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There were lots of good ideas to help deal with the stealing of items, but I want you to think about his going out alone. I don't know where you live, but I hope you have thought about an emergency plan in case he were to be out and then forget how to get back home. Over the past few years, I've read too many times about elderly people with dementia being lost. I'm so glad you have your faith to help you through this. Peace and good wishes.
Its so hard to know that even though they seem like they can reason these things out, make promises ect they really can't because the illness is such that they just don't have control over these things. When they say it they really do mean it but 5 min later they just don't remember.
It sounds like at least he knows he has dementia, even if he doesn't want anyone else to know. That can be helpful if you can talk to him in his more lucid moments. I applaud you for trying to support his independence as long as you can.
Seeing these changes in our life partner is heartbreaking. Hugs to you as you deal with the need to be socially responsible and also supportive of your husband.
I'm not with her most of the time, she lives out of state and independently. I just remind her if she is caught shoplifting the store may prosecute and I threaten she could go to jail or they'll put her in a NH....
If she gets caught, she gets caught and although that will be traumatic it is a consequence we can't control. The only thing you can do is make sure you are with him at all times and keep an eye on him. Other than that, he will have to suffer the humiliation if he gets caught. If you get home with the item; do the right thing and return to the store and pay for it.
If its something he is going to continue to do then I just wouldn't take him with you to the stores especially if you know its a busy time of the day and you can't keep an eye on him.
But at this point I'd just keep telling her that if she continues to steal she'll get arrested and thrown in jail!!!