My 79yr old Father is suffering Parkinsons with server pyscosis. He is delusional and can be nasty with it (25% of the time) How do we handle these times? Do we front him and tell him it's all in his imagination? This appears to agitate him more. Do we agree with him?
Any advise would be helpful.
Many thanks
It is likely that he doesn't see that there is a problem but can you get him to the specialist, doctor or field officer for advice? It doesn't sound he can understand logic or reasoning. It sounds like a mental health issue that requires medical help.
talk calmly and evenly, try to stay calm and patient, do not challenge by saying they are not real, but also do not agree with the hallucination, explain that although they appear real to you I cannot see them, perhaps they are a hallucination. Always ensure your safety and that of your Dad's, if the situation gets out of control leave the room, leave the house, call 911. as cafelatte said seek medical advice or get in touch with a Parkinsons Field Officer in your area. All the best, also when he is lucid talk with him about his behaviour.
Thanks Cafelatte and Bella21.
He has been moved into fulltime care at a hospital for the elderly that specialise in this condition so safety and medication are not a worry. Bella you have answered my question, re. challanging or agreeing with him. Staying calm and patient can be a struggle at times.
Thanks
Oliver Sacks, the neurologist has written a very good book "Hallucinations", published 2012. I found it readable and understandable and it explains things clearly. You might be able to borrow it or request it from your local library.
I'm please to hear that your father is in care. His state of mind will be very real to him. I have Parkinson's and one of the drugs I tried gave me Hallucinations They were fearful and very real. I lived those dreams and acted on them even to the point of throwing my self out of bed to miss an elephant that was about to step on me. We may laugh about it now but at the time they were awful. Don't pass the realness off and forgive your father for any anger. We all deal with Parkinson's in different ways. Its very normal to feel anger when your body is going out of your control.Often this anger can be directed at those we love most. Your dad needs support and your love. Hope this helps.
I also have been there, and the worst thing you can do is to say to the person what they are experiencing is not real because to them they a very real. My best advice and it was for me also,
was to seek medical advice. Because these symptoms when grouped with some other symptoms such as depression or anxiety can lead to dangerous situations.
My husband had hallucinations that eventually subsided. He knew they were not real, but was still doubtful. He kept seeing a group of people playing volleyball down by our fence line. My daughter walked down there as he watched and she took a picture on her cell phone showing that there was no one there. That helped him reason it out somewhat.
