How do you Respond to Hallucinations in Seniors with Dementia?

Donna Nichols • February 13, 2023
A group of people are walking down a tunnel in a black and white photo.

Did you know that dementia can cause someone to hallucinate? They can see, feel, taste, or hear something that is not there, but to them it is very real. Not all of these hallucinations are scary or bad, sometimes they are pleasant; maybe they see a loved one who passed and are communicating with them again.



No matter what the hallucination may be, do not discredit it; remember, it is very real to them. Validate the hallucination, respond accordingly to their feelings and most importantly, keep them safe.


How should you respond when someone you love is having hallucinations? Let’s see if some of our tips can help you out.


1.     Figure out if you need to respond to the hallucination. If it is a pleasant one, you may need not interfere. However, if it is a disturbing hallucination, you may need to intervene and clam them down, or try a different activity to get their mind off of it.


2.     Keep explanations about what is happening short. If you give them a long, drawn-out explanation, they won’t understand. Remember, their brain doesn’t work like it used to and they cannot comprehend things anymore. Keep it short and simple.


3.     Stay calm and provide reassurance. You must remain calm during the hallucination and don’t argue with them, telling them it is a hallucination and they area imagining it. This will only enrage them. Remember, the hallucination is very real to them and you need to go along with it.


4.     Check for triggers. There can be many triggers in the house that can cause hallucinations. If the television or radio is on, this can cause them to believe other people are in the house. If the room is dark and you have a dim light on, this can sometimes make it look like shadows are in the room and can cause fear. Mirrors are not good in the house for someone with dementia or Alzheimer’s (refer to our blog, The Challenges of Mirrors for Someone with Alzheimer’s). Remove all possible triggers.


5.     Look for patterns in the hallucinations. Does your loved one hallucinate around the same time each day? Is it when you are watching tv or listening to the news? Is it when you are talking on the phone? Keep a log of when these hallucinations happen to try and figure out what can be triggering them if it not apparent.


6.     Have a conversation with them. If they are hearing voices, try chatting with them. They cannot hear the voices if you are speaking to them. If they’re seeing visions, get to their eye level and start chatting, they won’t be able to concentrate on the vision with you in their line of sight.


7.      Talk to their doctor. Hallucinations could be a result of a medical condition such as, a head injury, dehydration, a urinary tract infection, or maybe a kidney infection. Seek help immediately if you think the hallucinations could be caused from a medical condition.


8.     Get support for yourself. Caring for someone is very stressful, adding the fact that they are having hallucinations increases YOUR stress level. Join an Alzheimer’s caregiver support group. Assisted Living Made Simple holds four such groups a month in Volusia County. PLEASE seek help, you are not alone!


A bird is sitting on a cane in front of a head with a bird flying out of it.

The Heart of Guidance: The Role of a Senior Advisor in Elder Care

By Donna Nichols • September 5, 2025
In a world that often moves too fast, senior advisors offer something rare and essential: time, understanding, and a steady hand. Unlike their counterparts in the business world, senior advisors in elder care aren’t focused on profit margins—they’re focused on people. Who They Are Senior advisors in this space are often seasoned professionals, caregivers, or community advocates who help older adults and their families navigate complex decisions. They may work in senior living communities, nonprofit organizations, healthcare systems, or independently. What They Do • Guide families through transitions: Whether it's choosing assisted living or downsizing a home, senior advisors help make sense of it all. • Advocate for dignity and autonomy: They ensure that older adults’ voices are heard and respected in every decision. • Connect to resources: From transportation and wellness programs to Alzheimer’s and grief support, they know where to turn. • Offer emotional support: Sometimes, the most valuable thing they offer is a listening ear and a calming presence. Why It Matters A senior advisor isn’t just a resource—they’re a lifeline. They help families breathe easier, empower older adults to make informed choices, and bring compassion into moments that can feel overwhelming. If you’re reading this and thinking, “That sounds like me,” you’re not alone. Many of us play this role informally, answering questions, calming nerves, and connecting dots. Whether you’re a professional advisor or a trusted neighbor, your presence makes a difference.  If you or someone you love is facing a big decision and could use a calm, caring guide—we’re here. No pressure, no jargon, just real people ready to help. Call us today on 386-847-2322 to start the conversation. Sometimes, the first step is simply knowing you’re not alone.

Grandparents Day: A Celebration of Heart, Humor & Heritage

By Donna Nichols • September 4, 2025
September brings a quiet kind of magic—the golden light, the hint of fall in the air, and a moment to honor the everyday heroes who’ve shaped our lives with love, laughter, and legendary stories: our grandparents. Whether you’re a grandparent yourself, a grateful grandchild, or someone who’s been “adopted” by a wise elder in your life, Grandparents Day is a chance to pause and celebrate the beautiful bridge between generations. What Makes Grandparents So Grand? • They’re walking history books—with tales of jukeboxes, moon landings, and the original recipe for Sunday gravy. • They’re master cheerleaders, showing up with hugs, cookies, and the kind of encouragement that sticks for life. • They’re wisdom whisperers, offering advice that somehow makes more sense with each passing year. And let’s be honest: they also have the uncanny ability to make you feel like the most important person in the room. A Legacy of Love Grandparents teach us that love doesn’t have to be loud to be lasting. It’s in the quiet gestures: the handwritten birthday card, the saved newspaper clipping, the way they remember your favorite snack or ask about that thing you mentioned weeks ago. They remind us that resilience is built over time—through hard work, humor, and a whole lot of heart. Their stories carry lessons we didn’t know we needed until we suddenly find ourselves living them. And for those who’ve lost a grandparent, this day can be bittersweet. But it’s also a chance to honor their memory—by sharing their stories, cooking their favorite dish, or simply whispering a thank-you into the September breeze. Celebrate with Us: A Little Fun for the Big Day This Grandparents Day, we invite you to: • Share a memory: What’s one moment with a grandparent that still makes you smile? • Send a shoutout: Post a photo or quote from your favorite grandparent on social media and tag us.

Honoring Our Elders: National Senior Citizens Day

By Donna Nichols • August 14, 2025
On August 21, we pause to celebrate the heartbeat of our communities—our senior citizens. This day isn’t just about marking a date on the calendar. It’s about recognizing the wisdom, resilience, and warmth that older adults bring to every conversation, every gathering, and every generation. Wisdom That Lights the Way From stories of first jobs and family traditions to lessons learned through love and loss, seniors carry a lifetime of insight. Their experiences are more than memories—they’re guideposts for those still finding their way. Today, we honor those stories and the voices behind them. Connection That Matters Whether it’s a neighborly wave, a shared recipe, or a quiet moment on the porch, seniors remind us that connection doesn’t need fanfare—it just needs heart. National Senior Citizens Day is a chance to say, “We see you. We value you. We’re better because of you.” Ways to Celebrate Host a storytelling circle or memory-sharing event Share a favorite photo and the story behind it Create a “Senior Spotlight” wall with quotes and wisdom Invite younger generations to learn a skill from a senior (gardening, baking, crafting) Spend time—listen, laugh, and learn A Day of Gratitude Let’s make August 21 a day of genuine appreciation. Whether you’re a senior yourself or someone lucky enough to know and love one, take a moment to reflect on the richness they bring to our lives. Their legacy is living, breathing, and beautifully unfolding every day.  This is a day to be celebrated every day! Senior citizens bring so much fulfillment to our lives, and we need to embrace the moments we spend with them, for they are precious.