If the service user has any sensory impairments such as deafness or blindness then different ways of communicating need to be looked at such as sign language. Other issues to consider are culture and religion as this can affect who a service user would be more comfortable talking to about certain
A number of factors can affect an individual’s ability to effectively communicate with others. These can prevent a service user from using a service as it can interfere with the individual’s ability to send or receive information about their care. Disability can affect a service user’s ability to communicate with the service workers. Sight impairments can make it difficult for service users to read leaflets and consent forms. This is a barrier because it means that the service user can’t fully access all the information that is required in order for them to use the service entirely e.g.
Working in the care environment you get used to observing people’s reactions like the change of pitch when they talk this is important as this could mean they are angry or stressed out. The body language can alter as well; facial expressions or no eye contact can mean they are unhappy or angry with someone. If these changes are recognised then the situation can be dealt with. Each individual has their own way of communicating like using their own mother tongue, their own cultural beliefs. Their own way of communicating because they can’t talk or hear properly or their own physical difficulties sometimes their age or gender plays a part.
Paralysis – or weakness could affect one side of the body more than the other making tasks like getting dressed difficult. Continence may also be affected. Ataxia – irregular, uncontrollable tremors affecting co-ordination of movements can make it difficult to write. Hands may shake and the person may become clumsy. Hormonal imbalances – damage to the hypothalamus or the pituitary glands can lead to insufficient or increased
Discrimination an act or instance of discriminating, or of making a distinction. treatment or consideration of, or making a distinction in favour of or against, a person or thing based on the group, class, or category to which that person or thing belongs rather than on individual merit 2. The potential effects of discrimination can be different for different people. The effects can be physical, emotional or a combination of both. For example service users with disabilities may not be given a chance to join in with activities due to others thinking that their disability prevents them from being able to do so.
The personality can also affect the way an individual communicates. For example, if a person is shy he/she may not want to speak clearly and may use a little bit of verbal communication. Identify barriers to effective communication 3.5 Explain how to access extra support or services to enable individuals to communicate effectively Be able to apply principles and practices
L.O 3 Understand how to reduce barriers to communication 3.1 identify barriers to communication There are many barriers to effective communication such as; * Speaking a different language: When someone speaks a different language or uses sign language, they may not be able to understand what the other person is trying to say. * Sensory barriers: When someone cannot receive or pass on information because they have an impairment to one or more of their senses, the most common is hearing or seeing. • Slang – when a service user uses language that not everyone, in working with colleagues or service users you should avoid using any language that can be misunderstood or misinterpreted or that might cause offence. • Jargon – when a service provider uses technical language the service user may not understand. • Health issues – when you are feeling ill, you may not be able to communicate as effectively as when you are feeling well.
Eye contact and physical closeness could also be misinterpreted causing offence or an intrusion. Q5. The barriers of communication can either be physical such as a desk or closed door and environmental such lighting and noise. Lighting is important so as to be able to read the nonverbal communications properly for the understanding and sometimes safety of others and noise levels to be able to hear properly, preventing any confusion and ensuring information is understood. Physical proximity can also be a barrier depending on the individual’s cultures or social backgrounds as this may cause to
For example, there are cultures and people with disorders who may interpret non-verbal communications as inappropriate or intrusive. Eye contact in some cultures, particularly Asian cultures, can be considered quite rude, whereas in most western countries if eye contact is not given it may appear as though that person is trying to hide something or is untrustworthy. There will be times when extra support is needed to have meaningful effective
By assessing their needs accessing their needs and getting required information about their communication needs you can find out the best way to communicate with a certain individual. By not using the correct aids and equipment, such as hearing aids, can make individuals feel isolated or they may even hold back on communicating at all. 3. Analyse features of the environment that may help or hinder communication. Some features that will help or hinder communication are things like lighting, if the lighting is poor they may not be able to see sufficiently and may not understand you, whereas if it is good they will be able to see what is going on around them and also will be able to see what you are doing or saying.