Your wife should no longer have access to money. Sadly, she can’t make sound decisions anymore. Talking to the tv is fine, sending money is not. Cut off the access to money to prevent the possibility. Talk with her doctor about medication management to help calm her at night and stop the anxiety. I wish you both peace
If she gets up in the middle of the night you will need to secure your home so she can't wander outside (especially if you live in a cold northern state). You may have to install a system that alerts you to her movements. You also wish to discuss this with her doctor to see if prescription sleep aids will end the nightime wakings.
Your wife has dementia/Alzheimers..........and you know that, you are her caregiver. So what surprises you about this behavior, it goes with the territory. Make sure she has no access to credit cards or funds she can send to 'these people', since you know it's all a scam.
With the dementias, many people talk to the television and believe the people on it are speaking to them directly. Make sure your wife isn't watching shows that frighten or upset her. If she's overly agitated, call her doctor to see about calming meds to relax her a bit. Get her away from the TV set and doing activities that are more relaxing such as coloring, crafts, folding towels, or simple lacing projects like this (especially if she liked to sew):
I suggest you read this 33 page booklet (which is a free download) which has THE best information ever about managing dementia and what to expect with an elder who's been diagnosed with it.
Understanding the Dementia Experience, by Jennifer Ghent-Fuller https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/210580
Jennifer is a nurse who worked for many years as an educator and counsellor for people with dementia and their families, as well as others in caring roles. She addresses the emotional and grief issues in the contexts in which they arise for families living with dementia.
The full copy of her book is available here: https://www.amazon.com/Thoughtful-Dementia-Care-Understanding-Experience/dp/B09WN439CC/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2E7WWE9X5UFXR&keywords=jennifer+ghent+fuller+books&qid=1657468364&sprefix=jennifer+ghent%2Caps%2C631&sr=8-2
She also has published a workbook entitled, “It Isn’t Common Sense: Interacting with People Who Have Memory Loss Due to Dementia.”
Watch Teepa Snow videos on YouTube for more tips on how to interact with dementia sufferers. She is a fabulous teacher.
Go to ALZ.org which is the Alzheimers website; they have an 800 phone number to call to speak to a live person and a support site as well. Lots of useful info there too.
Get a copy of The 36 Hour Day which is a good reference type book to have on hand for when you have questions pop up.
Make sure to get respite YOURSELF b/c it's too hard to take care of a dementia patient 24/7. You need a break, so hire in home caregivers and look into Memory Care AL for the time when it all gets too much for you.
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With the dementias, many people talk to the television and believe the people on it are speaking to them directly. Make sure your wife isn't watching shows that frighten or upset her. If she's overly agitated, call her doctor to see about calming meds to relax her a bit. Get her away from the TV set and doing activities that are more relaxing such as coloring, crafts, folding towels, or simple lacing projects like this (especially if she liked to sew):
https://www.amazon.com/Patterns-Developing-Imagination-Education-Supplies/dp/B09JK61LCP/ref=sr_1_5?crid=3332QJPWS5MZJ&keywords=sewing+cards+for+kids+ages+4-8&qid=1662567869&sprefix=sewing+cards%2Caps%2C196&sr=8-5
I suggest you read this 33 page booklet (which is a free download) which has THE best information ever about managing dementia and what to expect with an elder who's been diagnosed with it.
Understanding the Dementia Experience, by Jennifer Ghent-Fuller
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/210580
Jennifer is a nurse who worked for many years as an educator and counsellor for people with dementia and their families, as well as others in caring roles. She addresses the emotional and grief issues in the contexts in which they arise for families living with dementia.
The full copy of her book is available here:
https://www.amazon.com/Thoughtful-Dementia-Care-Understanding-Experience/dp/B09WN439CC/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2E7WWE9X5UFXR&keywords=jennifer+ghent+fuller+books&qid=1657468364&sprefix=jennifer+ghent%2Caps%2C631&sr=8-2
She also has published a workbook entitled, “It Isn’t Common Sense: Interacting with People Who Have Memory Loss Due to Dementia.”
https://www.amazon.com/Isnt-Common-Sense-Interacting-Dementia/dp/1481995995/ref=sr_1_4?crid=2E7WWE9X5UFXR&keywords=jennifer+ghent+fuller+books&qid=1657468655&sprefix=jennifer+ghent%2Caps%2C631&sr=8-4
Watch Teepa Snow videos on YouTube for more tips on how to interact with dementia sufferers. She is a fabulous teacher.
Go to ALZ.org which is the Alzheimers website; they have an 800 phone number to call to speak to a live person and a support site as well. Lots of useful info there too.
Get a copy of The 36 Hour Day which is a good reference type book to have on hand for when you have questions pop up.
Make sure to get respite YOURSELF b/c it's too hard to take care of a dementia patient 24/7. You need a break, so hire in home caregivers and look into Memory Care AL for the time when it all gets too much for you.
Wishing you the best of luck.