The Family Has Made Some Decisions Regarding Mother in Law

United States
July 28, 2026 8:45pm CST
Hubby and I talked to his brother and the brother’s wife tonight about how to best support the mother in law So much of this won’t make sense to you She’s fixated on her jewelry being stolen. It hasn’t been stolen. She keeps hiding it. It’s causing her great agitation. The memory care facility has asked us to remove her jewelry to reduce that agitation. Simpler is better per the experts. As you know she has a lot of clothes. But she keeps wearing the same outfits. She thinks people are stealing her clothes. We’re going to narrow her clothes down to 7 long sleeve shirtssorts, 7 short sleeve shirts, 7 pair of shorts, 7 pair of long pants and 7 pair of shoes. You probably don’t agree with this. But this way if she thinks 2 blouses are missing, we can count them and show her they’re all there. It keeps things simple. Too many choices and too many Things agitate her. We’re going to streamline her things as much as possible to keep her calmer It’s a process. Again, be kind in your comments because if you haven’t dealt with Alzheimer’s you don’t get it
8 people like this
8 responses
Amber
@AmbiePam (123681)
• United States
5h
All one can do is work by trial and error. And when one thing doesn’t work you just go on to the next and try again.
5 people like this
DE
@DaddyEvil (176431)
• United States
4h
I think what you're doing is the right thing to do. Anything that helps her keep calmer and not worry about somebody stealing her things is a plus in my book. I have a lot of patience for older people and kids but I don't know how well I'd do if I had to deal with somebody like your MIL for very long. Good luck with this try and I'm behind you 100%!
2 people like this
Four Walls
@FourWalls (87993)
• United States
2h
Nobody can say anything about anyone else’s decisions when it comes to family. Those things are deeply personal. My only thing to say is that I’m sorry everyone is going through it: you and your husband, as well as her. She’s a sweet lady, and I hate that she’s suffering like this.
1 person likes this
Fiacre Banks
@xFiacre (15073)
• Ireland
52m
@looeyville This stealing theme so prevalent with residents in care homes is very difficult to manage. No easy answer but your plan seems a good one to me.
Shiva
@Shiva49 (28556)
• Singapore
50m
My mom did not have Alzheimer, but she had similar issues. When the TV did not work, she got so restless that we had to run hither and thither. Also when she was prescribed any meds for a short term, she did not want to stop. Once I had to buy mild vitamins that looked like the meds she was prescribed. We need lots of patience.
Michael
@Wrexxo (3995)
•
1h
I talked to my mum yesterday and she went on about how her 94 year old husband keep complaining about everything. Its kind of similar. It takes patience though. Glad you handling it well
Kareng
@kareng (80520)
• United States
2h
Those all sound like logical steps to take. The nursing home my mother was in limited the clothes they could have there and it was much better to keep up with things. The home she was in had lots of theft, so keep your eyes open for that.
Marie Coyle
@MarieCoyle (60801)
•
4h
I think you are trying what you think might work, and no one knows for sure just what will work, not with Alzheimer’s. And the number of things you have listed here is way more than many people have to choose from. I imagine she will scream and throw a big fit but whether you remove one item or 100, she won’t be happy. All you can do is the best you can.