Edexcel Level 3 BTEC Nationals in Health and Social Care

UNIT 42: SUPPORT WORK IN SOCIAL CAREUnit content1 Understand the services that workers not involved in direct care provide insocial care settingsEmployment settings: care homes (personal or nursing care); day services; anindividual’s own home; sheltered accommodation; supported housing; othernetworks and services for individuals, eg education, religious establishments,voluntary agencies, activities, entertainment; importance of buildingrelationships in such settings; responding appropriately to an individual’s situationwithin boundaries of own roleLegislation and guidance: relevant sections from, eg Health and Safety at WorkAct 1974, Food Safety Act 1990, The Environmental Protection (Duty of Care)Regulations (1991), RIDDOR 1995, The Food Safety (General Food Hygiene)Regulations 1995, Data Protection Act 1998; Care Standards Act 2000, COSHH2002, Health Protection Agency Bill, Hazardous Waste Regulations 2005Personal presentation and dealing with enquiries: the need to addressindividuals, colleagues and visitors in a polite manner; the need to maintainsecurity of the environment by ascertaining a person’s right to be there; the needto direct visitors to the appropriate person or area; the need to dressappropriately for the work environment (uniform, personal protective clothing)2 Understand the role of communication in care environmentsCommunication: written, verbal, non-verbal; communicating effectively in thecare environment: listening carefully to what is being communicated; speakingclearly avoiding jargon and slang, at an appropriate pace and in an appropriatetone of voice; engaging appropriately with individuals, colleagues and visitors,using non-judgmental language; using gestures and body language to emphasisewhat is being communicated; being aware of individual differences in relation todisability, culture, language, gender, age, over-familiarity, personal spaceBarriers to communication: impairment (mental, physical including sensory); useof jargon and slang; inappropriate facial expressions or gestures; environmentalnoiseMaintaining confidentiality: with individuals, their family and friends; withcolleagues and other professionals; within the care environment; outside the careenvironment516BN018467 – Specification – Edexcel Level 3 BTEC Nationals in Health and Social Care– Issue 1 – February 2007 © Edexcel Limited 2007