Does Later Stages Pf Alzheimers Cause A Loved One To Start Stealing?
Does Later Stages Pf Alzheimers Cause A Loved One To Start Stealing?
My mother moved in with our family a couple months ago. I’ve been noticing that mom has been taking things and placing or even hiding things in her room. The first items were a bottle of Tide, Downy, Tide Pods and a few other items. She had placed them in one of those large gift bags. I was shocked to be honest. I was not sure how to respond so i simply said. “Oh mom, we need these things to do our laundy. If you need things, i would be happy to… read more
Hoarding was an early symptom with my wife..even though we’ve gotten past that now, I’m still finding objects in odd places she placed them in quite a while back. DON’T point it out to her, and if all possible, try retrieving the objects without her noticing. Part of the issue I had with my wife was she would get extremely upset if I started clearing the messes she was making in her presence...but didn’t notice anything had been changed if she didn’t see me moving stuff.
What your mom is doing is not exactly stealing - that would require intent and it is not really possible. The things she is taking - makeup, things to do laundry - are likely things she thinks she needs, but doesn’t know why. So much feels uncertain for our loved ones that hiding things away is an attempt to feel control. Confronting her is unlikely to result in any change in her behavior or anything other than hurt feelings. It is a phase, it will pass. Get a second set of keys or put your purse in a cabinet so you aways know where the essentials are. Sending hugs and support!❤️
Daniel, my mom
Hoards stuff also. We have slowly taking pick up truck loads to dump and donation since moving in with her. We got her room mostly under control. She likes a big pile of stuff by her bed. We go through it when she is outside sitting. She likes to hide ranch dressing, cheese, silverware, dishes and anything she finds elsewhere and puts it in ziplock bags. Everything goes I. Zip lock bags.. lol it’s like a game to see what we find in there day to day..
I think she doesn't realize what she is doing. In assisted living facilities patients take things all the time. I feel like this is part of the disease.
