Mother In Law Is Obsessed With Thinking People Are Stealing Her Things

United States
June 2, 2026 7:09am CST
We got a call from my mother-in-law Sunday night. She was shaky in her speech and she said she hated to ask (she was talking to my husband) but she asked if I had "borrowed" (stolen) her shoes to go on my trip last week as she was missing 4 pair of sandals. We had already been given a heads up by our sister-in-law who spent the day with MIL Sunday that MIL thought 4 pair of shoes were missing. SIL had a photo of MIL's closet showing shoes from a month ago and compared it to Sunday and none were missing. MIL had just rearranged them and it looked like there were empty spaces. Apparently MIL has been telling her other son that I've been stealing from her. Alzheimer's is hard both on the patient as well as the family. I always post a pink photo with posts about the mother-in-law because her favorite color is pink.
12 people like this
12 responses
Eva James
@wolfgirl569 (135664)
• Marion, Ohio
2 Jun
That's a normal complaint from Alzheimer's patients.
3 people like this
Marie Coyle
@MarieCoyle (59156)
•
2 Jun
This is honestly typical behavior in dementia and Alzheimer’s patients. They move things around and immediately forget, or hide an item, like your MIL did with her phone. Another delusion they often have is sometimes they are convinced someone is trying to hurt or kill them. I do hope the BIL knows this. Such a sad disease. I’m sorry as I know you do a lot for her and even though you know it’s the disease talking, it still hurts.
2 people like this
Amber
@AmbiePam (120665)
• United States
2 Jun
Well, at least everybody but her knows you aren’t really stealing from her. It’s such a terrible disease.
2 people like this
rakski
@rakski (156303)
• Philippines
2 Jun
Oh my, that is quite a difficult situation for all of you. And I'm sure it will be hard for to accept the explanation even with the photos. Virtual hugs to You and your family members
2 people like this
Baconstripsxxx
@BACONSTRIPSXXX (18082)
• Torrington, Connecticut
2 Jun
My grandfather suffered the same before passing, he thought everyone was out to steal his money, mind you he had nothing lol
2 people like this
Jim Bauer
@porwest (112804)
• United States
4 Jun
Gosh, so many similarities. Although when it comes my mom, she thinks it's the "people" stealing her things. The ones she imagines are there but aren't. It can be exhausting, but you press on.
1 person likes this
Heather Echola
@GardenGerty (169453)
• United States
2 Jun
My question is, "Does the other son believe her?". He did not believe she had dementia as I recall. I am glad that Sister-In-Law takes photos and helps keep track of things.
1 person likes this
Juliaacv
@Juliaacv (56180)
• Canada
2 Jun
Very very typical of advanced Alzheimers patients, not easy, but typical. It is not your MIL saying that it is her illness, although it is very difficult to separate the two.
1 person likes this
RasmaSandra
@RasmaSandra (97954)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
2 Jun
That is very unfortunate, It is difficult for her to understand.
1 person likes this
MARILYN
@Marilynda1225 (91064)
• United States
2 Jun
It's such a cruel disease. I remember very well how my mom acted when she had dementia. I hope and pray every day that they find a cure for this horrible disease.
1 person likes this
Judy Evans
@JudyEv (381960)
• Rockingham, Australia
2 Jun
This is another thing that is common for those afflicted by this dreadful disease.
1 person likes this
LindaOH
@LindaOHio (222280)
• United States
3 Jun
My MIL kept saying that my FIL's "girlfriend" was stealing from her. Everything from pillowcases to food from the freezer.
1 person likes this