Have you ever wondered about your own memory when you can’t find the vase that always sits on the living room end table, only to discover it stashed under the bed of your aging loved one? Or do you get woken up at night as they rummage through the kitchen junk drawer? These behaviors are common in individuals with Alzheimer’s disease, and they highlight the unique challenges of Alzheimer’s home care, including managing tendencies like rummaging and hiding objects around the house.
Why Your Loved One Might Be Rummaging or Hiding Objects
First, your loved one may truly be looking for something, but due to Alzheimer’s disease, she may no longer remember where she placed it and might search in places that seem illogical to you. She may even look for items she hasn’t had in decades because she’s no longer aware of the current date.
Alzheimer’s home care providers find that boredom is another common cause of rummaging. She might be looking for something specific or simply enjoys the process of going through objects. While this is harmless when she’s exploring a child’s toy box, it can become dangerous if she’s rummaging through a silverware drawer or trash can, where sharp or hazardous items could hurt her.
Sometimes, hiding objects may stem from a fear of losing something or from delusions and paranoia, such as believing someone is stealing from her. With Alzheimer’s home care services, it’s essential to create a safe environment and address these behaviors with patience and understanding.
Tips for Managing Rummaging and Hiding Behaviors
First, always remember to stop, ask, and determine if your loved one truly needs help finding something. She might want to wear her favorite necklace but has forgotten where it is, or she might be hungry and looking for a snack.
When providing Alzheimer’s home care services, safety is a top priority. Take steps to protect your loved one from rummaging through unsafe areas. Consider placing locks on drawers and cabinets, hiding the garbage can, and securing the medicine cabinet. Toxic cleaning supplies should also be locked away, and don’t forget to monitor expired food in the fridge. Dispose of leftovers and any items nearing their expiration date promptly.
Create a safe rummaging space if your loved one seems to sort through items for entertainment. A dedicated box of safe materials can help satisfy this urge. Additionally, always keep essential items like keys, wallets, or purses out of reach to avoid them being misplaced or hidden, saving you from unnecessary stress later.
Providing Alzheimer’s home care services requires careful planning to ensure safety and comfort while meeting your loved one’s needs.
Preventing Rummaging Behaviors Before They Begin
Sometimes, a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease starts to hide things or look for random objects because she is bored. Alleviating that boredom can help manage the disease.
An Alzheimer’s home care provider can help reduce occurrences of this behavior by creating a daily stimulus event with their visit. Having someone come over and help with Alzheimer’s home care by playing games with your loved one or taking her for a daily walk may be just what your loved one needs to keep her from getting bored and resorting to these behaviors to alleviate boredom.
Talk to your Alzheimer’s home care provider about what activities she can help with to provide the stimulation your loved one needs each day.
If you or an aging loved one is considering Alzheimer’s Home Care in Cheshire, CT, please contact the caring staff at Talem Home Care & Placement Services of New Haven, CT, today. Call (203) 538-6273
At Talem Home Care & Placement Services of Fort Hartford CT, we provide passionate, understanding, and flexible caregivers in New Haven, Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Bethany, Cheshire, Derby, Milford, Naugatuck, Orange, Prospect, Seymour, Shelton, Stratford, Trumbull, West Haven, Woodbridge, and Woodmont and surrounding areas in Connecticut.
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