Expert: Paula Damgaard - 5/7/2008

Question
My mother is in a nursing home 5 hours away from me, rooming with her
sister who's AD is quite advanced.  My mother has had the home call me 4
times in the last 7 days to tell me I must move her because people are
stealing everything, which is of course not true.  This has become a source of
concern of hers which she reacts to 10 - 20 times per day, the staff tells me.  
I can't believe it would be best to move her to a new facility, but I am
wondering if moving her to a different room would help or should I just ride
out this latest paranoia.

Answer
Dear Gayle, there are medications that can help with this.  Has anyone asked for a psych evaluation?  They would be the best ones to provide the best medication for her.  These medications would also help to relieve her anxiety and give her a better quality of life and for those around her.

I think this is a much better solution than trying to find a new home for her, which as you suggest is clearly not the answer.  

Good luck I hope your mom finds some relief.  Paula