Mother in assisted destroys things in her apartment overnight. Wakes up and suspects someone else did it and that they will hurt her. How should we respond?

This must be terrifying for her!

Please do have her checked for a UTI and see if she can take a mild sedative at night (or even whenever she's stressed over things). I know people can be too 'proud' to let their LO's be on psych meds, but they definitely have their place.

NeesyK, I would also recommend an Urinary Tract Infection test. Such an infection can cause all types of unusual behaviors in an older person.

This must be terrifying for her. Please have an updated medical evaluation where this is shared and also seek help from the staff where she lives to find a solution for her to rest peacefully

You respond by asking the AL administrator who they recommend to do a geriatric psychiatric or psychological or neuropsychiatric evaluation and ask if after her evaluation she can begin a trial of a small dose of calming medication.

This certainly seems to be behavior that is both disturbing to her and for which she needs help.

This is the way to start getting her what she needs.