Something Should be Done About Grandma Ruthie
By Cary Stauffacher Okoro
Molten Blue Pictures
A moving and unsettling portrait of the filmmaker’s family as they struggle to deal with her 85-year-old grandmother’s deteriorating mental condition due to Alzheimer’s disease. Though still physically healthy, Ruth Hammer no longer can be relied on to bathe and feed herself, or even to remember where and with whom she is. Her children live out of town, and a series of compassionate caregivers find themselves unable to deal with her growing disorientation. Yet Ruthie refuses to leave her long time home, and the family must confront the necessity of medicating her against her will and, eventually, of forcibly moving her to a long-term care facility. This program explores the wrenching impact of loss of autonomy, and the unresolved complications that are created for a family trying to care for a loved one who may resist and resent their caring.
54 minutes
© 1993
Purchase $149 DVD
http://www.fanlight.com/catalog/films/122_ssbdagr.php
Reviews
“A full, balanced view of caregiving, of great use in discussions for caregivers and professionals.” The Gerontologist
Awards & Conference Screenings
Margaret Mead Film Festival
American Psychiatric Association
The Harmony of Opposites 
Hey Cary,
Going thru some of that now with both my grandmothers (especially Nina, 89, but Marion, 96 also) Nina is in assisted living in Indy, near my aunt and her condition and ability to care for herself greatly deteriorated after a hip replacement surgery this January; adding immobility to the other dementia and personal care issues. Marion is in assisted living in Twinsburg, but otherwise fully functioning; just confused sometimes and more emotional now; ie. angry and mistrusting.
Love to see your film sometime (and YOU too!)
-K
Oh Kris,
I’m so sorry to hear about your grandmothers. It is so hard to watch loved ones go thru this. I’ll send you an email with some resources, OK?
Take care,
xoxo,
Cary