Where Is…? | Dementia Caregiver Guide #3

Calming the Fear Behind Questions About People, Pets, and Missing Things

When a person living with dementia repeatedly asks, “Where is Mom?” “Where’s the dog?” or “Where are my keys?”, the question may sound factual—but the need behind it may be emotional.

They may be searching for comfort, reassurance, safety, or connection.

Where Is…? is Guide #3 in the Respond to the Feeling™ Caregiver Guide Series. This compassionate, practical guide helps caregivers respond to questions about missing people, beloved pets, and misplaced belongings without increasing fear, confusion, or distress.

Inside this guide, you’ll learn:

• Why “Where is…?” questions may happen
• How to recognize the feeling behind the words
• What to say when someone asks for a deceased parent, spouse, or pet
• How to respond when belongings are lost, hidden, or misplaced
• How to reassure without arguing or repeatedly correcting
• Practical home strategies that may reduce confusion
• Simple caregiver phrases you can use right away
• Lessons from real-life caregiver stories
• A quick-reference checklist for difficult moments

A more helpful response

Instead of saying:

“I already told you where it is.”

Try:

“I know you’re worried. Let’s look together.”

The goal is not always to provide the perfect factual answer. Sometimes the most helpful response is the one that helps the person feel safe, understood, and supported.

This guide is helpful for:

• Family caregivers
• Spouses and adult children
• Home-care professionals
• Assisted-living and memory-care staff
• Anyone supporting a person living with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease

What you will receive

• One digital PDF caregiver guide
• Practical examples and suggested responses
• Real-life caregiver stories
• A quick-reference section for everyday use

The guide can be viewed on a phone, tablet, or computer and may also be printed for personal use.

Please note

This is a digital product only. No physical item will be mailed.

For personal use only. This guide may not be copied, shared, resold, redistributed, or used commercially.

About the author

Bonita Hicks is a retired Licensed Nursing Home Administrator and the creator of the Respond to the Feeling™ Caregiver Guide Series. Her guides are designed to help caregivers feel more prepared, more confident, and less alone.

Respond to the Feeling™ — Because behavior is communication.