Abstract
This narrative provides a foundation for the PAGES program. PAGES is an acronym for practice patience, accept the present, gather information, encourage, and self-care. Each part of the acronym represents advice that people can implement into their lives. The two primary examples focus on families of physical therapy patients in a hospital and advisors of students in a school. The PAGES program presents a new initiative as well as reflections on applying the information to a variety of settings.
TopThe Pages Family Coaching Program
Helping patients turn new pages and write new chapters in their healing journeys
To help your loved one who is a patient:
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Practice Patience: Healing is a journey. No one can wave a magic wand and provide an immediate cure. Celebrate progress, no matter how small.
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Accept the Present: Feelings of guilt, anger, and frustration are normal, but are not helpful when coaching. No matter what happened in the past, this is where you are now. Worrying about the future only causes additional stress. Try your best to remain in the present moment. Consider writing in a journal to sort through your feelings.
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Gather Information: The medical professionals such as doctors, physical therapists, occupational therapists, nurses, and speech therapists are here to help you. Ask questions, and listen to their instructions. Consider bringing a notebook with you to write down information so you don’t have to remember it.
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Encourage: During the healing journey, patients need cheerleaders. You are a source of hope and light during this process and a little support can make a large difference.
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Self-Care: In order to take care of your loved one, take care of yourself too. You can better help someone else when your own needs, such as hunger and sleep, are met too.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Accept the Present: Feelings of guilt, anger, and frustration are normal, but are not helpful when coaching. No matter what happened in the past, this is where you are now. Worrying about the future only causes additional stress. Try your best to remain in the present moment. Consider writing in a journal to sort through your feelings.
Self-Care: In order to take care of your loved one, take care of yourself too. You can better help someone else when your own needs, such as hunger and sleep, are met too.
PAGES: An acronym for the terms described below (applied to a school setting)
Practice Patience: As high school students continue their journeys through life, they need supportive adults as role models. Often, the most significant goals cannot happen overnight. Empower students by celebrating progress, no matter how small. Students have numerous people giving them advice, so active listening proves valuable in a role as advisor.
Encourage: During the healing journey, patients need cheerleaders. You are a source of hope and light during this process and a little support can make a large difference.
Gather Information: The medical professionals such as doctors, physical therapists, occupational therapists, nurses, and speech therapists are here to help you. Ask questions and listen to their instructions. Consider bringing a notebook with you to write down information so you don’t have to remember it.