Communication in care settings

This piece of work is about two main theories and they are Tuckman's theory and Egan's theory (SOLER). Also the effects of communication on care workers and service users. This will be explained in more detail. Communication cycle- is very important in our lives, there are lots of ways to communicate nowadays and the list becomes bigger each day. There are lots of ways to communicate but the main structure of the cycle is still the same as it was. First it's you express yourself then you listen and hear, then they express ones feelings then they listen and hear. And then it goes round like a cycle. http://www.surrey.ac.uk/Skills/pack/enc.html Tuckman's theory- This stage was developed in 1965's and the last stage was added in the 1970's. There are 5 stages and they are forming, storming, norming, and performing. Forming is when the individual themselves is very nervous, scared to show their real feelings so they may just agree with someone to kind of ‘make them happy'. In this stage the individual doesn't show their personality as they may not feel comfortable round others in their group. http://www.businessballs.com/tuckmanformingstormingnormingperforming.htm The second stage is storming at this stage the individual start to show their real feelings and their personality starts to show. This is because they start to relax and be comfortable around others in their group. Also others in the group may start to have conflict were they have different opinions about ideas, and they don't agree on others about their ideas. The third stage is norming at this stage individuals start to relax and become more comfortable around others in their group. Also it's when they get ideas to together and agrees on one, and individuals then start to know what is accepted from them and start to get on with what they have to do within the group. The fourth stage is when all individuals in the group know what their role is in the group and start to work towards their own goals. Then they work together to get the task finish that was set.Sentence and Verbal Communication The fifth stage and the last stage was added after in 1977 and that was called adjourning is when the tasks is finished with a positive outcome, and then the group breaks up and everything has been fulfilled, and they all move on with a happy attitude with what has been achieved. http://www.businessballs.com/tuckmanformingstormingnormingperforming.htm Scenario: To make the individual benefit from this theory would be by making sure the individual is introduced in the group session that he goes to and that he feels comfortable in the environment. This theory may not be beneficial for all individuals it depends on the situation and if it suits them for example some that has learning difficulties as they may not be able to handle being in a group of people at one time, also people that have mental health problems. Open posture is when you body shows that you are listening to the service user. Showing that you are interested in the conversation, also it can show that you care about them. Also things like putting your arm around the service user by showing that you care and that you are there to listen and comfort them. This can put a bond between you and your social worker. Tone- the tone of your voice is very important as it affects the way the service user responds to you. Your voice should sound something like: – Clear (able to hear) – Upbeat – Welcoming – Under control – Warm feeling to the voice. http://www.impactcommunicationsinc.com/pdf/nwsltr_2001/ICINwsltrph0106.pdf for example if the care worker's tone is loud and moody and sounds like they're not bothered then the service user will want to get out of the room as they feel that the care worker doesn't care and has no respect. This also can make them feel scared and humiliated as the care worker isn't showing that they care and are bothered about them. But on the other hand it can be that the care worker is talking nicely with a tone that as a warm feeling to it, and that is upbeat and is clear. The service user feels that they are cared for respected for, this makes them want to say and makes them comfortable in the situation so will open up and tell you what's wrong with them also they feel more relaxed and calm. http://psychology.about.com/od/nonverbalcommunication/a/nonverbaltypes.htm Body language/posture- this is important in communication because it can show lots of information through it, as it can show your feelings and your attitude through it. For example: – Arms/legs crossed- this can come across as doesn't want to know, doesn't care, but in different circumstances it can mean that they are scared to open up and can show as an barrier meaning ;don't come to close to me'. – Head down- this can come across as shy, doesn't want to know about the problems issues you have. Also showing no eye contact can be real rod if the service user is talking to the care worker and there's no eye contact can show that you aren't listening to them. And may feel uncomfortable – Nodding- this show that you are listening to the service user and that you understand what they are saying to you. This can make the service user feel reassured that somebody understands them and that they aren't alone.