Grandma’s Toilet Paper Habit: What’s Going On?
If you’ve noticed your grandmother with dementia stuffing toilet paper into her purse, you’re not alone. This behavior is actually quite common in people with dementia and has a name: pica[9]. Pica is when someone eats or collects things that aren’t food.
So why is Grandma doing this? Well, dementia affects the brain in ways that can change a person’s behavior[1]. Your grandmother might not realize what she’s doing, or she might think she needs the toilet paper for later. Sometimes, people with dementia forget they’ve already collected something, so they keep doing it over and over[3].
Another reason could be that your grandmother is trying to feel safe and in control[5]. Dementia can be scary and confusing, so holding onto familiar objects like toilet paper might make her feel better. It’s like how some kids carry around a favorite toy for comfort.
It’s also possible that your grandmother is reliving memories from her past[1]. Maybe she grew up during a time when toilet paper was scarce, so she’s acting on an old habit of saving it.
What can you do about it? First, don’t get angry or upset with her. Remember, she’s not doing this on purpose to annoy anyone. Instead, try to figure out if there’s a pattern to when she does it. Does it happen more when she’s anxious or bored?
You could try giving her something else to hold onto, like a small stuffed animal or a soft cloth[5]. This might satisfy her need to have something in her hands. Or, you could involve her in simple activities that keep her hands busy, like folding towels or sorting buttons.
If you’re worried, it’s always a good idea to talk to her doctor. They might have more specific advice or want to check if there are any other issues going on.
Remember, your grandmother isn’t being difficult on purpose. Her brain is changing, and sometimes that leads to unusual behaviors. The most important thing is to keep her safe and comfortable, and to show her lots of love and patience.
