Why Is There a Ladder in the Living Room?

I visited my parents a couple weeks ago. Mom had told me not to be surprised by the ladder in the living room. And sure enough, there it was, folded and lying on its side. So, I asked my dad, “why is the ladder in the living room? Do you want me to put it in the basement?”

“No. I got that out to put the new lightbulb over the table,” he said. “I’ll need it again at Christmas to put on the decorations outside the house.”

“But Daddy, this is August and Christmas is in December.”

“Just leave it there. Your sister’s husband offered to put it in the basement too.”

As long as they don’t need to open the front door it won’t be in the way. But the step chair is nearby in the kitchen. Why doesn’t he use it? The answer: he has dementia.