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Delusions are when a person feels that you are talking behind their backs or that you are stealing from them. Hallucinations and delusions are very common in persons with dementia, such as Alzheimer's. They can often be difficult for caregivers to deal with. We do not see what our loved ones see. Our loved ones will describe what they see and it will sound so real. This is because our loved ones believe what they are seeing. To them, it is real. Or, our loved one accuses us of stealing their belongings. The loved one has forgotten where he placed his item and thinks that you took it. "I put it here, but since it is not here you must have stolen it." This article will help you to cope with these kinds of situations. One of the most common hallucination is seeing other people. These other people are often parents, spouses who have past away, childhood friends and pets, and even complete strangers. These images may be created because they are lonely or because they remember those happy times in their past. Often, caregivers will tell their loved ones that no one is there and that they are just seeing things. Ask yourself one question if this sounds familiar to you, "If I told a child that their imaginary friend didn't exist, what would the response be?" It is the same with an elderly loved one. To them it is real. If you tell them otherwise, chances are they are going to argue with you. To them, it is real. So real that they can describe the person in detail. If you are uncomfortable with these images, try to get your their attention elsewhere. If you keep telling them there is no one there, you will just make yourself frustrated because your loved one will go on insisting that there is someone there. However, if your loved one is seeing unpleasant images, do get their attention elsewhere. Let them know that you cannot see what they are seeing and that they are safe with you. As with children, your loved ones will relax in your company. Unpleasant images may occur if your loved one had an unpleasant experience in their past. 1. You may hear your loved one talking to someone when there is no one there.
The copyright of the article Hallucinations & Delusions in Elderly Caregiving is owned by Marci Stocks. Permission to republish Hallucinations & Delusions in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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