Stinker

Yes, you all got it right. Kimmie was a little stinker her first week (3 days) at the new adult day program.

Let's see, in three days she threw her lunch, threw her snack, threw her glasses, threw her shoes, and threw a VHS movie--breaking it.

However, there was a lot going on that first week. One, new place, new people. Two, the worker who knows sign language was on vacation. And, three, they were boxing up all the movies, books, games, puzzles and activities to move the group to a larger location in another building. I think that was pretty disturbing to Kimmie the first day, seeing everything she wanted to play with disappearing.

Of course, Kimmie's always a little bit of a stinker. That's just Kimmie. I've been trying to drop little comments like, "Kimmie has to have at least one outburst a day," to help them understand that this is Kimmie and what a day with her includes.

This week the workers have been perkier when talking to me. I think they are getting used to her and figuring out ways of doing things that will minimize Kimmie's frustration. She does like to have everything done HER WAY.

So maybe Mom can start relaxing and heave a sign of relief. I think they're going to keep her.

--Mom

School's Out . . .

Ever since I went back to work in 2000, school being out has been problematic. Who will look after Kimmie?

Leaving her with strangers, wondering if they will take her to the restroom, if they will make sure she eats, if they will keep her safe, if they will be nice to her, is extremely difficult. And on the other side is the concern about Kimmie. Will she be good, will she cooperate, or will she cause problems. I don't want her to make life difficult for the people around her.

We were able to keep her in school age (elementary age) programs until she was about 16, at which time she was "kicked out" for being too old. We have been fortunate to have Kimmie's brother, sister and grandparents to help out when we cannot find other care options, but they won't always be there to fall back on.

So, right now we are trying our second adult day program. (The first one we tried two summers ago. After 3 days they told us not to bring her back. They didn't have enough staff to adequately take care of her.) The verdict is still out on whether this second place will be a good spot for Kimmie. And, unfortunately, Kimmie is the one causing the problems.

--Mom