Why is my mother with dementia constantly unrolling toilet paper?
If you’ve noticed your mother with dementia repeatedly unrolling toilet paper, you’re not alone. This behavior is actually quite common in people with dementia and can be frustrating for caregivers.
There are a few reasons why your mother might be doing this. First, people with dementia often engage in repetitive behaviors as a way to self-soothe or feel a sense of control. The act of unrolling toilet paper provides a simple, repetitive motion that may be calming for her.
Another possibility is that your mother is experiencing restlessness or boredom. Dementia can make it difficult for people to initiate activities on their own, so she may be drawn to the toilet paper as something to do with her hands.
Sometimes, this behavior can also be a sign of anxiety or agitation. Your mother might be feeling stressed or confused, and unrolling the toilet paper gives her something to focus on.
It’s important to remember that this behavior isn’t intentional or meant to cause trouble. Your mother likely doesn’t realize she’s doing anything wrong or wasteful.
So what can you do about it? Here are a few suggestions:
1. Try to redirect her attention to other activities she enjoys, like folding laundry or looking through photo albums.
2. Provide her with fidget toys or other objects she can manipulate safely.
3. Consider removing the toilet paper roll when it’s not needed and keeping it out of sight.
4. Ensure she’s getting enough physical activity and mental stimulation throughout the day to reduce restlessness.
5. Check if there are any underlying needs, like needing to use the bathroom, that might be triggering the behavior.
Remember, patience is key when dealing with dementia behaviors. If the unrolling continues to be a major issue, don’t hesitate to speak with her doctor or a dementia care specialist for more personalized advice.
