Safe At Home - Home Safety For Behaviors - Hallucinations, Delusions, Illusions

SAFE AT HOME – Home Safety for Behaviors

 

Many changes are occurring in the brains of people who have Alzheimer's. Because of these changes some of these patients may see and or hear things that are not real. Hallucinations may involve hearing, seeing, smelling or feeling things that are not real. Illusions are different from hallucinations. If an Alzheimer's patient is having illusions they are misinterpreting something that exists. An example may be that they see a shadow and think it is a real person. Delusions are different as well – they are a false belief that the person thinks is real. A very common delusion in Alzheimer's patients is one that they think someone is stealing from them.

 

All of these symptoms should be reported to the person's doctor. A very frank conversation should be had about the behaviors and the medications the person is taking as sometimes medications may be bringing on the behaviors. Or, the symptoms may be controlled or lessened by medications. There also may be some changes you can make in the person's environment to assist minimize the confusion.

 

• Always be sure there is excellent lighting in the home. Keep extra bulbs handy in a secure place. Dimly lit areas may produce shadows and may cause difficulty interpreting objects.

• Paint walls light colors to reflect more light. Use solid colors to minimize confusions as patterns and florals may cause illusions.

• Use soft light or frosted bulbs to reduce glare. Be sure all gloves and shades on light fixtures are adequate.

• Remove mirrors as these can cause the person to become confused and/or frightened.

• Ask questions – see if the person can show you the area in the home that is causing confusion. You may be able to make a quick fix to something to help the situation.

• Don't make changes to the furniture placement – change is not a friend to a person who has Alzheimer's disease.

• Turn off television shows that contain violence or are disturbing in any way.

• Don't confront someone who has become aggressive. Withdraw from the person and be sure you have access to an exit if it becomes necessary.

 

Next blog will bring tips for special family gatherings!

Posted Monday, 10/31/11, 05:04 PM - Comments - Category: Safety

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