Caring for a parent with Parkinson’s disease and Lewy body dementia can be overwhelming, especially when hallucinations become part of daily life. Hallucinations, a common symptom in later stages of Parkinson’s (affecting up to 50% of patients), can be visual, auditory, or tactile. These vivid experiences are often unsettling for families, but with the right approach and support, you can ensure your mom feels safe and reassured.
Common Hallucination Examples
Visual Hallucinations:
- People: Strangers, children, or deceased loved ones.
- Animals: Cats, dogs, birds, or bugs on walls.
- Shadows or shapes: Blurry figures or movement in peripheral vision.
- Imaginary visitors: Believing someone is in the home.
Auditory Hallucinations:
- Voices: Whispering or calling their name.
- Sounds: Knocking, footsteps, or phantom music.
Tactile Hallucinations:
- Feeling bugs crawling on the skin or someone touching them.
Environmental Distortions:
- Misinterpreting objects, like mistaking a coat rack for a person.
- Patterns on wallpaper or carpets appearing to move.
How to Respond
- Validate, Don’t Argue: Acknowledge their feelings without reinforcing the hallucination. For example, say, “I understand it feels real to you, but we are safe here.”
- Ensure Safety: Remove hazards that could lead to falls or injuries if your mom reacts suddenly.
- Redirect Attention: Shift focus to comforting activities like looking at photo albums, listening to music, or enjoying a hobby. Give them something comforting to hold like a blanket (positive sensory).
Non-Pharmacological Ways to Help
Create a Calm Environment:
- Use soft lighting to minimize shadows.
- Remove mirrors or patterned furnishings that could cause confusion.
Simplify Surroundings:
- Declutter and organize spaces for ease of navigation.
Support Restful Sleep:
- Establish consistent bedtime routines, as poor sleep can worsen hallucinations.
How a Parkinson’s-Trained Caregiver Helps
A trained caregiver can make a significant difference in managing hallucinations:
- Recognizing and Responding: They know how to validate experiences without increasing anxiety.
- Maintaining Safety: Caregivers adjust lighting, minimize clutter, and eliminate triggers.
- Providing Emotional Comfort: Having someone who understands Parkinson’s offers reassurance to both the patient and family.
- Establishing Routines: Regular schedules help reduce confusion and anxiety.
Benefits of a Parkinson’s-Certified Care Manager
A Care Manager provides expertise and support tailored to your mom’s needs:
- Personalized Plans: Strategies for managing symptoms, fall prevention, and medication schedules.
- Ongoing Monitoring: Documenting symptoms and making adjustments as needed to stay “on-track”.
- Family Support: Education and tools to navigate challenging situations like hallucinations.
When to Seek Professional Help
If hallucinations cause distress, unsafe behaviors, or interfere with her daily life, consult your mom’s healthcare provider. Medications, infections, or sleep deprivation may exacerbate symptoms, and adjustments may be necessary.
By incorporating trained caregivers and Care Managers into your mom’s care team, you can ensure her safety and emotional well-being while gaining peace of mind for yourself. With the right tools, resources, and support, managing Parkinson’s becomes less overwhelming, allowing you to focus on meaningful moments with your mom.
Call or text our certified Parkinson’s Care Educators today and Karla or Haily will be honored to help your family manage Parkinson’s care and focus on what matters most. 402-780-1211.
Our Caregiving team provides personal one-on-one attention for your loved one. When you are ready to begin your care journey, we are the experts that will answer your questions and help you implement a plan.
Home Care Partners is locally owned and committed to providing Thoughtful, Quality, and Dedicated Care.
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