Impairment in the Workplace

Course overview

At the completion of this tutorial students will be able to: 1. Define communication. 2. Discuss reasons why people may feel uncomfortable with a cognitively impaired or elderly client. 3. Describe non-verbal communication body language. 4. Discuss what equal and un-equal communication actions mean. 5. List 3 differences between personal and professional relationships. DEFINITIONS 1. Communication is an act or instance of transmitting information. It is also a verbal or written message or a process by which information is exchanged between individuals through a common system of symbols, signs, or behavior. 2. Cognitive Impairment is the state of not being oriented to person, place, and time. Most individuals know who they are, but not necessarily where they are or what day or date it is. 3. Emotional Involvement is the feeling with which a message is sent and the feeling with which it is received. These are not necessarily the same feelings by both people, especially if the message was sent with strong emotions. 4. Feedback: is checking to see that the message you intended was received that way. You do this by asking questions and watching non-verbal expressions. 5. Negative Language is language using phrases that expresses to the receiver what cannot be done, stresses negative feelings, or negative actions. 6. Non-Verbal Communication is a message sent by posture, facial expression, or signals that the sender of the message may or may not be aware they are sending. 7. Receiver of the Message the person(s) hearing the message. It may or may not be heard exactly the same way it was sent. 8. Relationships are neutral, negative, or positive bonds established by communication and shared experiences with another or a group.