VISITING ANGELS SOUTH SHORE, MA 781-834-6355
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Paranoia in the Elderly

What is Paranoia?

Paranoia is a mental state that causes a person to consistently—and irrationally—feel threatened, worried, or fearful. Examples of paranoia in the elderly include:

  • Thinking someone is talking behind their back or is “out to get them.”
  • Feeling they are being overly mistreated
  • Worrying someone is going to steal their money or possessions
  • Fearing family members no longer love them because they don’t visit as often
  • Becoming suspicious, distrustful, or jealous of others
  • Hearing strange (non-threatening) noises that cause immense fear

What Conditions Are Related to Paranoia?

Some seniors experience delusions, which are false viewpoints a person steadfastly believes even though factual evidence proves the contrary. For example, they may think a neighbor stole their watch even after repeated attempts to explain the timepiece was misplaced and eventually found.

Hallucinations can cause older adults to see, hear, smell, or feel things that aren’t there. For example, they may imagine an intruder walking around the room at night or lurking outside their window.

What Causes Paranoia in the Elderly?

Paranoia may be related to an underlying problem, such as:

  • Dementia, including Alzheimer’s Disease
  • Brain tumors
  • Brain damage caused by stroke or injury
  • Medication side effects
  • Psychiatric conditions
  • Dehydration or heat-related illness
  • Psychiatric conditions
  • Untreated urinary tract infections
  • Social isolation

If you suspect your loved one is experiencing any paranoia due to any of the issues listed above, consult your family doctor immediately.

What to Do if a Loved One Experiences Paranoia

When symptoms strike at home, take the following steps to help your senior feel safe and secure:

Acknowledge Their Experience

Don’t deny what they claim to see, hear, or feel, because it is real — and possibly very frightening — to them. Gently acknowledge their experience by saying, “I know you see/hear/feel/smell that, and it’s OK.”

Provide Reassurance

Let them know they are safe, especially if they are feeling scared.

Avoid Escalating the Situation

Try not to overreact during a disagreement, even if they are accusing you of something that is not true. An argument could cause your senior to become increasingly agitated or upset.

Redirect

Try to redirect their attention to something pleasant, such as a new topic of conversation, music, or activity.

Always discuss any possible signs or symptoms with a medical professional.

How Can an In-Home Caregiver Help?

Visiting Angels’ caregivers can help your elderly loved one by preventing social isolation, maintaining a safe environment, and serving as a reassuring, comforting presence in the home. Additionally, a professional in-home caregiver can monitor for new or worsening signs and bring it to your attention.

Contact your local home care office to learn how Visiting Angels can support a senior with paranoia. We will schedule a no-cost, no-obligation home care consultation..


Serving the South Shore from Milton to Plymouth, MA

Visiting Angels SOUTH SHORE, MA
475 School St #15
Marshfield, MA 02050
Phone: 781-834-6355

Serving the South Shore from Milton to Plymouth, MA

Visiting Angels SOUTH SHORE, MA
475 School St #15
Marshfield, MA 02050
Phone: 781-834-6355