Grandpa’s Shoe-Ironing Adventure: Understanding Dementia Behaviors
Have you ever caught your grandfather with dementia trying to iron his shoes? It might seem strange, but there’s actually a reason behind this unusual behavior.
When someone has dementia, their brain doesn’t work quite the same way it used to. They might forget how to do everyday tasks or get confused about what things are for[1]. This can lead to some pretty odd situations, like trying to iron shoes instead of clothes.
For your grandpa, he might be mixing up memories or confusing objects. Maybe he remembers that shoes and irons are both used to make things look nice, so in his mind, it makes sense to put them together[3]. Or perhaps he’s trying to do a familiar task like ironing, but he’s forgotten exactly what goes on the ironing board.
Sometimes, people with dementia do things that seem out of character. They might act impulsively or do things without thinking them through[11]. So your grandpa might just see the iron and shoes and decide to combine them without really considering if it makes sense.
It’s also common for people with dementia to repeat actions or get stuck on certain ideas[3]. So if your grandpa tried ironing his shoes once, he might keep doing it because it feels familiar or comforting to him.
While it might be tempting to correct your grandpa or stop him from ironing his shoes, it’s often better to gently redirect him to a safer activity. You could maybe ask him to help you fold some clothes or do another simple task that he enjoys.
Remember, your grandpa isn’t trying to be difficult or silly. His brain is just working differently now, and sometimes that leads to unexpected behaviors. The most important thing is to keep him safe and make him feel loved and understood.
So next time you see grandpa heading for the ironing board with his loafers in hand, try not to worry too much. It’s just part of the journey with dementia, and with a little patience and understanding, you can help guide him through it.
