Service user

Crucial value of effective communication

• Why is communication so important?
  
  
• It is only by ensuring that we understand what the Tenants want - can we then support them to achieve grater independence. There are number of factors that we need to not only be aware of but actively apply to enable this communication:
  
  
• Those around the tenants have to be sensitive, aware and responsive – by developing real relationships;
  
  
• Recognise individual forms of communication – shrieks, laughter, shouts, body language;
  
  
• Know the person well to understand them – gesture, mimicking sounds, moods – so watch for signals;
  
  
• Recognise that communication can be seen as challenging behaviour
  
  
• Sometimes choice can only be made when in the situation based on how you feel at that time – I don’t want to ride my bike today’. You may want to tomorrow!
  
  
• Give penalty of time and don’t rush the decision making – for the small decisions as well as the big ones;
  
  
• Be wary of people’s opinions – ‘She doesn’t like chicken.’ What is this view based on?;
  
  
• No magic solutions to building effective communication;
  
  
• Staff must know their abilities:
  
  
  • Recognise value of daily contact
  • Learning to listen leads to growth of trust
  • Raise staff confidence by ongoing training and support
  • Input from advocates, friends and family