CRAZY OR SENILE

Ethel and Rose are both in a panic. They are convinced someone has broke into their apartments. Ethel believes it has happened twice. People are calling them crazy or senile.
That makes them angry. My question of the day is: Who is the best just of whether you are crazy or senile? Is it you or those close around you?

We have a new front entry lock system. It opens both front doors with a single key. The doors remain open 30 seconds after you turn the key. Until you stand around and time 30 seconds, it seems short, but most agree the doors remain open longer than necessary. Many complain that someone could come in after them. I suppose it’s possible. I do wonder what kind of idiot burglar would waste their time breaking into a building with people wandering around the halls, and why would they choose a government financially assisted living facility to rob when there are dozens of better places nearby? And why choose Ethel twice?

Ethel’s apartment is not the easiest to reach. She is in the middle of the hallway. Why not choose an apartment on the end – near the stairs. I know there are stupid criminals, but twice in the same apartment just days apart and not entering any others? Doesn’t make sense. Besides, how much valuable jewelry and silver does she have? Possible, but not plausible!

Rose on the other had, is still convinced someone broke into her apartment and messed around with her computer changing setting and moving things. Now why on earth would anyone do that? There are not more than two people in our entire complex that may know enough about computers to do what she says they did. Wrong generation. Not plausible. She is convinced they have it out for her and are trying to mess with her head. Now that is plausible.

I mentioned a few questions to help her see other possibilities. 1) Is she on line? Yes. 2) Does her computer have a virus? I don’t know. 3) Do family or friends have access to her apartment? No, the door is always locked. She absolutely cannot accept the possibility that her computer has a virus or a hacker got into her computer. So I guess, the only other option is a break-in.

Both women are loud and terrified and spreading panic throughout The Home. At least things are exciting. They are angry at the administration and demanding that they beef up our security. They are annoyed the administration did not do something and simply told them to call the police. They want cameras installed at all doorways, common areas and hallways. It will never happen. Ethel plans to install a nanny cam pointed at her door. Great idea. She might catch herself breaking in. Rose believes someone can get in her apartment from the ground despite no evidence even hinting at the possibility. When the police came yesterday the dirt on her windowsill was undisturbed.

Back to my original question: Who is the best just of whether you are crazy or senile? Do you know if you are going crazy? Do you know when is senility is setting in? Can you be paranoid without knowing for sure you are being followed or that everyone is out to get you? YES!

I know — I should have written something about last nights election, but the wrong people got elected. So not make any sudden judgment about my political believes as I would have said that about anyone who got elected. I wanted to check off “none of the above.”