What do I tell him about the people he’s seeing

Sold01

Dad Hallucinations continue and he wants to know how these people are getting in the house and how we get rid of them. Telling him it’s his Dementia no longer works.  He does not believe that.  We been to the point of anger which we were able to fix with meds. I’m asked about every hour what can we do to get rid of these people.  Any suggestions welcome

SusanB-dil

Hi Sold - do not try to reason with him. Anger and reasoning will only lead to more anger and everybody getting frustrated.  

Do tell his doc what is happening, preferably neurologist or elder-care psychiatrist.

In the meantime, does he think the people are causing issues?  or can you tell him they are just working on something and they will be gone shortly...

PickledCondiment

Echoing SusanB-dil, go along to get along. My LO sees ducks, people etc in the in yard, along the road and numerous other places.  My response: 'really, I didn't know that, I'll check on it for you'.  I take a look out the window to satisfy her and go on with my day.  Rinse and repeat and repeat.

Sold01

He thinks these people will take thing or brake up the house.  We have spent nights up making sure they are not doing anything. His doctor is aware. I spend most of the day following his people.

JJ401

His doctor may be aware that dad is having hallucinations, but is he aware that the hallucinations are causing problems. Sometimes hallucinations are benign and no medication is necessary, but if you are spending your nights ensuring that the hallucinations do no harm, it’s probably time for some medical intervention. You may need to stress to the doctor how intrusive the hallucinations are.

​fesk

If the behavior is new or changed, has he been examined to see if there's another reason causing the issue - UTI, etc? After ruling out any physical issues, I agree it sounds as if a medication adjustment is needed. Recommend speaking with the doctor too. Sorry you are dealing with this.

sandwichone123

Sometimes it helps to "call" the police. Think about what he expects you to do about the problem, and try to "do" it, whether that's claiming to call 911 or going out there with a broom and screaming at them (you might want to open a window a little first so he can hear you before the neighbors do).

This wouldn't be instead of meds, but as a way to survive until they can kick in.

Sold01

So with all the conversations I’ve had. I’ve played in my dads reality when it comes to the people he is seeing. It has helped keep him from getting anger. That is a plus. Then today he wants me to tell the doctor I’ve seen the people. Our doctor doesn’t agree with playing in his reality. (He doesn’t have to live with dad and watch him struggle). Dad continue to want me to call the police which has happened 3 time. Twice dad called in the middle of the night. Now the police have my number and if dad calls they call me and don’t respond .  We continue to work to find the best way to help dad find pease. I’m finding now no answer to his questions is a good answer. God please bless all the people with this illness and their families with a pease full night. As it clear all we have is prayers and hope

May flowers

Is it possible to play into the hallucinations that these are good people in the house? Maybe pretend they are family, or a nurse, or someone coming in to paint or fix something? Just a thought.

CatsWithHandsAreTrouble

Have you considered that he's seeing reflections in surfaces of things around the house? Some people with dementia cannot recognize themselves reflected in things like mirrors, glass, electronic screens. I've skimmed through some posts on here about mirrors and a handful of people mentioned that the reflections causes agitation, fear, etc. A few mentioned that the reflections are calming but if that's what's causing the upset, I don't think that would apply.

Just something else to consider or to keep in mind. Good luck finding a solution to help both you and yours. 

Oh also, maybe video tape your dad during one of the hallucination events to show the doctor if you haven't already. Sometimes seeing it first hand and not word of mouth can prompt doctors to act.

SusanB-dil

I am a little surprised his doc is not willing to 'play along'?  

Friend of mine lost her mom a few years ago to 'this' disease, but dealt with something similar. They didn't live too far from a cemetery, and could see a portion of it from the window. Her mom couldn't comprehend "those people standing out there all in white clothing".  She would not believe they were headstones, so my friend came up with "They are a birdwatching group and they dress like that so they don't scare the birds."  Her mom did accept that explanation and it caused nobody any harm. Even her doc thought that was fine.  (I thought that was a bit amusing and was quick-thinking on her part)

Another friend's FIL was in the hospital after some surgery.  Before he was totally out of the anesthesia, he saw a huge spider on the wall.  When my friend arrived to visit, another family member and a nurse were pretty much arguing with him that there was nothing there. He was frightened of it and getting more and more agitated. Friend took a piece of paper and took a 'whack' at the 'spider' and declared it gone.  He calmed down and all was right with the world once again.

mommyandme (m&m)

I’m surprised as well that your doctor doesn’t go along with what’s best for you, you’re very important in this, and what helps your dad. It’s as if your doc thinks a dementia patient should be taught the reality, like a toddler.  Um, nope… 

So far all the professionals I’ve come across worry about me and my life more than my moms.  She’s being taken care of so all’s well there, so they want to make sure I’m not losing it.  I really appreciate that approach.  I wonder if your doc truly understands this disease.  

I hope you find peace with situation soon.  Thanks for sharing.   

Martin Robbins

Although there are warnings against using atypical antipsychotic medications on elderly people with dementia-related psychosis, there are few other, if any, places to turn when it comes to hallucinations.

My mother (age 91) has been clinically diagnosed with Stage 6 Alzheimer's, and has had audio and visual hallucinations for at least four years.  It became so bad recently that she would despair heavily over the children she would see, worrying where they are and whether they are safe when not with her.  She looked awful, and I was very worried.

We tried olanzapine (Zyprexa) at 2.5 mg.  It worked for one day.  I aksed the doctor for 5 mg distegrating tablets.  One 5 mg tablet works well enough that the occurrences of hallucinations have been reduced to a mangeable level, and she no longer is afraid for the children; nor is she seeing the men outside or hearing music all day.