Stealing

Yesterday I noticed my jewelry was missing.  It isn't expensive jewelry, just a few bracelets and necklaces I set aside to repurpose and sell on Etsy because I am housebound with my father.

After looking around his room I noticed a few of my cameras, and other items he grabbed from throughout the house...sigh.  I found my necklaces in his briefcase.

I've been thinking about how to approach the situation, but it seems like a fruitless endeavor.  I mean, even if I ask him to refrain from pocketing my jewelry, I doubt he will remember.  So here are a few recommendations if your loved one with dementia begins to steal or misplace valuables.  These are obvious, but perhaps you can do this prior to caretaking to avoid the problem.  I had NO IDEA this would be an issue.

Recommendations:

• Lock your valuables in a safe place.
• Lock access to rooms where valuables are stored.
• Take Inventory of valuables so you know if they go missing.
• Talk to your loved one about taking items without asking.