Hi, my dad got diagnosed with parkinsons over 15 years ago. Recently his symptoms have got considerably worse. And he ended up letting himself out of his house and wandering around until the police found him. He has since been hospitalised and is still very confused, hallucinating and also lashing out at doctors and nurses. He can have a conversation with us one minute and next thing its as if a switch has struck. The hospital are talking about discharging him even though my mum had admitted shes struggling to care for him now especially as he is hallucinating and becoming aggresive. Has anybody dealt with similar from a family member? We did not realise this was a part of parkinsons. Tia x
Hi Stacey,
We saw this was your first post and just wanted to welcome you to our forum community. Over time you will hear from members who have shared these unfortunate experiences with hallucinations and the like, and they will assure you that you are not alone.
We also found some info on our website which may be useful: Managing hallucinations and delusions: tips for family, friends and carers | Parkinson's UK. And do make use of the search function in the top right of the page, as this will yield not only more support articles, but also existing forum threads on the subject.
Do reach out to us on 0808 800 0303 if you’d like to speak directly with an advisor. The call is free and confidential, and the support team have a sterling reputation amongst the community.
With our warmest welcome,
Jason
Forum Moderator
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Hi Staceywiffen,
Welcome to the site.
It really sounds as if he has developed dementia as well as other aspects.
The lashing out seems that it could be as a result of the dementia.
He doesn’t know where he is or who those around him are so just lashes out as he is afraid.
Have you made an appointment with a neurologist?
Hi Clive
Thank you for your message. We are now on day 8 of him being in hospital. Still very confused and lashing out. Had hospital security by his bedside again yesterday. They have now informed my mum he is ready to be discharged apparently. Theyve told her there is a 14 month wait for a neurologist to see him. He has had no assessment. No nothing. We asked that he be assessed for parkinsons dementia and to check mental capacity but they have not done this. I have now reached out to PALS at his hospital and are hoping for some intervention. They have stated he is safe to come home, yet has security by his bed? Very contradicting!
Hi Stacey,
If the police found your dad wandering, they are obliged to send a safeguarding referral to Adult Social Care. You can also contact them yourself, usually they are located within your council. Tell them whats happened and that an urgent assessment of need is required. They may be able to help with making the house safer, as well as the assessment around his care needs. You could also try the PD Helpline as it seems very unsafe of the hospital to discharge your dad without any plan. Sorry to be blunt but they just want the bed back. There may also be medical social workers at the hospital. Ask for them to come and speak with your mum and plan out exactly what to say.
I believe that PD medication can cause confusion and hallucinations, has his medications been altered?
Given the length of time he has been diagnosed with PD then this could very well be Dementia with Lewy Bodies (sometimes called Parkinson’s Dementia).
The hospital appear to be making no effort to diagnose his problem with either a Neurologist or a Frailty Consultant. PALS should be onto this. Do you live in an out of the way part of the country?
Doug