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Grandmother (F,80)
My grandmother is slowly having hallucinations, and is sometimes having proper conversations also, she's is making up scenarios which are very dangerous (accusing family members of crimes) which never happened, she is the closest to me , and yet she tried to hit me.
Please advise the next steps
Answers (13)
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It's late onset Psychosis. Some times severe stress and neurological issues can trigger. Don't argue or Shame or dismiss her. Speak softly not confrontationally.
Next Steps
Constant Psychiatrist and Neurologist .
Assessment may need
Cognitive evaluation
Mental status exam
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Hi! Looks like your grandmother might be developing geriatric psychosis or some other kind of condition. I would advise you to visit a psychiatrist. They could help rule out any organic causes and provide medicines for instant relief.
Next Steps
visit your nearby psychiatrist
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It seems to be geriatric psychosis which can be due to cerebral atrophy which is quite common as the age advances.
The psychological changes are not common so needs to be treated asap otherwise it may get complicated and can affect your family and social life.
It needs to be treated in a holistic approach for complete recovery.
You need an expert Psychologist who is a good homeopathic physician.
Next Steps
I have been working as a Homeopathic Psychiatrist and Counseling psychologist for the last 17 years of experience. You can contact me through an online appointment for further assistance.
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Based on the symptoms you described, your grandmother may be experiencing age-related cognitive or psychiatric changes such as dementia with psychotic symptoms or late-onset psychosis. Hallucinations and making false accusations can sometimes occur in such conditions.
It would be advisable to consult a psychiatrist or neurologist as soon as possible for a proper clinical evaluation and medication if required. Along with medical support, family members should remain calm, avoid arguing with her beliefs, and ensure her safety as well as the safety of others.
Try to maintain a structured daily routine for her, keep the environment calm, and monitor any sudden changes in behaviour. Early assessment and treatment can significantly help in managing these symptoms.
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She is most likely not doing this intentionally. Her brain may be struggling to interpret reality correctly. According to the description, there are combinations of several neurological conditions.i.e. Dementia, Alzhimers
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Don't argue with her beliefs. Supportive care can reduce agitation, hallucinations, and aggression significantly. Many families see improvement after proper diagnosis and medication.
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This is symptoms of schizophrenia constant with psychiatrist for medication and psychotherapy
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Hi
Next Steps
hi
Health Tips
geriatric Counselling
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What you’re describing is very frightening to witness, especially when it’s someone you love deeply. When a person who has always been familiar suddenly starts seeing things, creating stories that never happened, or becoming suspicious or aggressive, it can feel like you’ve lost the person you knew. That grief and shock are very real.
From what you described hallucinations, false accusations, conversations with people who are not there, sudden aggression, and creating dangerous stories that never happened several possibilities exist. At this stage it’s only a working hypothesis, not a confirmed diagnosis, because diagnosis requires a medical exam.
Right now the practical path is simple but important: medical evaluation quickly, safety at home, and gentle interaction instead of confrontation. With the right doctor involved, families usually gain much clearer guidance on what is happening and how to manage it.
Next Steps
Consultation, preferably a geriatric psychiatrist or neurologist. Sometimes treatment can significantly calm the symptoms.
Health Tips
First priority is safety for everyone. If she has already tried to hit someone, family members should avoid standing too close during tense moments. Keep some physical distance, especially when she is agitated. Remove objects nearby that could be used to hurt someone. One calm person speaking to her is better than multiple family members confronting her at once.
Second, do not argue with the hallucination or accusation. When she says something like “you stole something” or “someone committed a crime,” trying to prove her wrong usually makes the brain feel threatened. A calmer response is acknowledging the feeling without validating the story. Something like: “You seem upset. We are here with you. You are safe.” The goal is to reduce fear, not win the argument.
Third, watch for patterns. Many elderly people with hallucinations become worse:
• at night
• when they are tired
• when the room is dark or quiet
• when there are too many people or loud discussions
Keeping lights soft but on in the evening, maintaining a predictable routine, and reducing noise can sometimes lower agitation.
Fourth, limit stimulation when she is confused. Too many visitors, TV noise, or family debates can overwhelm a brain that is already struggling to process reality.
Fifth, avoid taking accusations personally. This is one of the hardest parts. When a grandparent accuses a loved one of terrible things, it feels deeply painful. But the accusations usually follow a pattern of paranoid misinterpretation, not actual belief about that person’s character.
Sixth, rotate caregiving if possible. One person carrying the emotional burden alone becomes exhausted quickly. Even short breaks for the main caregiver are important.
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Hi, Consult a physician
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Ms. Pooja Bhargava
Psychologist
10 yrs exp
Delhi
Urgent psychiatrist evaluation is essential for your grandmother’s slow-onset hallucinations. It is likely that geriatric psychosis is affecting her closest relationships
Next Steps
Consult psychiatrist
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Mr. Gunjan Maithil
Psychologist
13 yrs exp
Bangalore
Hi...I am appauld to see that you being a 19 year old not only understand, but aware about the possible cause of her condition. Yes, she is possibly experiencing an age related mental health condition. Severity of it can only be understood by a proper medical assessment by a Psychiatrist. I know it's hard to convince a grand parent to visit a Psychiatrist, but you being her grand son can convince her to visit a doctor. Even if she is okay to visit a doctor, you with one of your parent can take her to a good hospital. Even a General Physican will automatically refer her to a Psychiatrist or the specialist that is best suited for her condition. If she is adamant on not visiting a doctor at all, you along with your parent or any of your parent's siblings (son/daughter of your grand mother) can visit a Psychiatrist and share her symptoms (whatever she is doing) in simple terms. The psychiatrist will be able to help you and guide you on how to administrator medicines that s/he has prescribed. Once you do that her condition will start becoming better within weeks/ months depending on severity of her condition. Once her contact from reality re-establishes after taking a due course of medications, you can consult a Psychologist for Counselling. Remember, medications will give her immediate relief but her long-term recovery will take place by proper counseling and rehabilitation.
Next Steps
Consult a Psychiatrist first for a Medical Diagnosis and Medications.
Consult a Psychologist later for Counselling and Rehabilitation.
CBT along with Interpersonal Relationship and Supportive Counselling is required.
Institute of Human Behavior and Allied Sciences (IHBAS), Delhi is a prominent mental health facility in NCR.
Health Tips
Mr. Gunjan Maithil
Senior Psychologist
Cell: nine six seven one three zero three one three four
Website: https://gunjanmaithil.wixsite.com/therapy
App: http://wix.to/fechb08?ref=cl
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Ms. Smriti
Counselling Psychologist
18 yrs exp
Bangalore
Connect with psychiatrist
Next Steps
consult
Health Tips
connect
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Ms. Rizwana Parvin T M
Counselling Psychologist
7 yrs exp
Coimbatore
Consult a nearby psychiatrist
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Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.