Hallucinations can be alarming for the person experiencing them and their loved ones. If your senior family member is seeing, hearing, or sensing things that aren’t there, you may naturally feel concerned, confused, or unsure how to help.  

While hallucinations can indicate a serious underlying cause, such as memory loss or dementia, there are many reasons your loved one may be experiencing hallucinations, such as medication, sleep deprivation, or sensory loss. 

With the proper knowledge, resources, and support, you can better understand what may be happening and take meaningful steps to provide care and comfort.  

What Is a Hallucination?  

A hallucination is a perceptual experience where a person perceives something that isn’t real. These experiences may involve one or more of the five senses, causing the person to see, hear, feel, taste, or smell things that others do not.  

Unlike a simple misunderstanding or trick of the senses, hallucinations often feel vivid and real to the person experiencing them, which can make them distressing. They aren’t necessarily a standalone medical condition but are usually a symptom of another underlying issue.  

Hallucinations can differ widely based on the person and the cause, so understanding their types is an essential first step.  

Types of Hallucinations  

Seniors may experience various forms of hallucinations, including the following common categories:  

• Visual Hallucinations: These involve seeing things that aren’t there, such as shadows, people, animals, or objects. They are often associated with conditions like dementia or certain medications.  
• Auditory Hallucinations: The person may hear sounds or voices others don’t hear. These could range from faint background noises to distinct conversations.  
• Tactile Hallucinations: Tactile hallucinations give the sensation of touch. For example, seniors may feel like bugs are crawling on their skin or that someone is touching them when no one is present.  
• Olfactory Hallucinations: These involve the sense of smell. A senior might detect an unpleasant odor, such as smoke or decay, even when no source exists.  
• Gustatory Hallucinations: Although less common, gustatory hallucinations involve taste. Seniors might report experiencing a strange or unpleasant taste in their mouth without a reason.  

What Causes Hallucinations in Seniors?

To address hallucinations effectively, it’s crucial to understand what might be causing them. Common causes, especially among seniors, include the following factors.  

Dementia  

Dementia-related conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body dementia, are some of the leading causes of hallucinations in older adults. Cognitive decline can change how the brain interprets sensory information, leading to these perceptual experiences.  

For example, seniors with Lewy body dementia may frequently encounter vivid visual hallucinations, such as seeing people or animals.  

Medication  

Certain medications or combinations of medications can cause side effects that include hallucinations. Drugs that affect brain chemistry, such as antipsychotics, antidepressants, or even over-the-counter sleep aids, can sometimes disrupt a senior’s sensory perception.  

Side effects may be more likely in seniors due to how medications are metabolized differently as we age.  

Sleep Deprivation  

Chronic sleep deprivation or poor-quality sleep can impact brain function and prompt hallucinations. Sleep disturbances like insomnia or sleep apnea, which commonly affect seniors, might exacerbate these effects.  

Sensory Loss  

Hearing loss, poor vision, or other sensory changes can lead to brain misinterpretations. Visual hallucinations, known as Charles Bonnet syndrome, can occur in seniors with significant vision loss due to macular degeneration or glaucoma.  

Other Contributing Factors  

Other factors may also play a role, including:

• Dehydration or Nutritional Deficiencies: Dehydration, low blood sugar, or deficient vital nutrients like vitamin B12 can impact brain function.
• Infections: Conditions like urinary tract infections (UTIs) are known to cause confusion, delirium, and hallucinations in seniors, especially when combined with other health concerns.
• Mental Health Conditions: Depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may also manifest with symptoms of hallucinations.  

Supporting a Loved One Experiencing Hallucinations  

If your loved one is experiencing hallucinations, you might feel unsure how to respond. Here are practical and compassionate steps you can take:

1. Stay Calm. Even if the hallucination feels alarming, maintain a calm and reassuring demeanor. Avoid dismissing their experience outright, as this can create distress or mistrust.
2. Validate Their Feelings. Instead of arguing about whether something is real, acknowledge how the hallucination makes them feel. For example, you might say, “That sounds frightening. I’m here to help you.”
3. Assess for Safety. Pay attention to whether the hallucination could lead to harm, such as trying to interact with nonexistent objects.
4. Document and Share. Keep a record of what the hallucinations involve and when they occur. This information will be important when consulting a healthcare professional.
5. Consult a Doctor. Hallucinations are always worth discussing with a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause. If the hallucinations are sudden or severe, seek immediate medical advice.  

How Senior Living Communities Support Senior Health & Wellness  

Many older adults benefit significantly from moving into a senior living community, especially those dealing with challenges like hallucinations.  

Here’s how these communities can help promote wellness and address common underlying causes:

• Comprehensive Medical Oversight: Many senior living communities provide access to on-site healthcare services, ensuring medication management, preventive care, and quick intervention for symptoms like hallucinations.  
• Healthy Routine Promotion: Stable routines that include balanced meals, hydration, rest, and meaningful activities offer seniors the support they need for mental and physical health.  
• Mental Wellbeing and Engagement: Engaging activities and opportunities for social interaction help reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation, which can contribute to declining mental health. Communities often focus on creating inclusive, vibrant spaces to foster connection.  
• Specialized Dementia Care: Memory care communities are designed to provide a safe and supportive environment for seniors with dementia. Staff trained in dementia care can manage symptoms, including hallucinations, with expertise and compassion.  

Empowering You to Take the Next Step  

Hallucinations in seniors can be challenging, but with the right mix of understanding and support, you can help your loved one live more comfortably and confidently.  

At NorBella Centerville, we believe in supporting health, purpose, and belonging. Our communities are designed to empower seniors to live with dignity and joy, whether engaging in favorite activities, enjoying carefully curated meals, or benefiting from specialized care services.  

Contact us today to learn more about how we support senior health and wellness.