Why is my aunt with dementia hiding buttons in the sugar bowl?

Aunt Mabel’s Button Bonanza: A Sweet Mystery Solved

Have you ever found buttons in your sugar bowl? If your aunt has dementia, this might not be as strange as it sounds. Let’s dive into why this peculiar behavior happens.

First off, hiding things is pretty common for folks with dementia. They might tuck away all sorts of items in unexpected places. It’s not because they’re trying to be sneaky or cause trouble. Their brain is just working differently now.

So why buttons in the sugar bowl? Well, to your aunt, it might make perfect sense. Maybe the buttons look like sugar cubes to her. Or perhaps she thinks she’s keeping them safe for later sewing projects. The sugar bowl might seem like a good hiding spot in her mind.

This behavior often comes from feeling confused or anxious. Hiding familiar objects can make people with dementia feel more in control of their surroundings. It’s like having a secret stash that only they know about.

Now, you might wonder if it’s okay to let her keep doing this. Generally, as long as it’s not dangerous (like hiding medication in odd places), it’s usually fine. Moving the buttons might just upset her more.

What can you do? First, don’t scold her. She’s not doing it on purpose. Instead, maybe set up a special “button box” where she can store her treasures safely. This gives her a designated spot for hiding things without messing up the kitchen.

Keep an eye out for other unusual hiding spots too. Check the fridge, under cushions, or in flower pots. You might find all sorts of surprises!

Remember, your aunt isn’t trying to be difficult. Her brain is just processing things differently now. With a little patience and understanding, you can turn this button mystery into a sweet moment of connection with your aunt.