Well, at least the door is locked so she isn't causing any harm. Is she getting frustrated? Does she stay there for a long time, trying to open it?
Regardless, I guess there is really not much you can do about it. Try not to let it bother you. You can try to redirect her but if she's not getting upset and not really bothering anyone, it might not matter too much in the grand scheme of things.
Although I suppose it could be annoying to the people watching her doing this. If this is the case, I guess you (or whoever is bothered by it) needs to find a way to accept the behavior and not let it get under your skin. Accept it as another manifestation of her disease.
Here's some info I found on the subject of repetitive behavior when I Googled it:
Repetitive Behavior With Alzheimers/Dementia
People with dementia often carry out the same activity, make the same gesture, say the same thing, make the same noise or ask the same question over and over.
The person may be repeating themselves because they feel anxious and frightened, and want comfort, security and reassurance. They may be struggling to make sense of what’s going on around them because of memory problems, confusion, disorientation or boredom, so they may be trying to make sense of their situation by asking about and exploring it. Repetition may also be a result of memory loss, and the person not being able to remember what they have done or said, or the answer they received to a question.
Some people repeat certain behavior over and over again. Some, for example, constantly open and close doors. The loud bangs can cause irritation. If the dementia patient appears to find some purpose to doing this, you can very simply put soft strips on the door or try to find other solutions for dampening the sound. Reprimands rarely work. To break a pattern of behavior, something needs to be found that will provide a gentle distraction.
Good advice for handling repetitive behavior: Try not to point out the mistake the person with dementia is making when, for example, they keep opening and closing the door. Try to distract them from the behavior with some other activity. As mentioned, you could try to soundproof the door if this is a recurrent problem
Often if someone is repeating the same question, they need reassurance rather than information. For example, if they keep asking what day it is they may need reassuring they haven’t forgotten something rather than needing to know that it’s Monday.
Repetition can be exhausting and frustrating, especially if you haven’t been able to take a break. Try to remember that the person isn’t being difficult on purpose. It can also be frustrating for people with dementia, especially if their questions are unanswered and they are left feeling anxious and insecure.
Repetitive behavior – tips for carers
If the person is repeating questions, try to be patient and sensitive towards them. They may not know that they have repeated themselves and may notice if you seem impatient, which might distress them.
Find out why the person is asking repetitive questions – are they in pain or lost, or do they need the toilet? Is there a common theme to their questions?
It may be helpful to encourage the person to find the answer for themselves. For example, if the person keeps asking the time, consider buying a clock that is easy to read, and keep it where they can see it.
Some carers find that it helps to write down basic facts (such as what day or date it is) on a notepad or whiteboard. You can then suggest the person looks at the note. However, consider whether this really meets the person’s needs.
*************************************************** Distraction & redirection is the key to helping your MIL with this behavior. Perhaps you can come up with an activity agenda for her ie: snacks, simple craft projects, coloring, tv or a movie, sewing cards, etc. to help distract her from trying to open the door.
Regardless, I guess there is really not much you can do about it. Try not to let it bother you. You can try to redirect her but if she's not getting upset and not really bothering anyone, it might not matter too much in the grand scheme of things.
Although I suppose it could be annoying to the people watching her doing this. If this is the case, I guess you (or whoever is bothered by it) needs to find a way to accept the behavior and not let it get under your skin. Accept it as another manifestation of her disease.
Good luck!
Repetitive Behavior With Alzheimers/Dementia
People with dementia often carry out the same activity, make the same gesture, say the same thing, make the same noise or ask the same question over and over.
The person may be repeating themselves because they feel anxious and frightened, and want comfort, security and reassurance. They may be struggling to make sense of what’s going on around them because of memory problems, confusion, disorientation or boredom, so they may be trying to make sense of their situation by asking about and exploring it. Repetition may also be a result of memory loss, and the person not being able to remember what they have done or said, or the answer they received to a question.
Some people repeat certain behavior over and over again. Some, for example, constantly open and close doors. The loud bangs can cause irritation. If the dementia patient appears to find some purpose to doing this, you can very simply put soft strips on the door or try to find other solutions for dampening the sound. Reprimands rarely work. To break a pattern of behavior, something needs to be found that will provide a gentle distraction.
Good advice for handling repetitive behavior:
Try not to point out the mistake the person with dementia is making when, for example, they keep opening and closing the door.
Try to distract them from the behavior with some other activity.
As mentioned, you could try to soundproof the door if this is a recurrent problem
Often if someone is repeating the same question, they need reassurance rather than information. For example, if they keep asking what day it is they may need reassuring they haven’t forgotten something rather than needing to know that it’s Monday.
Repetition can be exhausting and frustrating, especially if you haven’t been able to take a break. Try to remember that the person isn’t being difficult on purpose. It can also be frustrating for people with dementia, especially if their questions are unanswered and they are left feeling anxious and insecure.
Repetitive behavior – tips for carers
If the person is repeating questions, try to be patient and sensitive towards them. They may not know that they have repeated themselves and may notice if you seem impatient, which might distress them.
Find out why the person is asking repetitive questions – are they in pain or lost, or do they need the toilet? Is there a common theme to their questions?
It may be helpful to encourage the person to find the answer for themselves. For example, if the person keeps asking the time, consider buying a clock that is easy to read, and keep it where they can see it.
Some carers find that it helps to write down basic facts (such as what day or date it is) on a notepad or whiteboard. You can then suggest the person looks at the note. However, consider whether this really meets the person’s needs.
***************************************************
Distraction & redirection is the key to helping your MIL with this behavior. Perhaps you can come up with an activity agenda for her ie: snacks, simple craft projects, coloring, tv or a movie, sewing cards, etc. to help distract her from trying to open the door.
Best of luck!