Hallucinations and even paranoia can take on many forms in our older clients. You may find that your client seems to be accusing people, including yourself, of stealing from them. They may also insist that there are other people in the room with you because they can see them, and sometimes your client may be completely convinced that someone is trying to harm them.
This can be extremely stressful, not to mention difficult for a live-in carer to see and then to try to remedy.
Hallucinations, delusions, and paranoia are always a sign of serious mental health issues and if this has not been addressed before you should talk to the doctor about it right away. Make a note of when your client ‘sees other people’ or becomes more accusing about items.
One of the first things to consider is that your client may be suffering from a UTI (Urinary tract infection). Make sure that the doctor gets a urine sample to rule this out before investigating further.
Also, ask the doctor to review your client’s medication as sometimes a change in medication can have serious results.
If your client, however, has been diagnosed with Dementia then you may see signs like these becoming more frequent as the disease progresses.
What to do?
Never attempt to talk your client out of what (at that time) they firmly believe is happening. You will only make things worse because they truly believe that there is another person there, or someone is ‘out to get them.’
Trying to convince your client otherwise will simply make them more upset. If you acknowledge what is happening and talk to your client in a soothing voice you may be able to calm them down, although you may never be able to change their minds.
Reassure your client that they are safe – the house is locked up, the keys are safe etc. and you may find that they relax a little.
For clients who perceive that their belongings have been stolen you may want to enlist the help of a trusted family member who you can rely on to talk to your client and tell them that everything is in safekeeping.
Final thoughts
Never attempt to convince your client that they are ‘dreaming or imagining things.’ This will not settle the situation and they may become more agitated.
If things get out of hand and your client starts to display signs of aggression, then you need to speak to the doctor as he may be able to adjust medication or even prescribe a calming medication.
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