Caregivers, whether paid or family members, who deal with seniors experiencing dementia related symptoms often wonder how to best manage psychiatric symptoms such as paranoia, hallucinations and delusions. Many psychiatrists advise that trying to argue or rationally explain the incidences is not the best approach. It is best to learn the differences between each of these symptoms and the appropriate coping techniques.
Note that paranoia, hallucinations and delusions are symptoms of disease, not a normal part of aging. When a senior experiences these symptoms, caregivers must be armed with proper responses for the best outcomes.
Hallucinations
Hallucinations are false sensory experiences that can be visual, auditory and/or tactile. Most psychiatrists recommend that caregivers join the patient in their version of reality. Reassure the patient by validating their feelings. Attempt to make them feel safe and secure. It may be helpful to relocate the patient to a different environment to attempt to remove the hallucination or distract them from it. If the senior is enjoying the hallucination, such as hearing children playing or seeing a visiting puppy, then it may be best to do nothing and allow the hallucination to pass on its own. You only need to respond if the patient is upset or scared or if the hallucination is disrupting their care.
In extreme cases where hallucinations are persistent and disturbing, a psychiatrist may prescribe antipsychotic medication to reduce the frequency of the hallucinations.
Delusions
Delusions are fixed false beliefs that are not supported by reality. They are often caused by incorrect memories and misperceptions. Seniors may confabulate or create a delusion to help them make sense of something. This may be misconstrued by loved ones as outright lying or making false accusations. Do not take these accusations personally. Try to be reassuring and avoid asking questions that will further confuse the patient.
Often caregivers find that redirection works best for delusional behavior. Offer a snack or make pleasant conversation that pulls the senior out the delusional story and back into a different mindset. Like with hallucinations, emphasize safety and security and avoid rationalizing the situation.
Paranoia
Paranoia is rooted in feelings of suspicion and fear. Paranoia tends to worsen as a dementia patient’s cognitive abilities continue to decline. Start by doing a medication assessment. Often drug on drug interactions can be the root cause of paranoia. If that fails to resolve the paranoia, then start a journal that focuses on analyzing the occurrences and similarities among the episodes. Is it during a certain time of day? After a particular visitor? Can certain triggers be removed?
Learning to use validation and redirection goes a long way in improving the situation caregivers face when dealing with dementia patients who exhibit psychiatric symptoms like paranoia, hallucinations and delusions. It takes exorbitant patience to trade rational explanations for acceptance and comfort. At Stouffer Legal, we recognize the burdens caregivers face with dementia patients. For more information on our elder law services contact us for a consultation. You can schedule an appointment by calling us at (443) 470-3599 or emailing us at office@stoufferlegal.com.
