Yes, get her checked for a UTI! And any sort of sudden change may indicate a UTI. We went through seven of them last year none this year. Symptoms ranged from not being able to walk, speech was slurred, backache, and delusions. And thank goodness these symptoms were not all at the same time!
Yes, you're right about urinary tract infections. About three years ago my mom had a UTI. She became delusional and paranoid. She would see bugs on the counter and walls (no bugs). She thought shadows of people were real people. She would point to the ground and say, "There's your father." A UTI in a senior can go unnoticed. They may not have all the tell-tale signs of a UTI, such as pain, frequent urination or cloudy urine. But, when an elderly person gets one, it can travel to the kidneys quickly then into bloodstream which can create havoc on a senior's mental state.
I'm not sure of your details, but when my loved one started having delusions and hallucinations, the staff at the Assisted Living suggested she be taken to the hospital for a change in mental status. They suspected a urinary tract infection. As it turns out, she didn't have one, but they can cause that kind of thing to happen.
Other things such as mental illness and dementia can also cause it, but you would need a physician and perhaps a mental health care professional to diagnose your mom and recommend treatment. I wouldn't delay either.
Start with your mother's physician first. You'll need HIPPA clearance and you should also have a health care power of attorney and living will set up for your mom so you can handle her affairs if she is unable. Not sure what state you're in but you can call the Elder Care Line in your community.
Lisa, lots of caregivers here have dealt with hallucinations and delusions, and we may be able to offer some suggestions.
It would help to know more about the situation. How old is your mom? Does she have dementia? A diagnosed mental illness? How long has this been going on?
Does mom live alone? With you? Tell us a little about her situation and health.
Are you in the US? Have you discussed this with Mom's doctor?
Other things such as mental illness and dementia can also cause it, but you would need a physician and perhaps a mental health care professional to diagnose your mom and recommend treatment. I wouldn't delay either.
It would help to know more about the situation. How old is your mom? Does she have dementia? A diagnosed mental illness? How long has this been going on?
Does mom live alone? With you? Tell us a little about her situation and health.
Are you in the US? Have you discussed this with Mom's doctor?