I don't know how to calm my Mother or what to say to her. She has begun seeing "people through a window" in the wall of her bedroom.

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Cs1stDaughter Asked October 2018

I don't know how to calm my Mother or what to say to her. She has begun seeing "people through a window" in the wall of her bedroom.

Previously, I was able to calm her and she realized that no one was there, and that she must have been dreaming. When I left her room, she was sleeping & about 45 min. later, she was in the living room, in the dark, looking for how the "people" were getting in. She said they were talking so loud it woke her. She was so agitated and asked me how they keep getting in. She wanted to call the police, but I told her that there was really nothing we could report. She then asked why this was happening to her. I told her that she was ok and safe. She is laying down now, but still agitated. I'm at a loss as to how to comfort her. Any advice will be very appreciated.

Thank you all...

Delusions Family Caregiver

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score 0 · Answer 1

Does she think the people are outside looking in, or that they are actually in the house? If it's outside, go for the therapeutic fib - 'Perhaps some kids are wandering around the neighbourhood, but they can't get in without waking me up. We are both quite safe, just ignore them'.

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Thank you for your response MagaretMcKen. No, the people are inside the house, and there is no window where she says she can see the people. It is a solid wall. During the day, she is certain that the people don't exist, and accepts that it is probably a combination of her medications and her health issues, but when she sees them at night, it is just so real for her.

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score 1 · Answer 2

By all means, call the police for her! (Memorize the time-and-temperature number.) Assure her they will put on extra patrol in your neighborhood. Anything that will let her know you take her seriously and that she is safe.

Depending on how lucid she is when she asks why this is happening to her, you might try, "I think maybe your health problems are interfering with normal sleep. Then dreams seem real. Maybe the person in the window was just a dream."

Be sure her doctor knows about these episodes.

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Thank you jeannegibbs for your response! That was helpful.

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score 1 · Answer 3

You don't mention your Mom has Dementia. With her health problems she may not be getting enough oxygen to her brain. Do you check her Pause Ox? If she is not on oxygen it maybe time.

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Thank you for your response JoAnn29. She has not been diagnosed with Dementia or anything like that. She does however have circulation problems due to one of her arteries being blocked and only one supplying blood to her brain. She is on oxygen therapy & must use it at night. I check her oxygen several times a day since she isn't required to use it all the time, just at night.

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score 1 · Answer 4

Yes, I never try to talk her out of what she's seen. I instinctively knew that would do more harm than good. When she first began seeing people, one of her medications had been increased. I informed her doctor and I told him that dosage was too much for her, and he agreed. She is 84 and very sensitive to changes to her medications. The have hallucinations began to decrease in frequency. But now, they seem to occur with a bit more frequency. I will take your advice and watch Teepa Snow. I will also contact her doctor about the UTI testing.

Thank you so very much for your advice.

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score 2 · Answer 5

Watch Teepa Snow YouTube videos. Just google Teepa Snow and listen to several of her videos and you will learn ways to help your mom. Don’t try to talk your Mom out of what she has seen. It’s very real to her. I’m sure you’ve noticed.
If this is new behavior for her make sure you test her for a UTI and let her doctor know she is hallucinating. Her meds may need an adjustment.

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I don't know how to calm my Mother or what to say to her. She has begun seeing "people through a window" in the wall of her bedroom.

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