Communication and Interpersonal Interaction in Care Homes

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Table of Contents

Different Contexts of Communication
Different Forms of Communication
Types of Interpersonal Interaction and Communications
Language Needs and Preferences
Role of Effective Communication and Interpersonal Interaction in the Care Home
List of References

Different Contexts of Communication

Communication is one of the best tools for supporting the needs of different organizations. Effective communication takes different contexts depending on the targeted goals. The first context is one-to-one communication. This context occurs when two individuals communicate with one another. This communication can be formal or informal. This practice results in immediate solutions. The second context is group communication. Groups can include three or more individuals. A group will find new solutions much faster. Teams use this form of communication. Formal communication is official and can observe different protocols (Chambers 2003). The informal approach is usually casual. Informal communication is common between colleagues, family members, workmates, and friends.

The other context of communication occurs between service users and professionals. This kind of communication encourages professionals to offer effective services to their clients. People can also communicate with different professionals. This context depends on targeted goals or outcomes. This form of communication can be formal or informal. Multi-agency working is another context of communication (Klakovich & Cruz 2006).

This approach focuses on the needs of different agencies. The approach makes it easier for people to deal with various challenges. Multi-professional working (MPW) is another context of communication. This context brings together professionals from different backgrounds. The practice produces new ideas that can make every activity successful. Professionals can use formal communication to achieve their goals.

Different Forms of Communication

Communication takes different forms. Individuals can use Text Messages (TMs) to communicate with their friends. This approach is cheap and saves time. The method also reduces costs incurred whenever traveling from one place to another. Writing is another form of communication. Human beings use letters, newspapers, journals articles, and books to communicate with others. Written materials communicate to more individuals within a short period. Letters can improve the level of privacy. They also reduce costs. Oral communication is common when individuals communicate with one another (Chambers 2003). This form of communication improves the level of interaction between two or more individuals.

Signing is another form of communication. This practice improves privacy, especially when handling sensitive documents. Signs and symbols are also common. Such signs are useful in hospitals, highways, and learning institutions. Signs are easy to read and interpret. Music and drama is another form of communication. This artistic approach informs more people about different subjects. According to Klakovich and Cruz (2006, p. 65), ‘objects of reference ‘are notable in different locations or offices’.

Some good examples include dictionaries and encyclopedias. Arts and crafts are also essential in facilitating effective communication. Paintings and carvings also portray different messages to a large number of people (Klakovich & Cruz 2006). This form of communication makes it easier for cultural to pass across their ideas. Technology is an undeniable form of communication. The practice promotes the rate of interaction while reducing costs. Social media networks have the potential to communicate with millions of people across the world.

Types of Interpersonal Interaction and Communications

Interpersonal interactions can occur in different ways. The first type of communication is speech. Speeches are useful because they communicate with a large number of people within a short period. People use speeches as historical documents. Speeches are relevant because they act as primary sources. The other type of interaction focuses on language. People can engage in interpersonal interactions using first languages.

People can also communicate with one another using slang, dialects, and jargon. This approach has the potential to create new sub-cultural groups. The other type of interpersonal interaction uses non-verbal strategies. Some good examples include ‘facial expression, posture, silence, proximity, touch and reflective listening’ (Klakovich & Cruz 2006, p. 64). Facial expressions pass across useful ideas and feelings to other individuals. Silence also passes across unique messages to targeted individuals. Proximity is another determinant of interpersonal communication. Individuals can come close to one another to share their feelings (Chambers 2003). Reflective listening also takes place between two or more individuals. These types of interaction promote the power of non-verbal communication.

Language Needs and Preferences

Human beings tend to have their preferred methods of communication. Some acceptable methods of communication ‘include the use of signs, symbols, and pictures’ (Dreher 2002, p. 64). Cartoons are useful for passing across different ideas to the targeted population. People can use ‘Braille or Makaton to communicate with their partners’ (Klakovich & Cruz 2006, p. 65). Some Human and Technological Aids (HTAs) to communication can produce positive results.

British Sign Language (BSL) is another preferred method of communication. Different individuals also use communication passports. Some individuals also embrace cultural symbols and variations as a powerful method of communication. Every culture has a unique method of communication. These methods are notable during ceremonies, events, and greetings. This practice ‘depends on a person’s age, gender, sexual orientation, or social position’ (Dreher 2002, p. 69). Objects of reference are also common in different societies. Individuals focus on their preferences to communicate effectively.

Role of Effective Communication and Interpersonal Interaction in the Care Home

Nurses, caregivers, and clinicians should use appropriate communication models to fulfill the health needs of their clients. Effective communication makes it easier for managers to deal with their organizational challenges (Dreher 2002). The practice can produce positive goals. Proper communication empowers individuals to work as teams. Interpersonal interaction is a critical practice because it governs the interaction between two or more individuals. A positive interpersonal interaction results from proper communication skills. Non-verbal and verbal communication skills are critical aspects of interpersonal interaction (Fleischer et al. 2008). The interaction can result in better performance. Interpersonal relationships are relevant in different nursing environments.

Nurses and caregivers must use appropriate communication strategies to achieve their goals. The practice produces better problem-solving methods. The practice encourages individuals to share their concerns with different workmates. Medical practitioners should communicate effectively with their clients. This approach will make it easier for them to identify the health needs of their patients. Nurses must use ‘effective communication skills whenever diagnosing, treating, and mentoring their clients’ (Fleischer et al. 2008, p. 348). Effective communication is therefore critical in every nursing home.

Eliza should be aware of every type of communication. Verbal communication identifies problems and finds new solutions to them. Proper communication also supports the culture of different institutions. Medical facilities and nursing homes ‘must embrace the power of effective communication in order to achieve their potentials’ (Dreher 2002, p. 91). Eliza should encourage her employees to communicate with one another effectively. Proper communication creates a favorable working environment. It also promotes confidence and trust.

Decision-making is a critical aspect of nursing. Medical practitioners should make accurate decisions depending on the expectations of their patients. The approach also supports the power of critical thinking. Formal communication encourages caregivers to uses the best theories in an attempt to deliver quality care (Fleischer et al. 2008). Critical thinking is impossible if a healthcare facility does not promote positive communication practices. Effective communication ensures every nurse understands the importance of evidence-based practices. Caregivers should communicate with one another to identify the issues affecting their clients. Proper communication ‘brings different players together such as nurses, family members, patients, and clinical officers’ (Klakovich & Cruz 2006, p. 64).

A higher level of interpersonal interaction results in better communication practices. Interpersonal interactions encourage individuals to exchange their opinions, ideas, and feelings. Such interactions can be non-verbal or verbal. Eliza must promote certain skills to produce the best practices at the facility. People should also choose their words properly (Dreher 2002, p. 47). They should also use the right volume and tone. These strategies are critical to reducing conflicts.

Interpersonal interactions can produce conflicts whenever there are disagreements. Some conflicts are beneficial while others can be destructive. Beneficial conflicts occur when individuals have different ideas and opinions. Eliza should ensure her clinicians embrace the best practices to reduce the number of negative conflicts. Listening is another critical skill in having effective communication. A good listener creates the best environment for communication. Individuals must use positive words and phrases whenever engaging in verbal communication (Shattell 2004).

Eliza should mentor, support, empower, and train her caregivers. She must use the best strategies to improve the performance of her Care Home. She must also give positive directions to her nurses. This practice will ensure the facility offers the best support to different clients. Both non-verbal and verbal skills are critical to the success of this Care Home. Individuals should also ‘use positive behaviours and actions whenever engaging in non-verbal communication’ (Shattell 2004, p. 718). For instance, caregivers can embrace their patients. This practice will ensure the nursing home achieves its objectives. Eliza should encourage her workers to form new teams. This practice will ensure every professional supports his or her clients.

The role of communication in different health and social care setting is undeniable. Different communication theories support the use of appropriate skills. Communication theories ‘encourage nurses to work as teams, share their challenges, and find sustainable solutions to their problems’ (Lymbery, 2005, p. 76). The strategy encourages nurses to analyze the issues raised by their friends and teammates. Caregivers can use such theories to improve their skills. Some of these skills include ‘listening, use of appropriate words, critical thinking, clarity, courtesy, and coherency’ (Lymbery, 2005, p. 76).

Good communication conveys the best messages to different nurses and caregivers. Eliza should also offer appropriate instructions to get the best goals. In conclusion, the caregivers at this Care Home should communicate effectively with every elderly person. The approach will result in credibility and trust (Chambers 2003). The practice will also support the mission of Eliza’s nursing home. Eliza should use various communication theories to improve the performance of her staff. The strategy will be critical towards making Eliza a successful manager of the targeted Care Home for the elderly.

List of References

Chambers, S 2003, ‘Use of Non-verbal Communication Skills to Improve Nursing Care’, British Journal of Nursing, vol. 12, no. 14, pp. 874-878.

Dreher, B 2002, Communication Skills for Working with Elders, Springer Publishing Company, New York.

Fleischer, S, Berg, A, Zimmerman, M, Wuste, K & Behrens, J 2008, ‘Nurse-patient interaction and communication: A systematic literature review’, Journal of Public Health, vol. 17, no. 1, pp. 339-353.

Klakovich, M & Cruz, F 2006, ‘Validating the Interpersonal Communication Assessment Scale’, Journal of Professional Nursing, vol. 22, no. 1, pp. 60-67.

Lymbery, M 2005, Social Work with Older People, SAGE Publications, London.

Shattell, M 2004, ‘Nurse-patient interaction: A review of the literature’, Journal of Clinical Nursing, vol. 13, no. 1, pp. 714-722.

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