Grandpa’s Fear of Water and Mopping Obsession: Understanding Dementia Behaviors
Dementia can cause strange and confusing behaviors in our loved ones. If your grandfather is afraid of water but keeps trying to mop the floor, you’re not alone in feeling puzzled. Let’s break down what might be going on.
First, it’s important to know that dementia affects the brain in ways that can alter perceptions and behaviors. Your grandpa’s fear of water could stem from a few different causes. Maybe he had a bad experience with water in the past that he’s reliving. Or perhaps the reflection in water is disorienting to him now. Some people with dementia develop a fear of bathing because they don’t understand what’s happening or feel vulnerable.
At the same time, the urge to mop might be coming from a different place entirely. Many people with dementia try to keep busy with familiar tasks. Mopping could be something your grandpa did regularly in the past, so his brain is telling him to do it now. It might make him feel useful and give him a sense of purpose.
The tricky part is that these two behaviors seem to contradict each other. But in your grandpa’s mind, they might not be connected at all. He might not realize that mopping involves water, or he might be okay with water on the floor but not on his body.
So what can you do? Try to make your grandpa feel safe and comfortable. If he wants to mop, you could give him a dry mop or cloth to use. This lets him go through the motions without actual water. For his fear of water, be patient and gentle. Don’t force him into situations involving water, but try to make necessary tasks like bathing as stress-free as possible.
Remember, these behaviors aren’t your grandpa being difficult on purpose. His brain is changing, and he’s doing his best to make sense of the world around him. With patience and understanding, you can help him feel more secure and find ways to keep him engaged safely.
