Anxiety associated with hallucinations

stephen.mcdaniel

My mother is in final stages of Alzheimer's.  She just recently became bed-bound (cannot stand or walk anymore) and just yesterday had to have a catheter.  We have hospice care involved.  For the last few weeks, every waking minute she has sundowners and has a lot of anxiety associated with the things/people she is 'seeing'.  She is worried and constantly upset.  Does anyone have any tips on ways to relieve her anxiety?  Hospice has us trying anxiety meds but I don't think they are helping.  She does not have a UTI / infection and is not dehydrated - physically she is checking out good.  Thanks for any tips.

Cynbar

Keep pushing the hospice nurse to adjust the meds. Every person's body is different, sometimes it can take a few tries to get the right combination. That's the main treatment at your mother's stage, and this is an area the nurse should have a lot of experience and expertise with. In addition, try to keep the atmosphere as tranquil and soothing as possible. Keep the lights a little low, play some soft music, add a fragrance . Avoid too much stimulation, like too many visitors or loud music or TV. If there are any family or close friends she might want to hear from, arrange very short and quiet visits or hold the phone up to her ear so they can say good-bye and they love her. And, those closest to her need to give her permission to go. Good luck, this stage can be stressful but also very rewarding.

stephen.mcdaniel

thank you Cynbar

(=Meow=)

She has recently become bed-bound.
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That would be a huge source of anxiety for anyone, and requires  an adjustment period, depression/seriously depression is as natural as breathing.

As for the "imaginary friends", they will go away when your mother feels safe.  They may linger a bit, but if she knows they someone will keep her safe and/or chase them away, they cease being a problem.