I definitely speak from much experience here. My dad's hiding almost drove me to distraction. While he still lived in his own home with the housekeeper, I cannot tell you how many phone calls I got from my dad -- "she's stolen my pocketbook"...or from the housekeeper..."your dad has hidden his wallet again and will be calling you to tell you it has been stolen!" We found the wallet under cushions, in drawers, under socks -- he was pretty ingenious.

Reasons for Rummaging, Hiding, Hoarding

1. Can be an attempt to regain the control which people with dementia have lost. They have lost their memory, intellect, coordination, social skills, etc. All that remains may be tangible possessions and these things must be guarded at all costs.

2. Rummaging indicates a need of some kind, but most professionals admit they do not understand what the need is. In the nursing home, my dad has started rummaging aound in other residents' rooms and their possessions. I have not figured out why -- is it boredom or a desire to control his environment? I suspect both.

3. Rummaging is done out of fear or confusion, not out of malice.

What Caregivers Can Do to Reduce These Activities

1. Try placing a sign that says "NO!" on places you want the person to stay out of.

2. Disguise/camouflage doorknobs and door handles by painting them the same colour as the background.

3. Look for patterns; if the person keeps taking the same thing, such as a watch, give them one of their own.

4. Fill a top drawer with things that are "rummagable" and let them go to it.

5. Identify rooms/drawers with pictures so the person may not feel the need to rummage.

6. Lock drawers and closets that you want to keep safe.

7. Consider keeping the closets of the person open at all times; this will help them remember what is there.

8. Keep everyday items in view so that the person does not need to look for them.

9. Try to identify favourite hiding places when looking for lost items.