Strategies for When a Loved One with Dementia Misplaces Items

Elderly man with a confused expression searching through an open drawer, with a text overlay that reads "My loved one with dementia keeps misplacing items."
Is your loved one with dementia constantly misplacing important items like wallets, glasses, or hearing aids? Discover practical strategies for caregivers to handle this common challenge, including tips on finding favorite hiding spots, using duplicates, and securing valuables. Save time and reduce stress with these dementia care tips!
Caring for someone with dementia comes with many challenges, but one common frustration caregivers face is when their loved one begins hiding or misplacing important items. From wallets and ID cards to glasses and even hearing aids, it can feel like a never-ending treasure hunt in your own home. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone!
Let’s explore some effective strategies for navigating this particular dementia behavior, so you can save time, reduce stress, and prevent those “Where did they hide it this time?” moments.

1. Discover Their Favorite Hiding Spots

Has your loved one ever misplaced something, and after hours of searching, you finally find it in the most unexpected place? Take note of where you found it because this could be their go-to hiding spot. People with dementia often have favorite areas where they hide or place items. Checking these spots regularly can help you locate things more quickly next time.
Think about it like this: if you’ve already found the missing wallet stuffed in a couch cushion or tucked inside a shoe, odds are that’s where it might end up again. Frequent checks of these “hot spots” can help you stay one step ahead and cut down on the time spent searching.

2. Invest in Duplicates – Real or Fake

If your loved one is constantly misplacing certain items, such as glasses, it might be a good idea to have backups on hand. A second pair of glasses can be a lifesaver when the originals seem to have vanished into thin air.
But here’s another trick: use fake duplicates for certain things! If your loved one is always asking for their wallet or credit card, but you worry about them losing it, give them a discontinued or expired credit card instead. It looks and feels real to them, but it won’t cause you any stress if it gets misplaced. Similarly, you can hand over a spare set of keys that look just like the originals but don’t actually work. This way, they still feel like they have control, but there’s no risk if the item disappears.

3. Keep Important Items Safely Out of Reach

One of the best things you can do to prevent the constant stress of lost items is to store the truly important ones safely away. Consider locking up items like social security cards, checkbooks, or other essential paperwork. These are things that would be difficult or time-consuming to replace if lost. By putting them in a secure, out-of-sight location, you can rest easy knowing they won’t be hidden under the bed or thrown into the garbage.
It’s a great strategy to store these items somewhere your loved one won’t even think to look, like a locked drawer or a small safe. That way, you can focus on more immediate caregiving tasks without worrying about whether the bank account number has disappeared.

4. Don’t Forget to Check the Trash

This is a surprising tip, but it’s an important one: always check the trash before you take it out. People with dementia may accidentally throw away important items, mistaking them for trash. It’s easy for them to forget what certain things are for, and before you know it, you might find yourself sifting through the garbage for a missing hearing aid or pair of glasses.
Developing the habit of giving the trash a quick once-over before it goes out can save you from the heart-stopping realization that something important is buried in the landfill. A simple tip, but one that can make all the difference.

5. Understand Every Situation Is Unique

It’s important to remember that not every strategy will work for every person. Dementia affects people differently, and as their condition progresses, their habits and behaviors can change. Some loved ones may be more prone to hiding things, while others may forget the purpose of an item altogether.
That’s why it’s crucial to stay adaptable and patient. If one approach doesn’t work, try another. And if you’re unsure of the severity of your loved one’s dementia, consider working with a healthcare professional to tailor a plan that meets their specific needs.

Additional Tips from Caregivers Who’ve Been There

Many caregivers have faced this challenge and have developed their own unique solutions. Here are a few more tips that might be useful:

  • Use Labels or Signs: Labeling drawers, closets, and boxes can help guide your loved one to where things belong. If they have a habit of misplacing items, clear labels can sometimes remind them where to find or store their things.

  • Create a Central Spot: Designate one area of the house for frequently used items. Whether it’s a bowl for keys, a specific shelf for glasses, or a drawer for the wallet, having a consistent place for these things might help reduce the number of hide-and-seek games.

  • Encourage Routines: Establishing daily routines can sometimes minimize misplaced items. For example, if your loved one always takes off their glasses in the same spot before bed, they’re less likely to be misplaced.

  • Patience and Humor: While it’s undeniably frustrating, try to approach these situations with patience—and even a sense of humor. Remember that your loved one isn’t intentionally trying to make life difficult. They’re navigating a confusing world, and sometimes laughter can lighten the mood for both of you.

That’s why it’s crucial to stay adaptable and patient. If one approach doesn’t work, try another. And if you’re unsure of the severity of your loved one’s dementia, consider working with a healthcare professional to tailor a plan that meets their specific needs.

Taking the Frustration Out of Misplaced Items

When it comes to dementia care, managing the misplaced or hidden items can be one of the trickiest parts. But by using these tips—like locating favorite hiding spots, using real or fake duplicates, and keeping important items safely stored—you can save yourself a lot of headaches.
And let’s not forget: every caregiving journey is different. What works for one family might not work for another, so feel free to experiment with these suggestions and adjust based on your loved one’s unique needs.
Have you dealt with this before? What strategies worked for you? Share your experience in the comments below and help other caregivers who might be going through the same thing.
By staying patient, being proactive, and trying out these solutions, you’ll have a better handle on keeping those important items where they belong—and spend less time on wild searches!

Final Recap:

  • Check common hiding spots regularly to save time.
  • Use duplicates for high-importance items (real or fake).
  • Secure valuable items in a safe place where your loved one can’t access them.
  • Always check the trash before taking it out, just in case!
  • Adapt your approach based on the severity of your loved one’s dementia.
Being a Careblazer means constantly adjusting, staying calm, and finding creative ways to manage the challenges dementia brings. You’ve got this!

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