At edyn.care, everyone has the right to receive information in a way they can understand.
As a carer, it's your responsibility to adapt your communication to meet each care recipient's individual needs, helping them understand their care, make informed choices and remain as independent as possible.
Accessible information means providing information in a format that a care recipient can understand and use.
Some care recipients may need additional support because of:
Learning disabilities.
Autism.
Dementia.
Hearing or visual impairments.
Stroke or acquired brain injury.
Speech or language difficulties.
English not being their preferred language.
Other communication needs.
Every person communicates differently, so always follow the guidance in the care plan.
Good communication
When supporting a care recipient, always:
Introduce yourself clearly.
Speak calmly and respectfully.
Use plain, everyday language.
Avoid jargon or medical terms where possible.
Give the care recipient enough time to process information and respond.
Check they have understood what you've said.
Encourage questions and involve them in decisions about their care.
Never assume someone has understood. Always check.
Making reasonable adjustments
You may need to adapt how you communicate by:
Using pictures or visual prompts.
Writing information down.
Breaking information into smaller steps.
Reducing background noise or distractions.
Giving information in advance where possible.
Allowing extra time for conversations.
The care plan will tell you about any specific communication preferences or adjustments.
Communication aids
Some care recipients may use:
Hearing aids.
Glasses or magnifiers.
Communication books or passports.
Picture boards.
Electronic communication devices.
Easy Read information.
Support the care recipient to use these whenever appropriate.
If communication needs change
Tell the Care Management Team if you notice:
The care recipient is finding it harder to understand information.
Their communication abilities have changed.
They may benefit from different communication methods.
Their current care plan no longer reflects their needs.
Any changes should be reviewed and updated in the care plan.
Remember
✅ Speak directly to the care recipient whenever possible.
✅ Adapt your communication to meet their individual needs.
✅ Give people time to understand and respond.
✅ Check understanding, don't assume.
✅ Follow the communication guidance in the care plan.
If you're ever unsure how best to communicate with a care recipient, contact the Care Management Team for advice and support.