Mom, who's 90, had a stroke on July 1. Hospital, acute rehab, now sub-acute. She's become paranoid and doesn't trust anyone. What can I do?

ba8alou ((((((hugs)))) I am in a somewhat similar situation, though mother's paranoia has been developing over the past few years, it worsened in the past few months. She is physically very well for her age (101) and looks the picture of health. She does have Borderline Personality Disorder and has been a bit paranoid as she got older, but recently is has gotten completely out of hand. She is in an ALF and has a lovely apartment, but is convinced that they are going to send her to a nursing home "in the south" which is going to cost her lots more money, even though she is so well physically she does not qualify for a nursing home. She has been accusing them of stealing from her, and got upset recently and took off to fly to an ALF in the east, without a phone number or address and fortunately without out proper ID to be able to buy a plane ticket. The police took charge of her at the airport and took her to hospital. She was released after a couple of days, lasted at the ALF less than 24 hours, became abusive, and is back in hospital again since about 2 1/2 weeks ago. Her paranoia has increased to the point that she has bizarre reasons to explain things, and at first felt safe in the hospital, but recently, apparently thinks the hospital is poisoning her food. After the first episode, the family felt she should be in a closed unit as she is a "flight risk", but the hospital has deemed her competent - or had a couple of weeks ago. They are giving her drug(s) to treat the paranoia but to no effect so far. My sig other wonders if she is, in fact taking them, as the paranoia is worsening and she is bright enough to fake taking them. I care give at a distance and am down here again to see her, deal with her finances, and find out from the doctors what they think is going on and what can be done about it. The only thing that I can see is treatment with drug(s) (apparently antipsychotics are used for paranoia) - It may take a while for them to find the right drug or combination - and placement in a facility able to deal with mental health problems. Otherwise, her life is really unmanageable. She certainly will not stay in her ALF, and since, in 2 1/2 weeks in hospital, she now thinks the food is not safe there, this is going to happen anywhere she is. There must be changes in her brain from aging , as with your mum from the stroke causing the paranoia, and it does not seem easy to treat in our case anyway. I think paranoia is fairly common in seniors, especially if they have other health conditions. It is sad to see them so anxious and "acting out" from this. Good luck and keeps us updated. . (((((((hugs)))))

Thanks to all of you. The "discharge" was an error by the case manager, who had been given the erong room number, she's apologized abjectly for this mistake, but my mom keeps ruminating on it. We are trying to get her to drink more, but she doesn't want to becsuse then she has to pee and she thinks the aides want money for taking her to the toilet...you just have to laugh sometimes.

Find out who made the decision to move her, she may not remember all the details. If the facility is only a rehab, yes she may need to move to long term care after a limited time period. It's important to keep in daily contact with her Nurse and Case Manager. Have a long chat with the Neurologist and get a prognosis.

I would also make sure she is getting plently to drink and staying hydrated. We found out that my dad's strange behavior in sub acute rehab was due to dehydration.

I would also make sure she is getting plently to drink and staying hydrated. We found out that my dad's strange behavior in sub acute rehab was due to dehydration.