My Mom complains constantly that "her things" are being stolen. Any advice?

I've heard my cousin report this on several occasions. I'm not sure if things were taken, but I would just replace it and put her name on it, even things like combs. I also tried to limit the things she had in her room so there weren't so many places for it to be misplaced. I would go through her drawers and closet weekly to take out unnecessary items or clothing so there weren't many things to get lost.

I would also tell her that someone may have picked it up by mistake and they would return it sooner or later. The next day she would have forgotten the entire incident, but may have a new one to report. That phase lasted with her for about a month. She doesn't do it anymore lately.

I am only 62 and whenever my husband of 63 can't find his stuff, he presumes that I have somehow misplaced it. Part of the problem is that he won't wear his glasses. LOL he doesn't know how OLD I look.

It could be that your mom is hiding her things and then forgetting that she hid them. Look through her dresser drawers, you can always tell when something's been stashed away as opposed to put away.

From what I have read here on the forums, seems like the best approach would be to say "Mom, so sorry to hear you say your things are being stolen. Let's look around the room in case someone brought it back and misplaced it". Then you and her look for the item.

Chances are it is still in her room, or maybe she gave away the item to another resident, but doesn't remember doing so.

Just try to remember, this is part of having dementia, the person can't help thinking something of theirs was taken.