Mimi & Dona

Sophie Sartain's PBS-aired Independent Lens documentary looks at elder care from one family's perspective. Sartain's 64-year-old aunt, Dona, who has an intellectual disability, lives with her 92-year-old mother, Mimi. Sartain, who resides in Los Angeles, suspects that Dona might also have undiagnosed autism. Sartain also believes that her son could be on the autism spectrum (a suspicion that is confirmed during the film). Although Mimi is doing well, the family worries about what will happen to Dona after Mimi passes away. Sophie's brother, Bo, is concerned that Dona has never learned to do anything for herself, because Mimi has always seen to every detail. Bo also worries about the potentially long wait lists for care facilities that Mimi initially disdains but reconsiders once Dona's condition worsens. The family chooses the Denton State School, which admits residents with IQs of 72 or less, and they help Dona to prepare for the move, but question whether she understands what's going on (after they get Dona settled in, she tries to leave with them). Once back home, Mimi has regrets, but visits regularly. At first the women make adjustments, but then Dona's health deteriorates further, and doctors diagnose her with Alzheimer's. After Mimi breaks her hip, she also moves to a residential facility, and the rest of the film tracks the family's involvement in their care. This is an undeniably sad film, but it would be considerably more so if Mimi and Dona didn't have such a caring support system. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (K. Fennessy)