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Question:
Is it normal for someone with Alzheimer's to go into a grocery store and try to walk out with a cart of groceries without paying for them when he is with his caretaker? When security stopped him, he said he was confused. He had money in his wallet, but I always pay for his things. Do I need to leave him home when he wants to go with me to the grocery store? HELP. Is this just the beginning of odd behavior?
--Joyce
Answer:
The confusion, disorientation, and memory loss associated with Alzheimer's disease can cause an affected person to forget to pay for items or shoplift. In your case, your loved one walked out of the store with a shopping cart. In some cases, people with Alzheimer's may place items in their pockets then forget about them and walk out of the store, at which point they may be charged with shoplifting. Shoplifting can be one of the many challenging behaviors that can occur at times due to the progression of Alzheimer's disease.
It sounds like your loved one needs close supervision so that he does not end up with a charge for shoplifting. Do not let your loved one wander away from you, and try to make sure he does not place items in his pockets. Do not give him his own shopping cart-you and he can share a cart so that you can keep it in sight at all times. Before you leave the store, search him to make sure that he has not forgotten to pay for items.
It may help to notify the supervisors/managers at all the stores that you and he like to frequent. Tell the supervisors about your loved one's disease and the potential risk for shoplifting. Provide them with a statement listing your loved one's name, the disease, important phone numbers, and even a photo if possible. If store personnel are aware of his condition, they are more likely to be understanding and can help you watch out for him. You should also place the same information in his wallet just in case he wanders or gets into any problems.
If you feel that these preventive measures may not be enough, and the risk of shoplifting is too great, you may have to leave him at home with supervision. Shoplifting can lead to a legal battle and may even result in placement of your loved one into a long-term care facility. So taking preventive measures is well worth the effort. Good luck.
Tips for Shopping with Someone with Alzheimer's disease:
For more information about the Safe ReturnTM program, check the Alzheimer's Association website: http://www.alz.org/we_can_help_medicalert_safereturn.asp.
Dr. Mindy Kim-Miller is a trained medical physician who provides useful, but general answers to questions provided by online visitors. While Dr. Mindy can not provide specific medical advice or services, we hope you find her responses useful in your personal education. All information is provided for informational and educational purposes only and is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you suspect you have an illness or disease, or a health related condition of any kind, seek professional medical care with an appropriate health care professional immediately. Do not postpone or delay seeking treatment or disregard professional advice based upon the general answers provided by Dr. Mindy. Dr. Mindy's advice is not intended to substitute for a visit to your personal physician or other qualified health provider. Any specific medical concerns or questions you may have should be directed to your personal physician or other qualified health provider.
Last Modified 07/16/2009