Having worked in a nursing home, I can't tell you how common this problem. But correcting someone with dementia who has taken something that doesn't belong to them is counter produtive. They probably think it belongs to them and to tell them otherwise will most likely make them agitated. As someone mentioned prevention is best. However, quietly removing it quietly from their posession, is 2nd best. And if necessary, use therapeutic fibbing. Oh, so and so must have left his watch with your things again. Do you mind if I give it back to him. If this doesn't work, wait 15-30 min. and approach again.

Rita Martinez

So very hard Teriscott...it is the disease and sadly all we can do is damage control or preemptive planning to put things away & warn others that we visit. And we still won't prevent all problems. Exhausting. Sending support. Take care.

How sadly true Otto...

@A myALZteam Member. Last remnant of control! I think you nailed it down perfectly by putting it that way. As someone else said: they are not causing us grief, they are in trouble themselves, or words to that effect.

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A myALZte...

Very difficult. Sadly, trying to modify his behavior is going to ne fruitless. Suggest clearing the way of things that don't belong to him and lighten the interactions. This is his last remnant of control....