Uncle Bob’s Paper Towel Mattress Mystery
Dementia can make people do strange things. Your uncle stuffing his mattress with paper towels might seem odd, but there are a few reasons why he could be doing this.
First, dementia often causes confusion and mixed-up memories. Your uncle might think he’s doing something familiar, like changing sheets, but his brain is jumbling up the steps. He may believe paper towels are the right material for making a bed comfy.
Sometimes, people with dementia feel a strong need to hide or store things. Your uncle might see the paper towels as valuable items he wants to keep safe. Tucking them in the mattress could feel like a clever hiding spot to him.
Dementia can also mess with how people sense temperature and comfort. The paper towels might make the bed feel different in a way that’s soothing to your uncle. The crinkly texture or extra padding could be comforting.
There’s also a chance your uncle is trying to solve a problem only he perceives. Maybe he thinks the bed is too soft or too hard, and in his mind, paper towels are the perfect fix.
It’s important to remember that while this behavior seems weird to us, it makes sense to your uncle. Trying to stop him might just upset him more. Instead, make sure he’s safe and the paper towels aren’t causing any harm. You could try giving him a safe alternative, like extra pillows or blankets to arrange.
Dealing with dementia behaviors can be tricky. It’s okay to feel frustrated or confused. The key is to respond with patience and try to understand the need behind the action. Your uncle isn’t trying to cause trouble – his brain is just working differently now.
If you’re worried, talk to his doctor. They might have more specific advice or be able to check if there’s a medical reason behind this new habit. Remember, you’re doing great by looking out for your uncle and trying to understand his actions.
