What is Hoarding? Hoarding, pillaging and rummaging are words used often to describe the behavior of an individual who takes things and hides them. This is very common in Alzheimer’s and Dementia patients. |
They may be searching for something that is familiar to them – things they misplace often – such as keys or their purse or wallet. They may have a need to touch something for sensory input and to validate the belief that the item actually does belong to them and they simply want it back.
It is very important if your loved one demonstrates this behavior that you educate yourself on the causes and interventions. Your loved one cannot stop this behavior but you can use techniques to help control it where it is considered safe rummaging or hoarding.
Interventions you can do at home to help:
1. Provide a place where your loved can rummage such as a dresser or box. Fill the drawers with things from the individual’s past. Such as clothing, pictures, old toys, etc.
2. If they are rummaging through someone else’s room in the house, redirect them positively to their own space.
3. Make sure you provide your loved one with a safe hiding place where he or she can put all of their belongings. This way you know where the ‘secret’ place is and you can check it often.
4. Mark your loved one’s belongings with their initials or something that would have meaning for them. This will help them recognize what is there and provide a sense of control that they can take it back.
5. Have multiple sets of things they have lost in the past frequently, such as keys, purses, wallets, glasses. Often they are searching for something specific and if you provide a few of those special belongings it will help reduce the stress or anxiety they experience trying to find them.
Most importantly, have a sense of humor.
