My mom has dementia and is in a nursing home. She takes small items that are not hers but are returned later during the week or same day, either by the nurses or myself during the weekend, if she is not agitated. How should a nursing home address this issue? I myself have learned the hard way to be patient and be understanding. Hopefully the Nursing home has better solutions and is understanding to this dementia problem.
As far as your mom taking things, you're doing what you can do by returning them when you find them.
I'm not sure what else could be done but I'm curious if there is a better idea out there.
DH will put anything in his pockets: pens, crayons, trash, bits of food, toys, phones, keys, notepads, medical records of other clients. His daycare does a pat down of the known ferrets whenever something goes missing or when they see someone slip something into a pocket or purse.
The staff are wonderful & never scold or make a scene. It is a phase that may or may not pass. I would take home anything that if lost could not be replaced. Otherwise you are doing the right thing returning items you find.
I also think this is a symptom of boredom, especially in the afternoons. Three women wander up and down the halls and see something interesting. One lady spent 10 minutes examining a box of rubber gloves by my Mum's door. When there is no activity to keep them occupied they find their own.
See All Answers