Dementia Answers: How Do You Respond to Stealing Accusations?
- Team Writer
- 6 hours ago
- 2 min read
Video Transcript [Answer 1148]
Welcome, and thank you for joining me.
Today, we're going to talk about how to respond when a person living with Dementia thinks you are stealing from them.
This accusation of stealing can feel hurtful, but it is a common symptom of Dementia and not a personal attack.
Why does this happen? A person may misplace items and not remember where they put them because the brain is trying to make sense of the situation. They may believe someone has taken the item. Fear and confusion can make this feeling very real to them.
Stay calm and do not argue. It is important not to argue or try to prove them wrong. Saying "I didn't take it" repeatedly can increase stress and make the person feel more upset.
Acknowledge their feelings. Instead, respond to the emotion. You might say, "That sounds upsetting," or, "I can see you're worried." This acknowledgment helps the person feel heard and understood.
Offer to help. Look for the item gently. Search in common places where items are often misplaced. Even if you already know where it is, involving them in the search can reduce anxiety.
Redirect if needed: If you cannot find the item, gently shift attention to another activity. A walk, a snack, or music can help move the focus away from the worry.
Create a safe routine. Keep important items like keys, glasses, or wallets in the same place each day. This habit can reduce confusion and prevent future distress.
Protect your own feelings. Remember, this is the Dementia speaking, not the person you know. Try not to take it personally. Responding with patience, reassurance, and kindness helps reduce fear and builds trust.
On behalf of the Dementia Society of America®, thank you again for joining me today. Stay informed, stay healthy, and take care of yourself.
Disclaimer: Dementia Society of America (DSA) provides educational content only and does not offer medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your medical care. DSA content is created by both human and computer-generated means and is reviewed for accuracy; however, errors may occur. Views expressed by third-party contributors do not necessarily reflect those of DSA. Unless expressly stated, DSA does not endorse or guarantee any third-party products, services, organizations, or external content. All DSA content is copyrighted and/or trademarked and may not be used without written permission.
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