My OH repeatedly cuts paper from the waste bin into tiny pieces, it seem to relax him. Is this usual

[shewhodares]

My OH repeatedly cuts the contents of the waste paper bin and food bin into tiny pieces (for recycling purposes he says) Is this common? He was diagnosed about 6 years ago.

 

[Jessbow]

Its about as *normal* as any other of the strange things our loved ones do.
My late mother shredded tissues, picked bobbles off clothes and picked at buttons until the came off. ( And scabs until she bled!)

I guess if you have solid bin its pretty harmless and keeps him occupied.

( get pretty colour tissue paper,cottage industry confetti!)

 

[Beate]

Nothing is unusual with dementia. There is no harm in it, so I wouldn't think about how common it is and let him get on with it, always of course checking that he can't hurt himself.

 

[Duggies-girl]

My dad tears any cards he gets into a thousand pieces, he does the same with anything that comes in the post. Thankfully he always waits a day or two so I do get the chance to check his post.

 

[Jale]

Mum shreds tissues, picks at her jumpers and always seems to be looking and pulling at her fingers

 

[canary]

Repetitive actions are very common in dementia. I think you are right that it is often a self-soothing action.
It drives you nuts, but if its not doing any harm then best to just accept it.