Decoding the Behavior: The Causes Behind Moving Furniture
For a caregiver, watching a loved one with dementia repeatedly rearrange furniture can be frustrating and confusing. This seemingly illogical act, however, is not random. It is often a form of nonverbal communication, signaling an underlying issue the person cannot express with words. Instead of viewing it as a problem, understanding the motivation behind the action can lead to more compassionate and effective care.
Unmet Needs as a Driving Force
One of the most common reasons for behavioral changes in people with dementia is an unmet need. Because of cognitive decline, they may be unable to articulate what they want or need, and their actions become the only way to communicate. Moving furniture might signify one of several basic needs:
- Physical discomfort: The person may be hungry, thirsty, in pain, too hot, or too cold. Lacking the words to express their discomfort, they may move around and rearrange their environment in a restless attempt to find a more comfortable position or fix the issue.
- Restlessness and Boredom: A person with dementia who was previously active and busy may feel a profound sense of restlessness if they have been sitting for a long period. Moving furniture offers a physical outlet for pent-up energy, providing a task and a sense of purpose to combat boredom.
- Need for the Toilet: In some cases, the individual may feel the need to use the bathroom but have forgotten where it is. Their wandering might appear to be aimless movement or rearranging furniture as they search for the correct location.
The Search for Security and Control
In a world that is becoming increasingly unfamiliar, a person with dementia often seeks to re-establish a sense of safety and control. This can manifest in several ways:
- Re-enacting Past Routines: Many people with dementia revert to long-held habits. If they were someone who loved to spring clean, tidy, or redecorate, they may be compelled to perform this activity again. Moving furniture can be an attempt to replicate these past, comforting routines, even if the result is chaotic.
- Feeling of Purpose: As memory fades, the ability to engage in complex tasks diminishes, which can lead to a loss of purpose. Focusing on the simple, tangible task of moving a chair or a table can give them a momentary feeling of accomplishment and usefulness.
- Hoarding or Barricading: While not always involving furniture, the same compulsion to move objects can be a defense mechanism. Some individuals may move chairs to create a barricade around themselves, or against a doorway, as a way to protect their space or their belongings from what they perceive as a threat.
Changes in Perception and Sensory Overload
Brain damage caused by dementia can lead to changes in how a person perceives and interacts with their environment. This can make a familiar home feel like a foreign and overwhelming place, triggering a response like moving furniture.
- Visual-Spatial Confusion: Dementia can impair a person's spatial recall, making it difficult to judge distances or understand the layout of a room. A dark rug might be perceived as a hole in the floor, and a piece of furniture could be seen as an obstacle that needs to be moved or an object that is not where it should be.
- Sensory Overload (Sundowning): The agitation and confusion associated with 'sundowning,' which occurs in the late afternoon and evening, can be intensified by environmental factors. Overstimulation from noise or changes in light can trigger anxiety, and the person may try to move things in an effort to find a calmer, quieter space.
Practical Tips for Managing the Behavior
Addressing the root cause is more effective than simply trying to stop the behavior. Here are some strategies for caregivers:
Understanding the Triggers
Start by becoming a detective. Keep a journal to track when the furniture-moving occurs. Does it happen at a particular time of day? After a certain meal? When a specific person is present? Identifying patterns can help you anticipate and prevent the behavior.
Providing Meaningful Activities
If boredom or a need for purpose is the trigger, provide alternative, engaging tasks. A 'rummage box' filled with familiar items like old photos, scarves, or tools can give them something to sort through. Folding laundry, sorting utensils, or dusting a specific object can redirect their energy toward a more positive activity.
Environmental Adjustments
Assess the home environment for potential stressors. Reduce clutter and noise. Ensure adequate lighting, especially during evening hours, to combat sundowning. Rather than trying to prevent all movement, create a safe, supervised area where the person can freely rearrange things without causing harm to themselves or others. You can find more comprehensive advice on managing dementia symptoms from trusted sources like the National Institute on Aging.
Behavioral vs. Cognitive Triggers: A Comparative Look
| Trigger Type | Description | Observed Behavior | Recommended Response |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unmet Needs | Hunger, thirst, pain, needing the bathroom. | Restless pacing, moving objects, fidgeting. | Offer a snack or drink, check for pain, guide to the bathroom. |
| Need for Routine | Re-enacting old habits like cleaning or tidying. | Repetitive moving of items, reorganizing drawers. | Redirect with a similar, safe task, like sorting photos or folding washcloths. |
| Spatial Confusion | Misinterpreting objects due to visual impairment. | Hesitating to cross dark-colored rugs, bumping into furniture. | Reduce clutter, use high-contrast colors, avoid rearranging the space. |
| Overstimulation | Overwhelmed by noise, light, or activity. | Agitated moving of items, attempts to block views or noise. | Move to a quieter room, reduce background noise, use soothing music. |
The Power of Patience and Redirection
When faced with a loved one moving furniture, try to remain calm. Arguing or confronting them will only cause more anxiety and distress. Instead, try distraction and redirection. A gentle, reassuring tone can help diffuse the situation. Say something like, "Let's take a break and have some tea," or "Look at this interesting book." Focusing on the emotional need rather than the physical action is crucial.
Conclusion
Moving furniture is more than a quirk of dementia; it is a clear symptom with understandable underlying causes. Whether it stems from a physical need, a cognitive misperception, or a deep-seated desire for routine and control, the behavior is a way of communicating when words have failed. By observing, adapting, and responding with patience and redirection, caregivers can create a safer, calmer environment that supports the individual's needs, transforming a challenging situation into a moment of empathy and connection.
