Hidden in Plain Sight:
Have you ever tucked away cash or something special in a “safe” spot only to forget where you hid it? While you might have good intentions and bad luck, this issue becomes much more concerning for those living with dementia.
Memory loss can cause confusion, fear, and even suspicion, especially when it comes to personal belongings. It’s not uncommon for seniors living with dementia to hide their valuables in unusual places, often forgetting where they placed them. If you’re a caregiver or family member, understanding common hiding spots can help ease frustration and prevent unnecessary worry.
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Here are some of the most common places seniors with dementia may stash money, jewelry, or keepsakes:
- Inside shoes or slippers
- Wrapped in tissues and tucked in coat pockets
- Between folded towels or bedsheets
- Under mattresses or couch cushions
- In books, purses, or old pill bottles
- In kitchen containers like sugar canisters or cookie jars
- Behind or inside drawers, especially in unusual furniture
- On the bookshelf, hidden inside old books or photo albums
- Inside potted plants
- In the freezer or fridge
If you notice a pattern of missing items, remember to approach the situation with patience and empathy. These behaviors are often rooted in a desire for control or safety, not deceit.
Where Would You Hide Something for Safekeeping?
Don’t overlook shoes, jackets, or coat pockets. People commonly stash valuables in the toes of shoes, between folded sweaters, or deep in coat linings.
Small home appliances—like vacuum cleaners, coffee makers, or even old radios—often contain compartments that can serve as hiding spots. Look for detachable parts or hollow cavities. These spots may contain family photos, cash, or legal papers, hidden long ago and long forgotten.
A trick straight out of a movie: some seniors have important documents or hidden valuables inside air vents. Return vents, especially those near the floor or ceiling, can sometimes be removed with a screwdriver. Even if your loved one can no longer reach them today, it doesn’t mean they didn’t place something there years ago.
From cereal boxes to freezer drawers and behind framed artwork, seniors often get creative when they feel uncertain about their safety or finances. When in doubt, think like a detective. Where would someone hide something they didn’t want anyone else to find?
Preparing for a Move?
If your loved one is in a good emotional state (they’re not feeling suspicious or overly anxious about their belongings), ask whether they’ve hidden anything around the house for safekeeping. Memory issues can make it hard for them to recall, but sometimes a prompt can bring a long-forgotten hiding spot back to mind.
Before moving a loved one to a senior living or memory care community, use this checklist to search for any forgotten valuables and keepsakes. It’s one way to honor their independence while ensuring nothing important is left behind.
Do you have more questions about moving or how to support your loved one with a move to memory care? Explore our resource on helping your loved one transition to memory care, or contact us at info@edgewoodhealthcare.com with any questions you may have today. We’d love to hear from you!
