Alzheimer's DIY - Learn How to Handle Hallucinations and Delusions

[dochubbell]

I am a caregiver of a woman in her early 80's who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's. My house is large and I have two large rooms that have large windows, (floor to ceiling on 2 sides covered in shears), and a great room with 3 large sliding glass doors. Last night she came to me and swore there were children outside with a woman playing at night. I asked her to point out where they were and looked, (seeing nothing naturally). I simply told her I was sorry, but I didn't see what she was seeing, and asked her if it was bothering her. She said it wasn't bothered or worried about them coming in the house. I told her that if I could see them, I would ask them to leave my property, but I couldn't do anything about them being out there when I couldn't see them. I reassured her and told her all doors were locked and that the house alarm was on, so they wouldn't have a chance of coming in the house because the alarm would mean the alarm company would send the police. I also reminded her that all around my house there were flood lights that came on if motion was detected, and that whoever she was seeing was not setting the motion detectors off. I admit I felt frustrated when she kept going to the large windows and sliding doors and looking out telling me the kids and the woman was still there. I told her that she was preventing herself from going to bed for some much needed rest and maybe she should consider not looking out the windows and doors if she wasn't especially bothered or feeling scared about them being out there. I finally convinced her to retire to her room and have a ice cream bar as a bedtime treat. I think it was around 3:30 am before I got to bed. What more could I have done in this situation as she seems to go thru these illusions more often during the night time when darkness falls? Sorry this is so long, but I think I did too much talking to her on this one.

[maalumzawadi]

These tips are so helpful...I have 2 loved ones with dementia in my family...one has a since passed away. Both cases are similar but different. REDIRECTING is KEY. THANK YOU for sharing.

[rosej]

What do I do when they ppl as re hanging on the walls, ppl wanting to kill them, snakes and donkey's tormenting them.

[simplymynz]

I DON’T UNDERSTAND 😢. MY GRANDMA SEES VIOLENCE & I ALWAYS SAY “ GRANDMA IT’S ONLY YOU & I IN HERE, YOU ARE SAFE”. SO ARE YOU SAYING I’M SUPPOSED TO AGREE SOMEONE IS STANDING THERE WITH A KNIFE OR SOME MAN IS TRYING TO GET US CALL THE POLICE? THAT COULD BE VERY STRESSFUL EVERY TIME SHE JUMPS OR YELL, I NEED TO REACT WITH AGREEMENT TO HER FEARS? THIS IS SO HARD, MY GOD.

[kingphaze]

Wouldn't lying to them be bad? I get validating feelings but isn't that lying?

[queenjazzyy_]

I’m sorry I understand making them feel better but their behavior is unacceptable