Why is Uncle Bob Hiding the Remotes in the Freezer?
If you’ve noticed your uncle with dementia stashing the TV remotes in odd places like the freezer, you’re not alone. This behavior is actually pretty common for people with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
As dementia progresses, it affects the brain in ways that can lead to some unusual habits. Hiding objects is one of those quirky behaviors that often pops up. Your uncle might be tucking those remotes away in the freezer for a few different reasons.
First, he could be feeling confused or anxious about his surroundings. Hiding familiar objects might give him a sense of control or security. The freezer probably seems like a safe spot to him, even if it doesn’t make sense to the rest of us.
Memory problems are also likely playing a role. Your uncle may forget where he normally keeps the remotes, so he’s creating new “safe” places for them. Unfortunately, his brain isn’t storing those new locations very well either.
Some people with dementia also develop paranoid thoughts. Your uncle might worry someone will steal the remotes, so he’s trying to keep them hidden. The freezer could seem like the perfect secret spot in his mind.
There’s also a chance he’s just absent-mindedly setting things down in random places as he goes about his day. The freezer door was open, so in went the remote without much thought.
While finding frozen remotes is frustrating, try not to get upset with your uncle. He’s not doing this on purpose to annoy anyone. His brain is simply not working the way it used to.
To make things easier, you could try labeling the remotes’ proper spot. Remove tempting hiding places like open drawers. And check common hiding spots like the freezer regularly. With some adjustments, you can help your uncle feel more secure without losing all the remotes.
