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Kylie 22nd Nov 2018 Lifestyle Enrichment Carer
We have a gentleman in our home who loves to collect items and hide them. ( I know this is common as they often regress to the younger years and in this case, the depression) Items such as toilet rolls, personal belongings from other residents room etc. As you can imagine, this is now upsetting other residents throughout the home. I’ve tried introducing a nuts and bolts collection for him ( as he loves to collect these as well) and while he was delighted, he still continued to take the other items.
Any suggestions would be so welcome - I’m at a loss as to how to stop the items from going missing and how to keep this lovely man happy at the same time.
Susan 22nd Nov 2018 Activity Director
This is a difficult but somewhat common problem
It is hard to redirect residents like this because they will forget what you told them and they will think they have to do what they have to do so my advice is to do a room search when they are not In the room
It's amazing what you'll find in residents rooms
In fact it's a good idea to help residents straighten out their room and you may be amazed at what you find
Molly 23rd Nov 2018 Activity Professional & Writer
Hi Kylie, Are there common spots he likes to wander into? Maybe try laying out decoy items throughout the unit? As he walks around, he can pick them up and store them. I once had a resident who did this and when asked said "I'm looking for myself" which is just heartbreaking! Maybe ramping up the one on ones and engaging in reminiscing activities could help too?

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