We have all experienced that moment of utter panic when we cannot find our keys or wallet. It is disorienting and frustrating. Now, picture this happening multiple times each day, accompanied by an overwhelming feeling of confusion and fear. This situation is a common part of life for individuals with dementia. To make things more unsettling, a person with dementia may often be hiding the objects themselves, commonly in places you are not likely to look.
Understanding why loved ones with dementia hide items begins with knowing the key issues that may be at play.
- Need for engagement: Rummaging and hiding can be a kind of engagement or activity for someone with dementia. As they lose the capacity to engage in more complex activities, these simpler actions can offer a sense of purpose and occupation. These activities can fill their time and trigger a feeling of accomplishment.
- Memory loss and confusion: Hiding items can be a manifestation of the confusion and loss of memory that accompany dementia. As memory fades, an individual with dementia may not be able to recall where they placed their belongings, leading them to hide items in what seems like a safe spot. This action can give them a feeling of security and help decrease their anxiety about losing things.
- Paranoia and suspicion: Dementia often triggers a heightened sense of paranoia and suspicion. The older adult may become suspicious of those around them, fearing that others might steal their belongings. This increased sense of mistrust can prompt them to hide their belongings in order to protect them.
- Reduced organizational skills: It might become challenging for someone with dementia to understand the purpose of everyday objects or recall where they belong. Hiding items can be a misdirected attempt at organization, a way to manage the daunting task of keeping tabs on their environment.
Understanding the reasons why loved ones with dementia hide items can help you handle the situation with empathy and patience. Try:
- Maintaining a routine: A predictable daily routine can provide a sense of security and reduce anxiety. Regularly scheduled meals, rest times, and activities can help create an organized environment that feels safe and familiar.
- Providing engaging, meaningful activities: Keep their minds and hands busy with activities that are suitable for their abilities and interests. Simple tasks like sorting, folding, or working with sensory objects can be both calming and fulfilling.
- Creating a secure and structured environment: Make sure that their living space is organized and free of hazards. Consistency in the arrangement of furniture and personal items can minimize confusion and make it easier for them to find the things they need.
- Labeling common hiding spots: Clearly label storage areas, drawers, and cupboards. This can act as a helpful reminder of where things belong and can lessen the odds of items being hidden in unusual places.
Superior Senior Home Care is also here to partner with you to alleviate the underlying cause behind hiding items and other challenging effects of dementia. Reach out to us online or call us at 805-737-4357 for more information on our highly creative and specialized in-home dementia care in Santa Maria, Lompoc, and Nipomo, as well as throughout San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties.