Connect with others who understand.

  • Learn from expert-reviewed resources
  • Real advice from people who’ve been there
  • People who understand what you’re going through
Sign Up Log In
Powered By
Real members of myALZteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.
A myALZteam Member asked a question 💭
Weeki Wachee, FL

My father was in ER again(2 times in last week), Dr called what he had End stage dementia , and what he was experiencing was Sundowning? (Hallucinations) Anyone have any tips. Is there a actually type of dr that deals with this or dementia
I got a 430 am wake this morning my dad said he wa kidnapped and I needed to call police. I tried to calm him down and reassure him he was ok. Then there was a bang on his door and it was the police, he called 911 before me...They were understanding, but I am… read more

June 24, 2019
 · 
Reactions

Answer Summary

Members rallied around someone whose father, now in late-stage dementia with sundowning, called 911 at 4:30 AM believing he'd been kidnapped,... Read more

Members rallied around someone whose father, now in late-stage dementia with sundowning, called 911 at 4:30 AM believing he'd been kidnapped, with the community offering both practical and emotional support for this frightening milestone. Several members shared strategies including registering him with local police vulnerable persons registries, consulting a neurologist or geriatric specialist about medications like Seroquel or Risperdal to manage nighttime agitation, and limiting phone access at night while exploring memory care facilities better equipped to handle advanced dementia behaviors. A recurring theme was the difficult balance between maintaining connection and ensuring safety, with many emphasizing that assisted living may no longer provide the level of specialized care and supervision he urgently needs.

A myALZteam Member

I don’t know where you live but my husband was placed in the data bank as having ALZ so that way when I called or he was found, gone missing,or called the already understood the situation you can do this through the ALZ.org it is very helpful

June 24, 2019
A myALZteam Member

You have to decide where your priorities lie. What is important to you. Talking with your dad in the middle of the night or trying to find another placement for him because he is causing a disturbance at the home when everyone else is sleeping. From what others have said sometimes when they have a problem patient they find some reason to send him to hospital and then not take him back and you are left to solve the problem. They do not have to save his room
That would be upsetting for all involved
There is a problem, and it MUST be addressed, by you or them.

July 3, 2019
A myALZteam Member

Dad's safety is a big issue and his sundowning delusions/hallucinations, common with later stage Alz, may cause him to wander...my grandfather was struck and killed by car many years ago when he wandered outside while agitated and delusional...ask his dr about meds like Seroquel or Risperdal but it seems dad is urgently needing a secure care home placement.

June 24, 2019
A myALZteam Member

I fully agree with NormaDeAnne! The Assisted could try to take his phone at night time only. Then he'll wake home staff 1st to state problem. Not too many Assisted Cares are equipped to deal with problems of dementia and they rarely stay long. I'd start looking for a Memory Unit close by. Staff is better trained to resolve and deal with problems like these hallucinations.

July 4, 2019
A myALZteam Member

If dad lives in assisted living, he does not live alone. They are charged with his care and control. He should not have a phone at his disposal if he is not capable of using it responsibly. Have that removed or make it disappear.

June 28, 2019

Related Questions

View All
Continue with Facebook
Continue with Google
By joining, you accept our Terms of Use, and acknowledge our collection, sharing, and use of your data in accordance with our Health Data and Privacy policies.
Already a member? Log In