My mother-in-law thinks everyone is stealing from her

ChrisBwell

She is convinced there is a black market for her depends, toothpaste, clothes etc. and they are being stolen. She was living in a facility at the time so who knows. She has lived with us for a week and “things are missing “. We are new to caregiving in this capacity and are not sure how to handle it.

Tfreedz

When my mom lived with us her things were always”missing” sometimes right in front of her. I didn’t want to make her feel bad so I would say,”Oh no! Let me help you look around for...” After a short time I knew where she usually put things and would be able to easily find them for her. It was usually several times a day and was tiresome but you get used to it eventually.

SusanB-dil

Hi ChrisB - welcome to 'here'...

totally agree with Tfreedz - use fiblets.  and you will most likely learn to do so often, not only for "stolen" items, but for other things as well.  For a PWD to think things are stolen is not uncommon.  You can offer to help look, or see if a distraction works...

Iris L.

Welcome Chris.  PWDs (persons with dementia) quickly forget where they put things and their vision becomes so distorted that they often don't "see" things right in front of them.  This is the disease.  Put away important papers and things you don't want to disappear permanently.   

Iris