My mom just moved into assisted living and is terrified. She thinks they are trying to kill her. What in the world can I do?

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/delirium/symptoms-causes/syc-20371386

But also they should do a urine screen for a UTI.

If she just moved in like a few days ago, I’d say the change in location/routine/familiarity could have triggered hospital delirium. Google it. It’s crazy, my dad had it during his first admit, he was convinced the Fast and the Furious actors were in his room and coming to take him somewhere important (and he was angry that we wouldn’t let him go, he became violent and aggressive and that’s a 180 degree departure from baseline for him). I’ve never seen anything like it. They finally let us stay with him (this was last summer during COVID, so they had just made us drop him off and refused to let us be there) and haldol, seroquel and us being there to constantly reassure and reorient him finally brought him back to himself.

I agree, an AL may not be what Mom needs. She may need MC.

I think that a period of adjustment without your visiting and calling is often requested. However, it does sound as though your Mom may be too advanced in her dementia to thrive in an Assisted Living. This will be something that the facility will discuss with you. I would contact the administration today with your details, and seek their guidance going forward. Adjustment is ALWAYS difficult, or alMOST always. I wish you luck going forward. Remember, the more details you provide to us the more we "may" be able to give helpful suggestions.

Why does she think that?

In other words, is she paranoid, or is she misinterpreting, or is she really being mistreated?

You should be aware of the fact that UTIs in elders can bring on symptoms line this.

That sounds like dementia or some other psychotic behavior. That isn't someone who's a candidate for assisted living but rather memory care.

She should be checked out by a doctor and a geriatric psychiatrist.