iSavta | 30.06.2020

Has your elderly loved one or your patients ever told you of something they saw or heard but does not actually exist? For clients who hallucinate, what they saw or heard could really be genuine for them, which is understandable. But in the part of the caregiver, it could be something they’ve heard over and over again that causes them stress. When this happens, many normally respond to the stress with an adverse behavior which could cause more frustration for both the client and the caregiver - frustration with the situation that causes exhaustion the next day, and the cycle goes on.

 

 

Hallucination is caused when the region of the brain in charge for interpreting visual and auditory stimuli has been affected either by disease or even physical factors such as sleep deprivation, dehydration or even due to side-effects of medications. For the elderly population who are not only prone to diseases because of weakened immune systems, but also due to physical factors, it is important not to immediately dismiss their concerns especially if you think that what they are seeing or hearing are hallucinations, rather become more aware with what they are going through so proper care can be given. 

 

FIND AND REMOVE TRIGGERS

 

One good approach in managing hallucination is by identifying and eliminating objects that can trigger the condition. Look around the surroundings of the patient. If it happens during bed time, try to see the room through the patient’s eyes, most probably you’ll find shadows, open curtains, mirrors or televisions left on - these can trigger the hallucination. Remove such objects with a calm and relaxed attitude, but be confident and show your patient that you are not afraid of the object and that you are in charge - giving him/her the same confidence.  

 

USE A NIGHT LIGHT

 

A night light does not only provide some sort of light in the room, it also gives a relaxing ambiance that helps your patient to have a sound sleep. It creates a more peaceful sleeping environment. Once your client is able to sleep well, you are able to reduce the chances that he/she will see or hear something again. Lack of sleep can again be another factor that can cause hallucination, so letting your patient sleep well is one good strategy to fight the tendency to have another episode in the future.

 

BE REASSURING

 

Rather than scolding your loved one or your patient because of the stress his/her condition gives you, reassure your patient that you are there for them. Remember, some hallucinations could create actual fear. When you remain calm, and when you reassure them that you are just there for them, they’ll be able to become more confident. After removing the object that could trigger the hallucination, you can either sit with the patient and tell them that you’ll be there until they are able to sleep. 

 

ASSIST THEM IN GOING BACK TO BED

 

Since your patient is still in fear because of what they supposedly saw or heard, it will be good to assist them in going back to their bedrooms until they are able to go back to their beds. It will not only be difficult for them to go back on their own, it could sometimes be impossible. Dismissing their concerns and commanding them to go back to their own rooms without assisting them won’t be a very good plan. Assisting is not only wise, it is also practical so you can see for yourself and identify whatever causes the hallucination.

 

After doing these measures, and the hallucination still persists, discuss it with his/her doctor so professional management can be given to the client. 

 

These are simple tips, but due to the caregiver’s stress, sometimes simple strategies like these aren’t carried out. Try them, it will not only help your patients, it will also reduce your future stress by fighting the cycle of recurrence.