NOM : MERIT

PRENOM : KHALED
GROUPE : G 316

Practice: Shadowing and Production

Task 01 : (Shadowing)
Recall Kate’s tale. Take her role and tell us what happened to your dad and
defend yourself against James’ accusations. Feel free to use your notes.
« Ten years ago, our family faced a difficult period when our father fell seriously ill.
The situation became a source of conflict between my sister Kate and me, with
differing opinions on the best way to care for our father. I'll recount the events from
my perspective and address Kate's accusations.
When our father had a stroke, it was a distressing time. I took the initiative, called
for an ambulance, and ensured he received prompt medical attention. However,
disagreements arose when it was time to decide on the next steps for his care.
I proposed bringing our father into my home, believing that Kate had the space and
availability to contribute significantly to his caregiving. I understood the challenges
involved, such as modifying the house, but I felt that family should come together
during such times. I was willing to make sacrifices, but Kate seemed resistant.
Kate argued for placing our father in a nursing home, citing the need for professional
care. I interpreted this as an avoidance of responsibility, especially since she had
the means to hire a caregiver during the day. I firmly believed that we, as family,
should have stepped up to provide the care he needed.
The suggestion that I was trying to shirk responsibility and force all the work onto
Kate is unfair. I was working, but I was willing to contribute financially to hire
additional help. My intention was not to maintain my lifestyle at the expense of
Kate's; rather, it was a call for us to come together as a family to support our father.
I recognize the challenges involved, but caregiving often requires sacrifices. Kate's
decision to place our father in a nursing home felt like a failure to meet the familial
responsibility that I believed should have taken precedence.
Our father spent six months in the nursing home, and unfortunately, he passed
away after a heart attack. Kate attended the funeral, but the strain in our
relationship persisted. I have not forgiven her for what I see as a failure to prioritize
our father's needs over personal comfort.
NOM : MERIT
PRENOM : KHALED
GROUPE : G 316

In summary, I believed in a more hands-on, familial approach to caregiving, while

Kate opted for professional care. The differing perspectives and values led to a
strained relationship, and I continue to harbor resentment over what I perceive as a
lack of family commitment. »
Task 02 : (Production)
Having heard the two sides of the story, who do you side with? Why?
It's challenging to take sides in personal matters, as both James and Kate have valid
points and concerns based on their perspectives and circumstances. Each sibling
sees the situation differently, and their responses are shaped by their own abilities,
limitations, and emotions.
James expresses the difficulty of balancing work commitments with the
responsibility of caring for their father. He feels that Kate, who has a more flexible
schedule, should have taken on the caregiving role. On the other hand, Kate
emphasizes the practical challenges involved in providing care at home, especially
given the necessary modifications and the potential impact on her lifestyle.
The resolution to such family conflicts often involves understanding and empathy
from both parties. Miscommunications and misunderstandings can contribute to
strained relationships during difficult times. Open and honest communication,
perhaps facilitated by a neutral third party like a counselor or mediator, may help
the siblings find common ground and work towards a solution that takes into
account their father's well-being as well as their own capacities.
It's important to recognize that caregiving decisions are complex, and there isn't
always a clear right or wrong. Ultimately, the goal should be to find a solution that
considers the needs of the person requiring care while being realistic about the
capabilities and limitations of those involved in the caregiving process.
What would you do if you were in Kate’s/James’ stead?
However, I can offer some general considerations that individuals facing similar
situations might contemplate.
For Kate:
1. Communication: Open and honest communication is crucial. Clearly
expressing concerns, limitations, and exploring potential compromises can
help in understanding each other's perspectives.
NOM : MERIT
PRENOM : KHALED
GROUPE : G 316

2. Seeking Professional Advice: Consulting with healthcare professionals or

social workers can provide valuable insights into the best care options for an
elderly family member. They can help assess the level of care needed and
suggest appropriate solutions.
3. Family Meeting/Mediation: Involving other family members in a discussion
or seeking mediation can provide a platform for everyone to express their
thoughts and feelings. A neutral third party can facilitate a more constructive
dialogue.
For James:
1. Understanding Sibling's Perspective: Acknowledge that caregiving
decisions can be challenging, and different family members may have
varying capacities and viewpoints. Seek to understand Kate's concerns and
limitations.
2. Offering Support: Instead of assigning blame, explore ways to offer support.
This might involve discussing financial contributions for professional care or
exploring alternative caregiving arrangements that accommodate both of
their lifestyles.
3. Exploring Compromises: Consider compromises that respect both parties'
needs. This could involve a combination of professional caregiving support,
family involvement, and any necessary modifications to make caregiving
more manageable.
Ultimately, the best course of action depends on the specific circumstances, the
health condition of the parent, and the resources available to the family. It's
advisable for both Kate and James to prioritize their father's well-being while finding
solutions that are realistic and sustainable for everyone involved. Seeking
professional advice and fostering open communication can contribute to more
informed and empathetic decision-making.