My mother in law is in a nursing home now for 2 weeks. She has dementia and is in long term care. Every night she takes off her clothes and throws them out. We've talked to the staff about this three times but nothing has changed. We can't afford to keep buying clothes. What can we do?
Aren't they finding Mom with no clothes on? Or does she change. Maybe putting a clothes basket where the trash basket is. My Mom would go thru her closet and throw clean clothes in the laundry basket. At both AL and NH I would put Moms clothes together on a hanger. Pants, top eventually her bra. I found aides just grab clothes. They don't make sure they match. I started putting things together when I found her all mismatched. My daughter said Mom had no idea what she had on. I said exactly, her mind may be gone but she is going to look nice. I am OCD this way.
There actually was no place for my mom to put her dirty laundry until I brought her a laundry basket. She understood that’s where her dirty laundry went.
I was always amused when going to visit visit her by seeing whose clothes she was wearing and who was wearing her clothes. Some people would be upset by that, but when I came in once and she was wearing jeans with rhinestone designs on the back pockets I giggled all day.
Most seniors grew up with clothes hampers - I went back to using one when I found my nighties in the livingroom if I had to leave the house for a spell - my new pet was pulling them out there to sleep on if I had to leave the house. He had "separation anxiety" I was told when I adopted him. Now I just make sure I leave something he can drag to the livingroom if I must go out for an hour.
Anyway, get a clothes hamper for her to use and just place it where the current garbage can is. If the NH throws them out - make them replace them. They might even have or suggest what to use as the hamper. Mine is sort of a netting that folds up if I don't need it. Unobtrusive and no odors.
Someone from housekeeping empties the trash every day. Go to the housekeeping department and ask them to please, please take any clothing out of Mom’s trash and set it aside.
Alternately, buy her a large trash can (kitchen size) with a swinging lid for her room. Tell her this is for her clothes.
We need more information about the situation, please.
Also, can you check if the clothing she is tossing out is soiled?
Some elderly people are embarrassed that they can not hold their bowels as well as when young, so they toss their soiled cloths or hide them.