We’ve all experienced that moment of utter panic when we cannot find our keys or wallet. It’s frustrating and disorienting. Now, picture this happening multiple times a day, accompanied by an overwhelming sense of confusion and fear. This scenario is a common part of life for those with dementia. To make things even more unsettling, a person with dementia may often be hiding the objects themselves, typically in places you are not likely to look.

Why would someone with dementia hide things? There are several key issues for this difficult dementia behavior that might be at play.

• Need for engagement: Rummaging and hiding is often a form 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 feeling of purpose and occupation. These activities can fill their time and trigger a feeling of accomplishment.
• Suspicion and paranoia: Dementia often brings about an increased feeling of paranoia and suspicion. The person may become suspicious of those around them, fearing that others might take their possessions. This heightened sense of mistrust can prompt them to hide their belongings in order to protect them.
• Memory loss and confusion: Hiding items can be a symptom of the confusion and memory loss that accompany dementia. As memory fades, an individual with dementia may no longer remember where they placed their belongings, leading them to hide items in what seems like a safe spot. This action can give them a sense of security and help decrease their anxiety about losing things.
• Loss of organizational skills: It might become challenging for someone with dementia to understand the purpose of everyday objects or recall where they should be. Hiding items can be a misdirected attempt at organization, one way to manage the daunting task of keeping an eye on their environment.

Understanding the causes of this difficult dementia behavior can help you address the situation with patience and empathy. Try these tips:

• Maintaining a routine: A predictable day to day routine can provide a feeling of security and lower anxiety. Regularly scheduled activities, meals, and rest times can help create a structured environment that feels safe and familiar.
• Creating a secure and structured environment: Ensure that their living area is organized and free of hazards. Consistency in the arrangement of furniture and personal items can decrease confusion and make it easier for them to find what they need.
• Providing engaging, meaningful activities: Keep their minds and hands busy with activities that are appropriate for their abilities and interests. Simple tasks like sorting, folding, or working with sensory objects can be both calming and fulfilling.
• Labeling common hiding spots: Clearly label storage areas, drawers, and cupboards. This can serve as a helpful reminder of where things belong and can decrease the possibility of items being hidden in unusual places.

We are also here to partner with you to alleviate the underlying cause behind hiding items as well as other challenging effects of dementia. Get in touch with us at 617-376-3711 to learn more about our highly creative and specialized in-home dementia care in Boston, North Shore, South Shore, and the surrounding areas in Eastern Massachusetts, with live-in care services available throughout New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, and Massachusetts.