Hoarding is a common behavior for people living with dementia. Unless it’s a trip hazard, I wouldn’t worry about the clothes. Just let her keep them in there. Your other option is to take items that she won’t realize are missing, slowly, without telling her. It’s going to be tough to get her to agree because she doesn’t understand the need for decluttering.
Hello. My mother has vascular dementia. Today I tried to help her removing some of her old clothes from her wardrobe and it turned out as a super big deal. She agreed on the process but just put everything back at the end. Her bedroom is so full, she became an accumulator. :( She also has depression, so it makes everything even worse. We're dealing with her problem since 2017, so it's kinda new. Can you advise me?
Rachael Wonderlin is an internationally-recognized dementia care expert and consultant. She has a Master’s in Gerontology and is the author of three published books with Johns Hopkins University Press. Rachael owns Dementia By Day, a dementia care consulting and education company.
Get the FREE “16 Things” poster!
Embracing Their Reality: Short Film
Learn about our trademarked approach to dementia communication through our award-winning short film.
16 Things I Would Want If I Got Dementia
Get the FREE “16 Things” poster for your personal use—or better yet—your dementia care community’s staff break room!
A beloved classic. Since 2014, Rachael Wonderlin’s moving poem has offered comfort and insight into the world of those living with dementia.
When you sign up, you’ll also receive notifications when new Dementia By Day content is released, helpful resources, and special offers sent directly to your inbox. We’ll never sell your information, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
