Last Updated Nov 2010
Who wouldn’t want more compliant patients and clients?!
It makes our jobs easier or our day brighter, and, of course, the more compliant the patient or client, the more speedy their recovery. A win-win for all!
As in most areas of life, it is not necessarily the big things that matter most but the constant little things we do that can make a huge impact on the lives and the feelings of others.
And so, I bring to you these simple little morsels that I have adapted from "150 Ways to Show Kids You Care," by J. Roehlkepartain. As I have adapted these tips for therapy professionals, you can indeed alter them ever so slightly into ways to show your children, your spouse, your parents, your…(insert important person here)...that you care.
Focus on one of these today and see how it works for you!
- Pronounce their names properly.
- Ask them about themselves.
- Look in their eyes when you talk to them.
- Laugh together.
- Say yes a lot.
- Be yourself, no one does it better!
- Notice when they're acting differently.
- Discuss their dreams and fears.
- Learn what they have to teach.
- Make yourself available.
- Find a common interest.
- Apologize when you've done something wrong.
- Listen to their favorite music with them.
- Smile when you enter/leave the room.
- Thank them for being cooperative.
- Point out what you like about them.
- Clip magazine pictures or articles that interest them.
- Sit down and talk WITH them, not at them.
- Give them your undivided attention.
- Ask for their opinion.
- Treat their friends and friends respectfully.
- Tell them about yourself.
- Praise more; criticize less.
- Ask them to help you.
- Believe in them.
- Delight in their uniqueness.
- Include them in conversations on rounds.
- Respect them.
- Make sure they understand.
- Welcome/acknowledge their suggestions.
Remember, it is not just heroic acts that are remembered but the tiny acts of kindness that come from a place of caring.
If we want more compliant patients and clients, perhaps we need to be more amenable therapy professionals. If we can develop a positive relationship with our patients and clients, they are much more likely to follow our instructions and advice, not to mention, treat us more kindly and respectfully.
About the Author: Award winning speaker, coach and author Stephanie Staples has been in the center of healthcare for over 20 years and now combines her love for helping others with her passion for personal growth. As the founder of Your Life, Unlimited she seeks to empower, engage and enrich the caregivers lives so that they can bring their best into both their lives and livelihood. To start moving your life forward, get your complimentary e-Journal at www.YourLifeUnlimited.ca and join her on www.facebook.com/yourlifeunlimited.