My mom has dementia and is seeing people and things in her room at night that scare her. we put a camera in her room to record and show her That no one is there but she says that they just can't be videoed. She said cant take it anymore. She's not sleeping because of her fear, she thinks they are there to kill her! How do I handle this?
Your loved one could be seeing spirits from the other side
Twright, if your Mom sleeps in a totally dark room you might was to experiment with night lights or a low 25 watt lamp for night use. You can tell your Mom that when those night lights are on, the people won't come into her room. I don't know if that would work or not. It's worth a try.
What if you switched her room for a few nights to see if it happens in a different bedroom? Or what if someone stays with her in the room at night.?You could tell her that you have someone guarding the doors. I would try to give her security about them, because you will not be able to convince her they are not real. In fact that probably scares her more, so, I wouldn't tell her they are not real anymore. Can you convince her they are friendly people who are looking out for her and leaving gifts?
Is she normally anxious, worried or agitated? I would ask if treating those things could help with her nighttime problems.
A geriatric psychiatrist would be ideal, but if one is not available, as her primary for guidance. It could be a phase that passes, but, I don't think that I could wait on that possibility.
Make her feel safe. Reassure her that you are there for her around the clock if she needs you and that you will always make sure she's OK. When my dad became fearful of things he thought he was seeing I told him over and over that I would never let anything happen to him. Provide comfort and reassurance to your mom.
Have you considered giving her something to help her sleep?