Dementia care: What are hallucinations and delusions?

Submitted by AgedCarer on Fri, 19/09/2008 - 9:04pm

Hallucinations and delusions can be very frightening and real for the person experiencing them.

What are hallucinations and delusions?

A hallucination is when people see, hear and feel something that isn't there or happening. A delusion is when people think something is true when it is not.

People with dementia can experience delusions and hallucinations. Changes in routine, the environment and sensory overload can contribute to hallucinations and delusions.

Sometimes reasoning and orientating a person to reality will not calm a person experiencing delusions and hallucinations. Carers may have to play along with the person's reality whilst offering reassurance and safety.

Always see a doctor if the person you care for has hallucinations or delusions. Sometimes delusions and hallucinations can be caused by other factors such as medications, dehydration, metabolic disturbances or head injury.

Tips for coping with hallucinations and delusions

See a doctor to exclude medical conditions behind behaviour such as delirium
Be comforting and reassuring
Do not argue with the person or be disbelieving, acknowledge their feelings
Distract the person with another topic, go for a walk to a different environment
Ensure adequate lighting
Ask a doctor to review medications as behaviour changes could be a side effect
Keep caregivers consistent
Maintain routine and a familiar environment
Keep a record of behaviour and inform a doctor