I am a caregiver for my dad, who I believe has dementia or Alzheimer's. He has hallucinations and sees things that aren't there.
I don't know where to start to find out if this is the case. I have read different things that could trigger this — dehydration, medications, infections — but my dad says if nothing hurts it's ok, so I have to fight with trying to get him care.
Where do I begin? The Office of Aging doesn't seem to have resources or suggestions that I can find. I just want advice, I don't want 100 calls from people who just want to make money off his condition. I just want to read what my options are. Any advice?
Go to Alzheimers.org for information.
Contact his MD.
Document ALL incidents that support your findings / observations (what, when (date and time) and explanation of what happen(ed)(s).
Gena / Touch Matters
I am sorry but I feel you are being quite harsh. I haven't seen any comment indicating she does not want to be his caregiver. You are making judgemental comments without knowing the whole story. If he goes to a facility without having a true diagnosis, that is only asking for more problems because facilities do not make diagnoses and without her advocating for outside specialists and testing, he will never be diagnosed properly.
I don't know any more than you do about their situation, but when OP said:
"but my dad says if nothing hurts it's ok, so I have to fight with trying to get him care." That may only mean he is like a lot of men who refuse to go to a doctor.
As she has already read herself, his issues can simply be an infection or dehydration which when treated properly can resolve his issues. Yes, she realizes it may be more than that and that seems to be why she is searching for insights here and many have given great insights for her to consider.
If we went to the ER every time my husband has a hallucination, we would live there. A lot of hallucinations are very benign and in the beginning if told nothing is there, they will take a second look and agree. As issues progress, many times, all that is needed is going along with them and not arguing. I didn't see any comment that OP made indicating he is troubled by them. Early on in my husband's journey, I was told if they aren't a problem for him it was not something to be overly concerned with... but yes, OP should have it checked out as others have advised especially since it is new to OP and the father.
Please forgive me, but I get riled when so many here jump to conclusions and suggest sending LO to facility when the details are very limited. I support anyone's decision to use a facility whenever they personally feel their LO needs more care than they can provide at home. So yes, sometimes as caregivers, we need to be nudged... not shoved in that direction.
Time to write down all symptoms.
Your first order of business is to get dad to his doctor for an exam and with your list of symptoms. Once he has a diagnosis it is time for him to seek safe care. If he won't do that you will need a visit (not phone call) with APS to see to it that the state takes care and guardianship if Dad won't allow you to get him safely placed.
You are clear in what you don't want as far as phone calls and etc., but you seem not to know what Dad now NEEDS.
Dementia isn't "triggered". If your father is showing signs (and the internet is your friend here; it is flooded with symptoms) of dementia, then dehydration isn't an issue. Dementia is. And you have to have a diagnosis.
I would start out the week with a call to his MD telling him what you have told us.