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My 96-year-old dad thought he heard the phone ring and picked it up. He heard someone say to meet them at a certain location. His companion's children were coming up that day, so he thought it was them. He also said the TV told him the same things. No one called. He and the companion disappeared for 3 hours while they had breakfast, waiting for companion's children who were worried when they were not home.


Are auditory hallucinations dementia-driven? When we asked what happened he shouted, "I'm not senile!"

He may need hearing aids. Have his hearing checked by an audiologist that doesn't hawk a "brand" of hearing aids. Use the report to find hearing aids that will help with his hearing needs and his ability to care for them.

If his hearing checks out (or in addition to hearing test), get an appointment with his medical doctor. Infections, blood chemistry imbalances, poor oxygenation... can all cause people (not just seniors) to misinterpret sounds or sights. His doctor can also check for cognitive function. If dementia is suspected, a referral to a neurologist to evaluate type of dementia and treat it is warranted.
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Reply to Taarna
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Offer reflective listening: "Oh, I hear you saying xxx"
Do not agree or disagree. You want him to know you are listening and that he is heard (shows respect and hopefully comfort to him).

Yes, he will resist / depend himself (he is scared and frustrated)
You want to remain neutral and keep the person calm.
However, if it is dementia - you need to intervene and acquire some legal authority moving forward. See an attorney.

Read / review these websites (and others):

https://www.dementiauk.org/information-and-support/health-advice/false-beliefs-and-delusions-in-dementia/

https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/stages-behaviors/suspicions-delusions ---- Alz Association: Call their hotline: 800.272.3900

I believe this is a question for your dad's medical provider.

Look at Teepa Snow's website and take her webinars / watch You Tubes.

You might also want to get this book:

The 36-Hour Day: A Family Guide to Caring for People Who Have Alzheimer Disease, Other Dementias, and Memory Loss - Johns Hopkins Press Health Book

After 35 years, still the indispensable guide for countless families and professionals caring for someone with dementia.

Through five editions, The 36-Hour Day has been an essential resource for families who love and care for people with Alzheimer disease. Whether a person has Alzheimer disease or another form of dementia, he or she will face a host of problems. The 36-Hour Day will help family members and caregivers address these challenges and simultaneously cope with their own emotions and needs.

Featuring useful takeaway messages and informed by recent research into the causes of and the search for therapies to prevent or cure dementia, this edition includes new info on:

• devices to make life simpler and safer for people who have dementia
• strategies for delaying behavioral and neuropsychiatric symptoms
• changes in Medicare and other health care insurance laws
• palliative care, hospice care, durable power of attorney, and guardianship
• dementia due to traumatic brain injury
• choosing a residential care facility
• support groups for caregivers, friends, and family members
The central idea underlying the book―that much can be done to improve the lives of people with dementia and of those caring for them―remains the same. The 36-Hour Day is the definitive dementia care guide

Gena / Touch Matters
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Reply to TouchMatters
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Why do you call your dad's partner of 35 years his companion? They've been together long enough now for you to accept the situation.
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Reply to MiaMoor
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Frustrated2025: Prayers forthcoming.
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Reply to Llamalover47
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Frustrated, sometimes we just have to love them right where they are and pray nothing catastrophic happens.

Trying to intervene can cause total distrust and make your job even harder.

I think I would encourage you to keep an eye on things and not say anything more to him, it's causing him to be pulled between his mate and you, she will win, she has his ear 24/7. I know it is hard to watch but, unless you plan on a court battle for guardianship there really isn't much you can do, except cause him to do something dumb, like revoke your POA.

I had to watch my dad make really bad choices and it cost him everything but, I think he was as happy as could be and that was what really mattered when it was all said and done.
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Reply to Isthisrealyreal
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This sounds like Lewy Body Dementia to me. It is so sad, but just don’t make things worse. There is no point in trying to reason or convince the person that they are wrong. I think it is best to go along with it and try to change the subject when possible. Best of luck to you.
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Reply to Tiger8
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What other symptoms are being observed?
Auditory hallucinations and visual as well can indeed be problems in dementia and my brothers first manifestations of his Lewy's occurred with phone problems.

You know, of course, that this is a matter to refer to doctor and to follow up on with testing for the sake of safety now.
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Reply to AlvaDeer
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Frustrated2025 May 30, 2025
He won’t let me talk to him about it. He says he’s not senile and refuses to allow me to take him to docs
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I’ve thought of calling aps but I think it would emotionally devastating to my dad if they separated them at this point. I’m truly at a loss as he is still driving, says he will take care of things but never does, leaving me to do it but then telling me not to. Companion has aphasia as well as congestive heart failure and sight issues. Discussing placing her with her daughter and she said no she’s not leaving dad. It’s truly frustrating
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Reply to Frustrated2025
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I would first have your dad checked for a UTI, as that can certainly cause hallucinations and dementia type symptoms.
If that checks out ok, then perhaps he may have some dementia, but unless he's checked out by his doctor/neurologist we and you can only guess.
Your dad is 96, so some mental decline would be considered "normal" at his age, so just keep an eye on him and have his "companion" keep notes on any more strange behavior he may exhibit as that can be presented to his doctor if needed.

I just read your second post, so I'm not sure that I would trust this "companion" with anything pertaining to your dad. How very sad that your dad tolerates her and her sons financial abuse because he's afraid of being alone.
To me it sounds like your dad would be better off living in a nursing facility then with the people he's currently living with.
Have you considered calling APS and reporting the situation you spoke of in your second post?
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Reply to funkygrandma59
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