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.

Protecting Your Skin at Every Age — Especially Under the Florida Sun

By Donna Nichols • May 4, 2026
May is Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Month, an important time to talk about protecting the skin we live in. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, and Florida’s year‑round sunshine makes awareness especially important for seniors. Many older adults grew up in a time before sunscreen was widely used, which means decades of sun exposure may increase risk today. Melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, can develop quickly — but when caught early, it is highly treatable. Other types of skin cancer, like basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma, are also common in seniors and often appear on areas that have seen the most sun over the years: the face, ears, neck, arms, and hands. What to look for: Early detection saves lives. Seniors should watch for: • New spots or moles • Changes in size, shape, or color • Spots that itch, bleed, or don’t heal • Anything that looks different from the rest Dermatologists often use the ABCDE rule to help identify concerning changes: Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter larger than a pencil eraser, and Evolving over time. Simple ways to protect your skin: • Wear a wide‑brimmed hat and lightweight long sleeves when outdoors • Use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and reapply regularly • Seek shade during peak sun hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) • Avoid tanning beds • Schedule regular skin checks with a dermatologist, especially if you’ve had sunburns in the past Skin cancer awareness isn’t about avoiding the outdoors — it’s about enjoying it safely. Sunshine can lift our spirits, support healthy sleep, and encourage movement, but it’s important to protect ourselves along the way. With a few mindful habits and regular check‑ins, seniors can stay active, confident, and sun‑smart all year long.

Staying Active as the Weather Warms

By Donna Nichols • April 17, 2026
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Allergy Season Is Here: What Seniors Should Know

By Donna Nichols • April 2, 2026
April in Florida means sunshine, flowers, and… pollen. Lots of pollen. For many seniors, allergy season can bring sneezing, itchy eyes, congestion, and fatigue — symptoms that can be frustrating but manageable with awareness and simple habits. Here’s what older adults and caregivers should keep in mind as allergy season peaks. 1. Allergies Can Change Ov er Time Even if someone never had allergies before, they can develop later in life. The immune system shifts with age, and new sensitivities can appear. If symptoms show up suddenly each spring, allergies may be the reason. 2. Pollen Counts Are Highest in the Morning For seniors who enjoy morning walks or porch time, this can be a surprise. On high‑pollen days, shifting outdoor time to later in the afternoon can make a big difference. 3. Staying Hydrated Helps Ease Symptoms Water thins mucus, supports the immune system, and helps the body flush irritants. Seniors often drink less than they realize, so gentle reminders — a water bottle nearby, herbal tea, flavored water — can help. 4. Keep the Indoors as Allergen‑Free as Possible A few simple habits go a long way: • Keep windows closed on high‑pollen days • Change air filters regularly • Remove shoes at the door • Shower or change clothes after being outside These small steps help reduce the amount of pollen that sneaks indoors. 5. Pay Attention to New or Worsening Symptoms If allergy symptoms feel different than usual, last longer than expected, or interfere with daily life, it’s a good time to check in with a healthcare provider. Sometimes what looks like allergies can be something else entirely. A Breath of Fresh (and Cleaner) Air Allergies may be part of spring, but they don’t have to steal the joy of the season. With a little awareness and a few simple habits, seniors can stay comfortable, active, and able to enjoy everything April has to offer.