Grandpa’s Paper-Folding Habit: A Window into His World
If you’ve noticed your grandfather with dementia folding pieces of paper into tiny squares, you’re not alone. This behavior is actually quite common among people living with dementia, and it can tell us a lot about what’s going on in their minds.
First off, don’t worry – this paper-folding isn’t harmful. In fact, it might be helping your grandpa in several ways. Let’s break it down:
Comfort and familiarity: For your grandfather, folding paper might feel like a familiar task from his past. Maybe he used to work with his hands or enjoyed origami. Even if he can’t remember why he’s doing it, the act itself can be soothing.
Sense of purpose: Dementia can make people feel lost or useless. By folding paper, your grandpa might feel like he’s accomplishing something, giving him a sense of purpose and pride.
Stress relief: The repetitive motion of folding can be calming, helping to reduce anxiety or agitation that often comes with dementia.
Sensory stimulation: Touching and manipulating the paper provides tactile stimulation, which can be important for people with dementia who might not get enough sensory input in their daily lives.
Focus and concentration: While it might seem simple to us, for someone with dementia, focusing on folding paper can be a good mental exercise, helping to maintain some cognitive function.
Control: As dementia progresses, people often feel like they’re losing control over their lives. Folding paper is something your grandpa can control, which can be comforting.
So, what should you do about this paper-folding habit? Here are some tips:
1. Don’t stop him: As long as it’s not causing any harm, let him continue.
2. Provide materials: Keep a stack of colorful paper nearby for him to use.
3. Join in: Try folding paper with him. It could be a nice way to spend time together.
4. Use it as a conversation starter: Ask him about what he’s making or if he remembers doing similar activities in the past.
5. Look for other similar activities: If he enjoys folding paper, he might also like other hands-on activities like sorting buttons or stacking blocks.
Remember, this behavior is your grandfather’s way of coping with his condition and finding comfort in a world that might seem confusing to him. By understanding and supporting this habit, you’re helping him maintain a bit of independence and joy in his daily life.
