Your father with dementia putting forks in his shoes might seem strange, but there are a few reasons why this could be happening.
First, dementia affects the brain and can cause confusion. Your dad might think the forks belong in his shoes, even though that doesn’t make sense to us. His brain is having trouble understanding where things should go.
Sometimes, people with dementia do unusual things because they’re trying to solve a problem we can’t see. Maybe your dad’s feet are uncomfortable, and he thinks the forks will help somehow. Or he could be trying to keep his shoes in place, and the forks are his solution.
It’s also possible that your father is reliving a memory or experience from his past. Perhaps there was a time when putting something in his shoes was important, and his mind is connecting that memory to forks now.
Dementia can also cause changes in how people perceive their environment. Your dad might see his shoes differently than we do, or he might not recognize them as shoes at all.
This behavior could also be a way for your father to feel in control. As dementia progresses, people often feel like they’re losing control of their lives. Doing something like putting forks in shoes might give him a sense of purpose or accomplishment.
It’s important to remember that this behavior, while odd to us, isn’t harmful. Try not to get upset or argue with your dad about it. Instead, gently redirect him or offer a different activity to keep his hands busy.
If you’re worried about safety, you can remove the forks when he’s not looking and keep an eye out to make sure he’s not using anything sharp or dangerous.
Lastly, it’s a good idea to mention this behavior to your dad’s doctor. They might have more insights or suggestions on how to handle it. Remember, your father isn’t doing this on purpose to upset anyone. It’s just part of how dementia affects his brain[1][3].
