A memory-impaired person may not remember where to find an item, where he placed it last, or even whether they had it in the first place.

• Drawers and cabinets with everyday articles can be labeled with large printed signs.
• Limit the number of hiding places by locking rooms, closets, and drawers that are not regularly used.
• If necessary, important or valuable items can be kept out of sight or locked up.
• Keep track of keys, eyeglasses, hearing aids and batteries, dentures, medications, and other essential items. Keep spares whenever practical. When in a long-term care facility, put the person’s name on everything, including glasses and dentures. Don’t take anything to the facility that you are not willing to lose.
• Learn the person’s hiding places. Try to recall old favorite hiding places for gifts, etc.
• Check trash baskets before you empty them. Check all crumpled tissues.
• If the memory-impaired person insists on searching for missing items, his anxiety may have more to do with a general sense that “something is missing” or lacking (his/her memory) than with a need to find a specific item. Reassurance or distraction may help. Offer to help search.
• Rummaging is often an attempt to locate a recognizable item that will give the person clues as to who and where he or she is.
• If you wish to protect antiques or expensive jewelry, secure in a lock box (e.g. safety deposit box) and replace with costume jewelry when appropriate.