My mother lives alone and has become an angry, paranoid and in denial. Where do we start?

I'm sorry to hear your situation, I would recommend contacting her primary care physician to have evaluated, add or remove medication. Contact a local placement agency to see what your options are for alternative care setting.

Many things can cause this behaviour I would reiterate all the good advice, get her evaluated, this should involve blood work. Social Isolation could also be part of the problem... Many times elders isolate themselves, because they either don't feel well, or do not want to get out. Home becomes their security and they feel safe there, so they do not want to leave. However for the most part we need socialization to remain healthy keep our minds busy is important. take care, J

I'm sorry--that should have said 'taking her to the lab'.

If this behavior has just begun or has been coming on recently she could have a urinary tract infection. Call her Dr. and tell them you would like to have this checked. It really only involves taking for to the lab, you don't need to see the DR. If she has an infection they can give you a prescription. We found out that it is common for this type of infection to affect older people mentally. We've gone through this 3 times with my Mother-in-law.

The geriatric evaluation for mental health is the first place to start. There is also a possibility that there may be some disease process that could explain her personality changes. Blockage in carotid artery, an undetected stroke, heart disease, diabetes, to name a few. My aunt's electrolytes were dangerously low and she was delusional, angry and suspicious. Her kidneys were in bad shape and her Calcium was dangerously low. Start with the medical follow with the mental evaluation and then take the legal guardianship steps to get her placed into the appropriate living arrangement. This is a difficult decision ultimately, but as the writer above states you must take care of her if she cannot take care of herself.

Have your mom see a geriatric mental health professional.
They will guide you as to how to handle the situation.

I have a similar situation going on, HoeMel. My mom isn't so angry as she is forgetful, It has taken my sister and me almost a year to deal with it. We had to get guardianship over her and now we are on a waiting list for her to go into assisted living. She is total denial that she needs any help. At some point, you have to stop caring so much about how she feels about things and do what is in her best interest to keep her safe. My mom did great for 87 years and then had a sharp and sudden decline, It's very difficult, but we have to make sure she is taken care of properly.......if she is having signs of dementia, don't try to correct her or reason with her, it won't do her any good and it will only frustrate you. Just agree with her and go along for the ride. Good luck!