Grandma’s Secret Stash: Batteries in the Cracker Box
Have you ever caught your grandmother with dementia hiding batteries in a box of crackers? It might seem strange, but there’s actually a reason behind this puzzling behavior.
As dementia progresses, people often start doing things that don’t make sense to us. Hiding objects in unusual places is pretty common. Your grandma isn’t trying to be sneaky or cause trouble – her brain is just working differently now.
For someone with dementia, the world can feel confusing and scary sometimes. Hiding things might make your grandma feel more in control or give her a sense of security. Maybe she thinks the batteries are valuable and wants to keep them safe. Or perhaps she’s worried about running out of batteries and is stockpiling them “just in case.”
The cracker box probably seemed like a good hiding spot to her in the moment. People with dementia often put things in food containers or other household items. They might forget where they hid something later, leading to more confusion.
This hiding behavior can be frustrating for family members, especially when important items go missing. But try to be patient and understanding. Your grandma isn’t doing this on purpose to upset anyone.
To help manage the situation, you could:
1. Create a designated “treasure box” where she can safely store special items
2. Gently remind her where things belong when you see her hiding them
3. Keep spare batteries in an easy-to-find spot so she knows there are always extras
Remember, this behavior is just part of the dementia journey. Your grandma is still the same person inside, even if her actions seem odd sometimes. Treat her with kindness and respect, and cherish the good moments you have together.
