33

"The emergence of palliative care—defined as “active care delivered as part of a global approach to a person suffering from a serious, progressive, or terminal illness” (SFAP 1996)—has allowed support work to find its rightful place within practices of care. The physical, psychic, moral, social, and spiritual dimensions of support are discussed here, in connection with the cultural context of the person under care. The concept of “taking care” is then developed, finding a place within an increasingly technical world. Ethics has established roots in the medical world, in order to preserve human beings from the sometimes harmful consequences of science. A sense of responsibility which is not just juridical but also moral is recalled, as well as the importance of responsibility as a basic attitude of care. Currently, the concept of solicitude as a mode of relation has provoked interest and enthusiasm; this ought to be taken further, so that its impact on the world of care can be understood. This discussion takes homecare as its specific context."