How to Deal with Your Mother's Delusions Due to Dementia

If you're a caregiver for a parent with dementia, you know that it can be a challenging and stressful experience. One of the most difficult things to deal with is when your parent starts to develop delusions.

Delusions are false beliefs that are not shared by other people. They can be very upsetting for both the caregiver and the person with dementia.

In this blog post, I will discuss three things you need to know about dealing with a mother's delusions due to dementia. I will also share some tips on how to calm down and accept that you're enemy #1 right now.

What are delusions?

Delusions are a common symptom of dementia. They can be about anything, but they often involve theft, infidelity, or conspiracy. For example, your mother might believe that you're stealing from her, that her neighbors are spying on her, or that the government is trying to control her mind.

Why do people with dementia develop delusions?

There are a few reasons why people with dementia develop delusions. One reason is that they may have difficulty remembering things. When they can't remember what happened, they may fill in the blanks with false information.

Another reason is that they may have difficulty understanding what's going on around them. This can lead to them misinterpreting things and developing false beliefs.

How to deal with a mother's delusions.

If your mother is developing delusions, there are a few things you can do to help.

First, it's important to stay calm and patient.

It can be very frustrating to deal with someone who is delusional, but it's important to remember that they're not in control of their thoughts.

Second, try to understand why your mother is believing these things.

What is she afraid of? What is she trying to protect herself from? Once you understand the root of the delusion, you can start to address it.

Finally, it's important to set limits.

If your mother is accusing you of stealing, for example, you need to tell her that you're not going to tolerate her accusations. You can also try to redirect her attention to something else.

How to calm down and accept that you're enemy #1.

It's natural to feel angry, frustrated, and even guilty when your mother is accusing you of things you didn't do. It's important to allow yourself to feel these emotions, but you also need to find ways to calm down and accept the situation.

One way to calm down is to take some time for yourself. Go for a walk, listen to music, or do something else that you enjoy. You can also talk to a therapist or counselor who can help you process your emotions.

It's also important to accept that you're not going to be able to change your mother's delusions. The best thing you can do is to focus on providing her with the care and support she needs.

Conclusion

Dealing with a mother's delusions due to dementia can be a challenging experience, but it's important to remember that you're not alone. There are resources available to help you, and there are things you can do to make the situation easier.

By staying calm, patient, and understanding, you can help your mother cope with her delusions and continue to live a happy and fulfilling life.

I hope this was helpful. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment below.

"From Overwhelmed to Empowered: A Workshop For Daughters of Dementia" is happening on August 12, 2023, at 12 pm EDT. This is a free workshop, dedicated to helping you, the brave daughters, navigate the daunting path of dementia caregiving with grace, resilience, and a sense of control.

Together, we'll explore strategies, uncover resources, and connect with others who understand exactly what you're going through. We'll delve into topics that are often swept under the rug, shedding light on the aspects of dementia caregiving that need to be brought to the forefront.

But most importantly, this workshop is about you - a caregiver, a daughter, and an unsung hero. It's about providing you with the knowledge, the tools, and the community to ensure you're not just surviving in this journey, but truly thriving.

Read more:

How to Deal with Your Mother's Delusions Due to Dementia

Cognitive Decline: What You Need to Know

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”