Grandma’s Paper-Stuffing Habit: What’s Going On?
If you’ve noticed your grandmother with dementia putting bits of paper in her pockets, you’re not alone. This behavior is pretty common in people with dementia, and there are a few reasons why it happens.
First off, your grandma might be trying to hold onto memories. As dementia progresses, people often feel like they’re losing control of their world. Keeping little scraps of paper can be a way of hanging onto bits of information or memories that feel important, even if they don’t make sense to anyone else.
Sometimes, it’s about feeling useful. Your grandma might think she’s tidying up by putting papers in her pockets. She could be trying to organize things in her own way, giving herself a sense of purpose.
It could also be a comfort thing. The act of collecting and holding onto items can be soothing for someone who’s feeling confused or anxious. It’s like having a security blanket, but with paper.
In some cases, this behavior might stem from past experiences. If your grandma used to have a job where she handled a lot of papers, or if she was always the one in charge of household paperwork, this could be her way of connecting to that part of her identity.
What should you do about it? Well, as long as she’s not eating the paper or stuffing so much that it’s causing problems, it’s usually harmless. You could try giving her a small notebook or a special bag to keep her papers in, which might make her feel more organized.
The main thing is to be patient and understanding. This paper-collecting habit is your grandma’s way of coping with a confusing world. It’s not hurting anyone, and it might be bringing her some comfort. So unless it’s causing real problems, it’s often best to just let her be.
Remember, your grandma is still in there, even if dementia is changing how she acts. Showing her love and respect, quirky habits and all, is the best thing you can do.
