Case study
Well today we're going to be using a walker. You ever use one of those before?
No. I really don't think my legs are strong enough! What if I fall and break a hip? Listen, even trying to stand is difficult for me.
Well I understand your hesitance, Mr. Jones. But you know you got to start somewhere. By the way, was that your son that brought you in today?
No, that was my grandson.
Your grandson! I never would have guessed.
Yes, he's good to me. He just finished graduate school and he's a computer scientist or something now. We both collect classic cars.
Really?
Yeah. We go to owner's meet and car shows [chuckling]. Well, we used to I mean, before my stroke.
Well, you know Mr. Jones, there is no reason why you can't go to car shows with your grandson again, or do any of the other things that you used to do! Just think of how nice it'll be to get around on your own again! It's going to take a lot of hard work, but I think we can get you strong enough to do this. Okay. What I need you to do is put one hand here and one hand here. Alright, I'm going to do this so that you can pull yourself up with your arms, not your back. I want you to look straight forward, okay? Alright. Don't worry, you're not going to fall, I got ya!
[Grunting Sounds]
I got ya. There you go, there you go! You got it, you're standing! Want to just stay here for a minute? How do you feel?
Pretty good actually, I'm surprised!
Alright, great! You're doing a great job!
Q1- Why the therapist asked Mr. Jones about his family?
Q2- What other therapeutic communication skills did the therapist demonstrate with Mr. Jones?
Q3- At first Mr. Jones did not seem to think that he would be able to stand. How did the therapist use technical and therapeutic communication skills to encourage him to try?