Does your mother, father, or loved one hoard things that have no value, such as old newspapers, empty bottles, and unused items? Perhaps they hide food and clothes in strange places, such as in the closet? Do they get very upset and angry when you try to get rid of these things? This is not really intentional. This is a behavior that can be associated with Alzheimer's disease. It can be a very difficult experience for you to witness, as well as for the person who does it. So let's talk about this in a little more detail .
Why do you collect and hide things like this?
There may be many reasons why someone with Alzheimer's disease behaves this way. Let's try to think from that person's perspective. Then it will be easier for us to understand them.
Understanding the reason behind this behavior is one of the best steps to help them.
See the table below for some of the main reasons that could affect this.
| Reason | Simply put... |
|---|---|
| Feeling safe | When they have their own things around them, they feel a sense of security and control. |
| Coping with memory loss | When memories fade, and they can't do the things they used to do, they collect things to fill the void. |
| Afraid of being stolen | Due to their medical condition, they may constantly be afraid or suspicious that someone will steal their things. Therefore, they hide things. |
| Worry about food | They may be afraid of running out of food to eat later. So they collect food and hide it. |
| Boredom | When there is nothing special to do, they may focus on collecting things. |
| Forgetting where things are | When they put something like a key or a mirror somewhere, they forget it. They get worried thinking they've lost it. |
| Exacerbation of an old habit | Perhaps the person has had a habit of collecting things since they were young, and with Alzheimer's disease, that habit can become uncontrollable. |
So, if they get upset when you try to get rid of this stuff, understand that there is a reason for it. Sometimes, if the behavior isn't causing too much harm, it's best to accept it.
When should we think seriously about this?
If the accumulation of these things threatens their safety or the safety of others in the house, we must definitely take action. Imagine, with things piled up all over the house, there is a high chance of a fire, a slip and fall. If that happens, it could be a big accident.
Be especially careful about the following situations:
| Risk situation | Description |
|---|---|
| Blockage of essential places | If areas like the bathroom, bed, and kitchen are so full of stuff that they are unusable. |
| Risk of falling | If the walkways and stairs inside the house are covered with objects and are in a way that could cause you to slip and fall. |
| Fire hazard | If flammable materials such as paper and cloth are piled up near gas stoves, stoves, radiators, or electrical appliances. |
| Having sharp things | If the items collected include items that could cause injury, such as knives, forks, or glass shards. |
| Spoiled food or garbage | If you keep spoiled food and piles of garbage hidden inside your home, these can spread diseases. |
| Too many animals to care for | If you have too many pets at home to properly care for and clean. |
First, remove the most dangerous things . Remove flammable items and sharp weapons first. Then clean walkways and stairs. Remove spoiled food and trash immediately. Also check to see if the smoke detectors in the house are working.
Practical ways to manage this situation
This is a very sensitive issue. It is very important to face this with patience and love.
How can we help them?
- Organize: Instead of putting things away, get large boxes (bins), put things in them, label them, and help organize them.
- Involve them too: If possible, let them choose what to delete and what to keep. Don't force them.
- Give a reason: They'll probably like it if you give them a good reason, like "Should we give these clothes to the temple?" or "Should we give these toys to an orphanage?"
- Reduce the amount: If you're collecting a lot of newspapers, ask, "Should we just keep today's newspapers and get rid of the old ones?"
- Clean when they're not around: If they're really fussy, clean around a bit when they're not home or when they're sleeping. But don't put away too many things at once, or they might notice.
What do you do to hide things?
- Find hiding places: Always be aware of hiding places. Check those places regularly.
- Lock up unnecessary places: Lock up unused places like cupboards and closets. This will reduce the number of places to hide.
- Check the trash can: Before emptying the trash can, take a look at it. There might be something important in there.
- Protect important things: Keep important documents like money, jewelry, and deeds in a safe place where they can't get their hands on them.
- Keep an extra set: Keep an extra set of things you often lose, like glasses, house keys, hearing aids, your phone, and the TV remote. That way, you won't have to worry about losing them.
If you're having a hard time managing this situation on your own, there's no need to be ashamed. Talk to your family doctor. A doctor who is experienced in mental health, especially in older adults, can help you and your loved one.
Take-Home Message
- Collecting and hiding these things is part of Alzheimer's disease. It's not something they do intentionally, so don't blame them.
- Try to understand the reason behind this behavior (fear, anxiety, boredom). Then it will be easier for you to help them.
- Prioritize their safety and that of their family above all else. Immediately remove fire and fall hazards.
- Be patient, kind, and loving. Forcing them can make the situation worse.
- If you find this difficult to control, or if you feel tired, definitely talk to your doctor and seek professional advice.
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