Mom is hiding things.

Part of the disease of dementia can make a person rummage around in drawers or search through boxes, closets, or the refrigerator. They may even begin to hide things. If you see this behavior, please remember how the pLwd grew up. If they were poor, they may have been taught to save or reuse many items we now consider disposable. If they were responsible for keeping the house clean this may be their way of “cleaning”, putting things away. 
Sometimes, they may be looking for an object that they can picture in their mind, but they can’t tell you what the item is. In this case, see if you can change the scene by going into another room of the house to “look for it.” 

• When in the other room, start a different conversation by pointing out something in the room that would interest them.

• Ask if they are hungry or bored. Could they just be restless? 

• Is the environment soothing or loud? Is there a change you could make?

• Offer a puzzle or activity that requires them to be “hands-on”. Could they help you with some housework like dusting?

      Important precautions to take: 

• Lock up dangerous and toxic products or place them out of sight and reach;

• make sure food isn’t spoiled that is in the refrigerator (a pLwd may not be able to tell if it is “fresh” or “spoiled”)

• put important items and papers away and out of reach

• Keep the trash can in a cupboard or area where it can’t be seen; people with dementia may rummage if they’ve forgotten what it is for

• Create a “special” dresser or drawer for the person living with brain change and change the items in the drawer to keep it interesting.

• Be sure to check all trash cans before taking the bag out; sometimes, items may be discarded by accident.

What I learned: Most of our Older population, whether they are Living with brain change or not, suffer from Boredom, Loneliness, and Feeling Useless. Inviting your loved one to help you with even the smallest task could mean a great deal to them. Help them to feel useful by asking if they can stir the lemonade, dust a room, or even play with the kids while you make dinner. It’s okay to tell them you “forgot” how to do something they’ve shown you a million times, let them show you again, and let them complain about having to show you (if it’s in a joking way). You do not have to endure someone being unkind; simply try another way if the language becomes aggressive or mean