An aging family member who has dementia can say some pretty awful things to you sometimes, including accusing her of stealing her things. In reality, her favorite sweater might just be in the washer, but that explanation might not be enough.

Don’t Be Offended or Try to Argue

This can be difficult, but remember that your elderly family member isn’t experiencing the world in the same way that she has before. Do your best to avoid taking these accusations personally. In another time, your aging adult would know what happened. But as it stands now, this is the only explanation that her brain is offering her.

Offer to Help Her Look for the Missing Item

Express a genuine desire to help your senior find the item that she’s missing. If this has happened a few times already, you might have a good idea where the item is hiding out. On the other hand, your senior could have a habit of tucking items in unusual places, rendering this much more difficult.

Give Your Aging Adult a Simple Explanation

Keeping your explanations as simple as possible can be key when you’re dealing with these kinds of accusations. Also, avoid explaining to your aging family member that she’s just not remembering where she left the item in question. This is simply going to increase her agitation.

Stock up on Frequently Misplaced Items

Many times, your elderly family member might misplace the same item over and over again. If possible, try to obtain multiples of the same item. This can especially be helpful when you aren’t sure where your aging adult left the item that she’s missing. You can offer a replacement and continue to look for the original.

Learn from Other Caregivers

This situation is much more common than you might think, especially if you’re fairly isolated as a caregiver. Talking with other caregivers can help you to learn other techniques and tips that can help you and your aging adult. Support groups are one of the best places to meet other caregivers just like you.

You might also hear your elderly family member telling you that other people have stolen her items. Avoid discounting her, but use some of these same techniques to help her move on.

If You Or An Aging Loved One Are Considering Hiring Professional Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care in Boynton Beach, FL, Please Contact The Caring Staff at Assisting Hands Home Care at (561) 566-5989 Today.