[Magdalen] Camille's Dementia

[Marion Thompson]

Is there not some sort of day care centre available that is aware of, 
and can deal with, the physicality of the guests with dementia? It 
doesn't seem quite right that Camille should just have to stay home at 
this stage and be deprived of the benefits of interaction.

Marion, a pilgrim

On 11/2/2015 5:25 PM, Allan Carr wrote:
> Camille attends a day care center where she's much appreciated by the staff
> because she's lively, fun, and adds a lot to the group. However, she's also
> playfully physical and can, playfully, show a fist or even, playfully, slap
> someone on the head or rear.
>
> Some people are objecting to this, which I understand because I'm
> uncomfortable when Camille directs it to me. Things came to a head when one
> participant reported to her daughter that Camille punched her and the
> daughter complained to the center. The class supervisor emphatically told
> me, when I inquired, that this punch was not meant in earnest, but I'm
> bothered that it happened.
>
> After a discussion with the group leader, i was surprised that Camille was
> still welcome. She went today, but now I'm wondering about personal
> liability. I could, i suppose, limit the day care class to just mornings
> and send our caregiver to sort of guard her, but I'm not sure that would be
> effective. I also would miss having my breakfast and lunch prepared for me
> at home.
>
> But at home, she just sits in her easy chair with our toy poodle Joey in
> her lap watching TV. I'm sure the center and all her interaction is really
> good for her but i think it may be time to end her participation.
>
> She does go to a gym three days a week for an elders gym class which she
> enjoys. I probably ought to look for other classes like that for her with
> limited interaction with others.
>
> Too bad, but there it is.
>