Grandma’s Plastic Bag Furniture Cover Mystery
If you’ve noticed your grandmother with dementia covering all the furniture with plastic bags, you’re not alone. This behavior, while puzzling, is actually quite common among people with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease[1].
There are a few reasons why your grandmother might be doing this:
1. Protecting precious items: As dementia progresses, people often become more protective of their belongings. Your grandmother may be trying to keep her furniture clean and safe from what she perceives as potential damage[1].
2. Maintaining control: Dementia can make people feel like they’re losing control of their lives. Covering furniture might be your grandmother’s way of exerting control over her environment[1].
3. Reliving past habits: Many older adults remember a time when plastic covers on furniture were common to keep things clean. Your grandmother might be reverting to this familiar practice from her younger days[1].
4. Sensory issues: Some people with dementia become more sensitive to textures. The smooth feel of plastic might be comforting to your grandmother[2].
5. Confusion about the purpose of items: Dementia can cause people to misunderstand the function of objects. Your grandmother might think the plastic bags serve a specific purpose for the furniture[3].
It’s important to remember that while this behavior might seem odd to you, it makes sense to your grandmother. Try not to get frustrated or argue with her about it. Instead, ensure the plastic doesn’t create any safety hazards, like slipping risks[4].
If the behavior is causing problems, you could try gently redirecting her attention or providing her with other activities that give her a sense of purpose and control. Always approach the situation with patience and understanding[5].
Remember, your grandmother isn’t doing this to be difficult. It’s just one of the many ways dementia can affect a person’s behavior and perception of the world around them.
