Dad's been having hallucinations a few months, but they have suddenly escalated from "someone putting newspaper clippings on his wall" to "someone is going to kill me and your sister tonight and burn down the assisted living building". The facility is sending him to the hospital tonight for his safety. I live out of town. one of my sisters lives in his town. She is keeping us informed. Has anyone seen this, and what does it mean? What did the doctors do for your loved one? I'm very afraid and know I should wait for the doctor's report, but I feel like I should rush down there and be with him. I guess I feel guilt as well as fear for not being there for him. We live a day's drive away, and I was there just two weeks ago. I don't want to not be there for him, but he's a healthy 92 and I can't move there.
It's nothing for you to feel guilty about. You didn't cause this disease. He is not a healthy 92 year old. He is exhibiting symptoms of a serious disease. He may function well physically for his age but he is not healthy. Mother was the same. Even up to age 100 she got around very well but the dementia eventually took her mobility and then her life at age 106.
In terms of being there for him - do what you reasonably can. Don't wear yourself out with worry or trips. It doesn't help anyone. You are fortunate your sister is there to be with him.
I am sorry you lost your mum and your dad is so ill. (((((Hugs))) I know this is very difficult. BTDT.
Medicine can control the hallucinations. It may take a bit of adjustment to get the dose absolutely correct, but that usually doesn’t take very long.
I know it’s very scary while you’re in the midst of it. Trust that the doctors will do their best to help him, after a physical exam to rule out any other findings.
Best wishes.
The doctor can likely prescribe meds for dad to help him with his hallucinations. After he's checked for a UTI or other infections that may be at play in his body.
You would do well to learn all you can about dementia so you'll know what to expect with dad. Google "Understanding the Dementia Experience"by Jennifer Ghent Fuller. It's a great 33pg booklet that should help you. You can order her nook of the same name on Amazon, too. A move to Memory Care Assisted Living might be the next best step for dad. It was for my mom bc it offered her a greatly shrunken down world which was a lot easier for her to manage. More 1 to 1 help and attention was provided as well.
Best of luck to you
in the other hand my mom who had senility of the brain ( catch all diagnosis??? ) started having hallucinations, that escalated to a murder across the street etc.. the NP gave her medications to intervene