“The Fundamentals of
Caring”
While going through the choices on my last neuro note, I
wanted to do it on a diagnosis that is still relatively new to me, and at the
same time interesting. The Netflix original, “The Fundamentals of Caring” was
the perfect choice. In the movie, we are quickly introduced to a main
character who goes by Ben. We learn early on, that Ben is in training to be a
caregiver by going through a six-week course. Soon after Ben’s training, he is
given his first possible assignment, which is working with an 18-year-old boy
named Trevor who has been diagnosed with muscular dystrophy. During Ben’s interview,
him and Trevor find a connection through their sarcasm and sense of humor and
Ben is hired for the job. Ben decides to take Trevor on a week-long trip to see
some amazing sights and have the time of his life. Throughout their journey
together you learn that both Trevor and Ben have some deep issues that they
need resolved in their hearts. I think it’s a beautiful movie, because in
a way they both save each other and find purpose through their trials and hard
times. Two other characters, Dot and Peaches tag along for an unforgettable
adventure for all of the characters. Eventually Ben comes to peace with the
fact that he lost his son 3 years earlier, and actually begins writing a book
about Trevor. Trevor and Ben remain friends after Ben resigns from caregiving,
and Trevor continues to live a more purposeful life, with Ben likely becoming a
father figure in his life. (Trevor’s father left him and his mother when he was
3, because of the diagnosis)
One main reason I chose this movie was because I was
interested to see the relationship between Ben and Trevor, and as a male, I
thought maybe that I could relate in way to both of them on some level, but
mostly with Ben being a male caregiver. While reading about the description, I
sensed that both characters would be underdogs in some kind of manner. I love
when underdogs help pull each other out of hard times. I was also interested to
see how someone with muscular dystrophy functions on a daily basis.
As a future occupational therapist, I’m going to meet a lot of
Trevor’s in my career. It was so awesome to see that he just wanted to be
treated and talked to like a normal 18-year-old kid. Secondly, I love how
realistic this movie was in relation to caregiving. Sometimes you have to get
your hands dirty and wipe some bottoms. It seems like something gross and
unimportant, but in reality, it can be humbling for both people involved. This
movie also had an awesome scene in relation to universal design, and how as a
society we should really do our best to design all places with everyone in
mind. I would highly recommend this move
to all health care professionals and look forward to watching it again. Trust
me, you’ll get plenty of laughs and tears.
References
The Fundamentals of Caring (2016). (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2452386/
(Can be seen on Netflix)
(Can be seen on Netflix)
