Ian Thompson
Ian is a man that we welcomed to our community thirteen years ago at the age of sixty two. He had lived many years in institutions. He discovered a whole new freedom with us. He was able to go out on his own to work and to places like Harbor Front.
About four years ago he and others became aware of some significant changes. He started to have anxiety attacks that were difficult for everyone, was unable to focus so could not participate in his program’s which he had previously enjoyed. He was unable to sleep most nights and quite noisy. He felt badly but was very clear that he could not control himself. It became very disruptive for the people in the home and for Ian.
We were not quite sure what was happening so Ian went for an assessment and it was recognized that he had a form of dementia. We were very sad but realized that we could not provide the structure that Ian needed. The physical set up of the home was also not conducive to supporting Ian.
We began the search for a long term care facility and were able to find a new home for Ian. It seems to suit him just fine. The structure that is there helps him. There are not the interpersonal demands that he experienced in our community. We also made sure that Ian had chosen an attorney for personal care before he was unable to do so.
Someone from the community visits him almost daily. He is invited to the community home he lived in before he moved and to community events as appropriate. He, the community and Kensington Gardens where he now lives have been able to work together to insure that Ian maintains as high quality of life as possible. I think in some way it has given security to others in the community that we are committed to them. We will try to do what we can to support them to live in the community as long as it is good for all involved. If that doesn’t work that we will remain friends with them to the end of their live if that is what they want.
It has been wonderful for us and most likely for Ian that we have been able to maintain our relationship with Ian. We are friends and advocates now instead of care providers.