022 – QA: Helping a Paranoid Older Parent and Checking Safety
Better Health While Aging
English - September 29, 2016 12:30 - ★★★★★ - 109 ratingsMedicine Health & Fitness Science Homepage Download Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
Late-life paranoia is surprisingly common. Dr. K answers a reader's questions regarding an aging parent with paranoia, including how to check on safety and levels of decline. She also covers common causes of paranoia and offers tips on getting help, even if your parent is resisting.
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In This Episode:
Dr. K responds to a reader’s question on assessing the safety of an older parent who has become paranoid and has started behaving differently. She covers:
Why delusions, hallucinations, and paranoid behavior are so common in older adults
The six “Ds” that cause paranoia and other forms of late-life psychosis
Why a medical evaluation to identify the causes of psychosis is so important
How to check on “levels of decline” and safety, using the Checking Older Parents Quick Start Guide
How to tell your parent’s doctor about the problems, even if your parent doesn’t want you to be involved
The best sources of useful advice and information, if you are concerned about a parent with signs of late-life psychosis
Tips on discussing these issues with a resistant parent
Related article:
6 Causes of Paranoia in Aging & What to Do
Related Resources:
Late-Life Psychosis: Diagnosis and Treatment
10 Things to Know About Delirium
4 Types of Brain-Slowing Medication to Avoid if You’re Worried About Memory
Checking Older Parents Quick Start Guide
Health Information Privacy (HIPAA)
Caregiving forum at AgingCare.com
Circles at Daughterhood.org
4 Things to Do When Your Parents Are Resisting Help
Please post any follow-up questions below! If there are enough questions, Dr. K will address them in a follow-up episode.
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