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.

Coping with Holiday Loneliness

By Donna Nichols • December 8, 2025
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Holiday Visits: How to Spot Changes in a Loved One’s Needs

By Donna Nichols • December 2, 2025
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Gratitude in Every Season

By Donna Nichols • November 13, 2025
As Thanksgiving approaches, we’re reminded that gratitude isn’t just a holiday tradition — it’s a way of life. At Assisted Senior Services, we see it daily: in the quiet strength of caregivers, the wisdom of our seniors, and the small moments that make a big difference. We believe gratitude is more than a feeling. It’s a practice. A way of seeing the world, even in challenging times. For seniors, caregivers, and families, this season can stir a mix of emotions. There may be joy in gathering, but also grief, fatigue, or change. That’s why we hold space for all of it — and honor the quiet strength it takes to keep showing up with love. Gratitude doesn’t erase hardship, but it helps us carry it. It reminds us that even in uncertainty, there are still ordinary gifts: a warm hand to hold, a shared laugh, a moment of peace. Whether you’re caring for a loved one, navigating new challenges, or simply pausing to reflect, this season invites us to slow down and appreciate the ordinary gifts around us — a warm smile, a shared story, a helping hand. We are grateful for: • The families who trust us to walk alongside them, through transitions and triumphs. • The caregivers who show up with compassion and grace. • The caregivers who offer comfort, dignity, and patience every single day. • The seniors who teach us resilience, humor, and the value of every day – reminding us of what really matters. This Thanksgiving, we honor your journey. We celebrate your courage. And we’re here to support you — not just during the holidays, but all year long. So, whether your Thanksgiving is bustling or quiet, traditional or tender, we hope you find something to hold onto — and someone to hold it with. From all of us at Assisted Senior Services, thank you for being part of our community. We’re honored to support you, and we wish you a season filled with warmth, connection, and care. Happy Thanksgiving!