As the brain changes, some Alzheimer’s patients will experience hallucinations that may be frightening. The person may see, hear, smell, taste, or even feel someone or something that is not there. The hallucination is very real to the person.
If the hallucination is frightening, you may consider the following:
Reassure the person with kind words. (“I know this is frightening to you”) or a gentle touch.
Respond honestly (“I know that you see something”)Distract the person to a favorite activity.
Ask the person to point to the area where he sees or hears something – you may be able to remove or change an item, such as covering a mirror.
Be aware of lighting or noises that may seem scary.(TV, radio, bright lights, - you may want to add a night light in the person’s bedroom if darkness has become scary)
Contact the person’s attending physician to do an evaluation of existing medications or the need for medication. Bladder or kidney infections, dehydration, and pain may also cause hallucinations.
If the hallucination is not frightening or causing problems for the person or caregivers, it can be ignored.
NEVER argue with the person about what he sees or hears. It is very REAL to him.Marcia Kirk, Respite Assistant
No comments:
Post a Comment