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Caring For Your Loved One… Hallucinations And Delusions

maureen-mcardleIssue 33.09

When a mentally impaired person’s senses fail, they may see or hear things that are not there, but are real to them.  Sometimes, a person who is somewhat isolated hears voices that they are convinced are real, even though there are not any persons attached to the voices.  If the person is suffering from depressive feelings, the voices might add to their feelings of worthlessness.  Sometimes a disturbed person hears voices that accuse him of terrible deeds.  On the other hand, the voices may be reassuring and grand – discussions with angels or other larger-than-life beings that offer protection or suggestions for actions.

Some impaired people develop jealous delusions, a kind of second cousin to a persecution complex.  With no apparent basis in fact, the person can become fixated on the idea that the relative who cares for them doesn’t pay enough attention or doesn’t love them enough.  If the relative even talks to someone else, they can erupt into a jealous rage.  This delusion does not often respond to reassurances.  Again, the jealous obsession must be understood as a symptom of some underlying anxiety, and they should be treated medically if at all possible.

Sometimes a person, whose sense of smell or taste has changed, becomes convinced that something is being done to their food or that certain gases are being released to harm them.  They may insist that someone is trying to poison them and they may become so fearful that they refuse to eat at all.  Obviously, this behavior requires immediate treatment. 

Occasionally, a person who is afraid of being poisoned might try to protect themselves by hurting the one who they think is harming them.  It is important not to panic in the face of this behavior.  It is usually no more than a gesture.  A calm, reassuring response will probably get the upset person out of the disturbing situation.  It often helps to say something like, “I’m really sorry that you’re so upset.  I’m going to do everything I can to help you feel better.”  Again, the next step is treatment for the relief of these symptoms.

At Dignity Health and Home Care, we specialize in individualized home health care programs to best fit the clients’ needs.  We realize and recognize each individual has their own separate set of circumstances, both physical and financial.  These variances allow our programs and rates to be uniquely designed for each client!

For further information about home health and how to get a free evaluation, call our office at (435) 656-1833.

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