Community Living Assistant

COMMUNICATION...

Danielle lives alone in her own apartment and does not verbally communicate. She communicates by using a picture board as well as hand signals, facial expressions and head movements.

Barbara recently began working with Danielle and is learning how to communicate with her. Danielle is learning about Barbara as much as Barbara is learning about her.

Danielle is deciding whether she can trust Barbara in her home and with her personal care needs while Barbara are learning the best way to communicate with her and build a trusting relationship.

Talking with other staff, Barbara finds out that Danielle has certain rituals that she uses when getting to know a new Community Living Assistant, such as telling specific stories and eating differently than normal.

As Barbara develops a relationship with Danielle she also begins to understand Danielle’s sense of humor and unique personality that makes working with her enjoyable and fun.