I am researching how to deal with auditory hallucinations. My mom has been having them for at least 6 months, talks to her tv because she believes these messages are coming through tv, hears horrible things like her children have died, in denial but refers to them as hallucinations because her Hospice nurse has educated her somewhat, and refuses meds that deals with anxiety because of a reaction to one when she was 40.
Hospice nurse is consulting with the doctor but taking too much time. She is calling us for answers, says she's not crazy, & then threatens to leave her facility if explanations can't be given! I know mom has her "right to refuse", but does anyone have any tried and true experiences that have worked? Can we tell her a pill might help with hallucinations when it's really an antipsychotic? Because of her opinion about being "drugged up" and her lack of reasoning skills to understand "take a pill or put up with these hallucinations" we're at a standstill. Somehow, she does know her pills, color, & size so she'll know if meds change. This is a very, very sad and upsetting experience for her and her family.
Auditories began as we, her children, were singing children's choir songs, so she ordered them to remove her CD player and radio. Now, they're commands that she should get dressed, someone in the family is coming to pick her up. Yes, she really wants out of AL, but she says these are family emergency things like my sister is dying. She truly is seeking reasons why, but we do not have one. Hospice nurse told her they could be caused by her meds but says that's unlikely because they've not changed in years & she's taking very few as she's on Hospice.
The usual meds for dementia could cause 'hallucinations' & dementia symptoms to become worse, according to nurse. We're lost. It's sad that we find her having a conversation with her tv as we enter the door to her room. She unplugged tv again but swears it's making a winding noise, & even asks us if we cannot hear that!! It's very upsetting for all of us, plus she'll fight any anxiety meds they might recommend.
Has she been checked for a UTI? Sometimes those create unusual new behaviors in LOs and is often the only symptom.
No, I don't think she can escape the facility. Just threatens to leave.