The Laguna Woods Sounds of Silence, Civility and Psychosis

Posted by CotoBlogzz  January 18, 2011

Laguna Woods Village, CA –  It is interesting how common interest development communities such as Laguna Woods, continue to be a microcosm of what goes on at the national level:  Consider that after the Golden Rain Foundation presented a Shut Up Rule (click here for copy) which in essence stifles public discourse, the topic changed to civility:

During a successful candidates' meeting in August 26, 2010, the self-referenced  Take Back the Village Slate:  Rae Tso, Sy Wellikson, Denise Welch and Isabell Muennichow, the slate promised unity, civility and cordial and respectful relationship with property management company PCM, while uncivilly calling outgoing director Stan Feldstein  “.. a little man playing God ….Director Feldstein monopolizes meetings with his acolyte  right next to him and …Director Feldstein is a fool, pure and simple"

Now, the topic in the community changes again.  This time is  psychosis. 

The United Mutual board wants to put a stop to residents’ hoarding.  Now, we wanted report on the subject for the last few days, but had been suffering from writer's block, until we read a letter to the editor suggesting “..that the community needs to concentrate more on the residents who are losing their memories.  Many are into Dementia or Alzheimer’s and yet their families seem to look the other way.  Would it be a possibility they forget they turned on their stove?  Some even are still driving (scary thought).” 

Is it possible that our perceived writer’s block is not writer’s block?  Psss! Whatever the case might be, do not tell my HOA!

After all, consider that the Mayo Clinic’s  Dr. Hall-Flavin,  when asked to differentiate hoarders from non-hoarders  suggests that only qualified health professioanls may be able to do so: “hoarding, also called compulsive hoarding and compulsive hoarding syndrome, can be a symptom of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). But many people who hoard don't have other OCD-related symptoms, and researchers are working to better understand hoarding as a distinct mental health problem.  People who hoard often don't see it as a problem, making treatment challenging. But intensive treatment can help people who hoard understand their compulsions and live a safer, more enjoyable life.”

Is it also possible that the United board is focusing on the right priorities?  After all, if the board can successfully implement regulations to deal with one mental health disorder, will it not be also able to deal with other disorders, such as dementia and or Alzheimer’s?

In any case, dealing with Shut Up Rules, Civility and Psychosis may be easier and more glamorous than what statue requires:  replace, repair and maintain.