"Man from the South" Reflection
After reading the chapter from "Man from the South," I was intrigued by the life of the wife of the South American man. All we know of her is divulged in a few short lines at the end of the chapter, yet the story of her life quickly becomes complex. Unfortunately, the woman cannot even take the time to wash her hair without having to fear that her husband is engaged in dangerous and costly schemes. Moreover, she has lost at least three digits having to "un-do" the bets that her husband has lost.
If the soldier had lost the bet, the woman's livelihood would have become even more unstable. For example, the couple may have had to move once again to prevent the southern man's incrimination. However, I will focus on her occupation as "care taker" of her scheming husband. If the bet had ended badly, the wife would assume that she could go absolutely no where without her husband -- even to shower, to sleep, to eat, or to shop alone. One strategy that could be employed by the wife would be to hire some help to keep tabs on her husband so that she could independently perform her daily tasks. She could help her husband get a job, so that he is held accountable by an employer and making an income. This would keep him from having to make bets with her property, and would give her time during the day to be alone and perform daily activities. On the other hand, she could turn him in for his dangerous actions, which may lead to his incarceration or his placement in a community mental-health facility (in today's world). This option would free her from his presence altogether, but I do not think that this is the wife's desire, as she continues to help her husband despite his oddities.
Removing this psychosocial barrier could free the woman to work on gaining functional mobility of her left hand. After using heat and ultrasound to prepare the hand for movement (preparatory activities), the woman could then perform tasks such as washing her hair, getting dressed, driving, writing, and managing money with both hands (purposeful/occupation-based activities).
If the soldier had lost the bet, the woman's livelihood would have become even more unstable. For example, the couple may have had to move once again to prevent the southern man's incrimination. However, I will focus on her occupation as "care taker" of her scheming husband. If the bet had ended badly, the wife would assume that she could go absolutely no where without her husband -- even to shower, to sleep, to eat, or to shop alone. One strategy that could be employed by the wife would be to hire some help to keep tabs on her husband so that she could independently perform her daily tasks. She could help her husband get a job, so that he is held accountable by an employer and making an income. This would keep him from having to make bets with her property, and would give her time during the day to be alone and perform daily activities. On the other hand, she could turn him in for his dangerous actions, which may lead to his incarceration or his placement in a community mental-health facility (in today's world). This option would free her from his presence altogether, but I do not think that this is the wife's desire, as she continues to help her husband despite his oddities.
Removing this psychosocial barrier could free the woman to work on gaining functional mobility of her left hand. After using heat and ultrasound to prepare the hand for movement (preparatory activities), the woman could then perform tasks such as washing her hair, getting dressed, driving, writing, and managing money with both hands (purposeful/occupation-based activities).
I like how you have discussed the woman's role as a care-taker. I had not thought of the ethical distress that you have pointed out about the wife either turning him in or helping him herself. It all comes down to what she wants, to better her life or his. In addition, It was nice for you to go into detail about an intervention plan. I do think that there might have to be some more preparatory activities or therapeutic exercises to allow her to perform these activities. Overall great blog!
ReplyDeleteI had not thought about the woman's inability to leave her husband alone until reading your blog post. I had only thought about the physical limitations of her hand. I agree with you about the psychosocial barrier that the husband proposes for the wife. Thanks for the alternative view point on the situation. Good blog!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your blog post, Kylie! I agree with you that if the solider lost the bet, the wife of the betting man would feel as though she could not do anything alone. I think that you did a great job of providing example strategies for her to independently complete daily tasks. Specifically, I agree with you that if the wife encouraged her husband to get a job, he would have new responsibilities and be held accountable. Furthermore, if her husband had a job, this would limit the stress that the husband is creating in their relationship. Great blog post!
ReplyDeleteThis is such a creative way of incorporating all aspects of occupational therapy into one situation, Kylie! I think it’s definitely essential to evaluate how the loss of her fingers has impacted her life not just physically, but mentally, and probably spiritually, as well. I think many of therapeutic activities could focus on all of these areas at the same time!
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