Why is Dad Tearing Labels Off Food Containers?
If you’ve noticed your father with dementia removing labels from food containers, you’re not alone. This behavior is actually quite common in people with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
There are a few reasons why your dad might be doing this:
Confusion and Frustration: As dementia progresses, it becomes harder to read and understand labels. Your father may be tearing them off out of frustration when he can’t make sense of the words or pictures.
Sensory Stimulation: The act of peeling off labels can be satisfying and provide a form of sensory stimulation. It gives your dad something to do with his hands, which can be comforting.
Desire for Control: Dementia can make a person feel like they’re losing control of their life. Removing labels might be your father’s way of exerting some control over his environment.
Mistaken Purpose: Your dad might think he’s helping by “cleaning” the containers. He may not realize the labels serve an important purpose.
Past Habits: If your father used to remove labels before recycling containers, this could be an old habit resurfacing.
What Can You Do?
While this behavior isn’t harmful, it can be inconvenient. Here are some tips to manage it:
Use a marker to write the contents directly on containers.
Store important items out of reach.
Provide safe alternatives for peeling and tearing, like old magazines or junk mail.
Keep your dad engaged with other activities to redirect his focus.
Remember, this behavior isn’t intentional. Your father isn’t trying to cause problems. It’s just one of the many ways dementia can affect a person’s actions. Stay patient and try to find ways to work around it. If you’re ever concerned, don’t hesitate to talk to your dad’s doctor about his symptoms and behaviors.
