Any advice would be so appreciated. My 83 yr old father fell helping my mother bring in groceries and had surgery 2/20 to put pins in his leg. He has parkinsons, with some weakness. His broken leg is not able to to bear weight and his other leg is weak from the whole ordeal, so we have had to bring in some hourly caregivers to help us lift him ect. He has not been alone w the caregivers but today was sure the male caregiver had urinated all over him and was going to rape my mother and myself. He was out of his mind with worry. I have the same man scheduled for tomorrow and I'm so grateful for the help, but am completely stressed at what tomorrow will bring. Any advice as to how to handle this would be much appreciated. Dad says he's leaving tomorrow if that man comes back, of course he can't leave.
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Unless you can convince them that, yes, they really did experience something, but no, it wasn't real, it is not usually possible to talk someone out of the delusion.
Paranoia is a specific kind of delusion. It can be a complication of Parkinson's, and/or related to medications taken for Parkinson's. Is Dad taking new medications to manage the pain? This behavior doesn't necessarily mean there is something new wrong with Dad. Has he shown any other signs that might indicate the development of dementia?
You must report this change in behavior to the doctor that treats his Parkinson's.
It is probably not possible on such short notice, but I think for the time being I would try not have this particular caregiver. Would you father be more comfortable with a woman, do you think? I know that a man can be particularly helpful in lifting and toileting a man, but for right now I wonder if helping your dad be comfortable is more important.
I hope Dad's doctor will have some helpful advice, such as an adjustment to medications.
Please keep in touch and let us know how this progresses for you. We learn from each other!
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