultural interpretations.
• Avoid making assumptions and discriminating against people because they are different.
• Check your understanding is correct using your listening skills.
• You should stay calm and try to calm others down who might be angry or over exited.
• Be clear about the context of your conversation, is it formal or informal?
• Use the appropriate form of language/communication accordingly.

What if it is not possible to communicate with a client?

Sometimes, when an individual has a serious illness or learning disability, e.g.:-

Dementia-it is not possible to communicate with them.

An advocate is employed by the care services to deal with these kind of situations.

 

Communicating with a young client group

To communicate with young children we should use simple words, which the children are familiar with.

Using pictures and large font size writing should also be used.

Ask questions to make sure the child has understood what you said.

It is important for a child to feel comfortable around you so try to be patient, do not shout, and smile often-as smile is a universal way of communicating and the smile makes a person more approachable, friendly and caring.