Coping with Moms Dementia When She Accuses You of Stealing

It's an emotional rollercoaster when a loved one with dementia accuses you of actions you haven't committed. Feelings of guilt, overwhelm, and stress are natural reactions.

In this post, based on a heartfelt query, we delve into understanding delusions in dementia and steps to manage them.

1. Recognizing Delusions in Dementia

When dementia patients believe in scenarios like break-ins, thefts, or misplaced items without such events occurring, they're experiencing a delusion. This often arises due to memory gaps, which makes them create reasons that seem plausible to them.

2. Empowering Daughters of Dementia: A Workshop

To transition from feeling overwhelmed to empowered, consider attending specialized workshops. Workshops like "Empowering Daughters of Dementia" can offer valuable insights and coping strategies.

3. Three Crucial Insights on Delusions in Dementia

Medical Checks for Sudden Changes:

If there's an abrupt onset of delusions, consider a medical examination for underlying conditions, such as infections. Rapid behavioral changes might hint at treatable medical problems.

Communication Challenges:

Advanced dementia can make abstract communication tools, like phones, confusing for patients. They might better comprehend face-to-face interactions. Remote cameras or video feeds, like Sociavi, might be effective alternatives for staying connected.

Evaluating Living Arrangements:

Continuous progression of dementia can make independent living unsafe for patients. It's crucial to assess whether they can continue living alone, anticipating the inevitable need for supervised or 24-hour care.

4. The Imperfect Perfect Plan: Planning Ahead

Waiting for a crisis to determine caregiving solutions can be stressful and overwhelming. Being proactive by creating a roadmap for future care needs gives control over the situation. Although no plan is perfect, planning ahead provides clarity, reduces anxiety, and ensures the well-being of both the caregiver and the patient.

Conclusion:

Delusions in dementia can be emotionally taxing for both the patient and their loved ones. By understanding the root causes and being proactive, caregivers can better navigate this challenging phase of the dementia journey.

Remember, proactive planning is the key to managing the unpredictable nature of dementia. Stay blessed and empowered in your caregiving journey.

Let me know in the comments below if you have questions about dementia that you need answered.

If you would like more information on how to help a parent living with dementia, join our next free workshop here.

Read More:

It Is Hard Watching Someone You Love Decline

Why Having Your Parent With Dementia Be Independent With Eating And Drinking Is Good For Them

Disclaimer: These blogs, videos and any work done by Lizette Cloete OT, as a Member of Think Different Dementia, LLC, is given only as educational content and consulting work. This does not create an Occupational Therapist-Patient Relationship. The educational content and consulting work performed should not be considered medical treatment as an Occupational Therapist. The consulting work does not take the place of medical work normally performed by a licensed Occupational Therapist. Please consult a licensed Occupational Therapist for medical advice.

“Think Different” Dementia’s owner, Lizette Cloete, OTR/L graduated as an Occupational Therapist from the University of Pretoria in South Africa in 1992. She and her husband emigrated to the USA in 1993, and currently reside in South Carolina. They have 2 daughters and one son-in-love, 4 cats, one dog and 16 chickens.

Lizette has almost 30 years of experience as an Occupational Therapist in a variety of settings, the latest being in the home health environment. Among her many accomplishments, she served on the South Carolina Occupational Therapy Association’s Board of Directors from 2008-2014. She enjoys teaching on the topic of dementia, most recently presenting at a national conference on the topic “Dementia Made Simple”