Why is my mother with dementia putting rice into her shoes?
If you’ve noticed your mother with dementia putting rice into her shoes, you’re not alone. This behavior, while unusual, is actually quite common in people with dementia. It’s part of a condition called pica, where someone eats or tries to eat things that aren’t food.
In dementia, pica can show up in strange ways, like putting non-food items in odd places. Your mom might be confused and think her shoes need rice, or she might be trying to “store” the rice somewhere she thinks is safe. Sometimes, people with dementia do things that made sense to them in the past, like filling shoes with rice to dry them out after getting wet.
This behavior isn’t harmful in itself, but it’s a sign that your mom needs more care and supervision. It could mean her dementia is getting worse, affecting her ability to recognize objects correctly. She might not realize her shoes aren’t for storing food.
To handle this, try to figure out why she’s doing it. Is she hungry? Bored? Anxious? Sometimes, simple solutions like providing snacks, activities, or comfort can help. You might need to keep rice and other small objects out of reach to prevent this behavior.
It’s important to stay calm and not scold her. Remember, she’s not doing this on purpose to annoy anyone. Instead, gently redirect her attention to something else when you see her trying to put rice in her shoes.
If this behavior continues or gets worse, it’s a good idea to talk to her doctor. They might adjust her treatment plan or suggest new ways to manage her symptoms. The doctor can also check if there are any other health issues causing this behavior.
Caring for someone with dementia is challenging, and it’s okay to ask for help. Support groups for caregivers can offer advice and emotional support. Remember, you’re doing your best in a difficult situation.
