Your uncle with dementia may be putting his shoes on the wrong feet because the disease is affecting his brain’s ability to perform simple tasks correctly. Dementia causes damage to brain cells, which can impair memory, thinking, and coordination. As the condition progresses, everyday activities like dressing become more challenging.
For someone with dementia, the steps involved in putting on shoes – identifying the correct shoe for each foot, orienting them properly, and inserting the feet – may become confusing. They might forget which shoe goes on which foot or struggle to recognize left from right. The task that was once automatic now requires more mental effort than they can manage.
This behavior is a common sign of the cognitive decline associated with dementia. It doesn’t mean your uncle is being careless or lazy. His brain is simply having trouble processing and carrying out the correct sequence of actions.
To help your uncle, you could try labeling his shoes with “L” and “R” or using different colored socks for each foot as visual cues. Simplifying his footwear to slip-on shoes may also make the process easier. Most importantly, approach the situation with patience and understanding. Your uncle isn’t doing this on purpose – it’s a symptom of his condition that he can’t control.
Remember that this seemingly small issue is likely frustrating and possibly embarrassing for your uncle. Offering gentle assistance without making him feel incompetent can help preserve his dignity. As dementia progresses, he may need more help with daily tasks like dressing. Consulting with his doctor about how to best support him through these changes is a good idea.
