You can certainly call the police and they will most likely put him in a the hospital under an involuntary psychiatric 72 hour hold for a mental health assessment. This is often a good thing; they can get him on meds or adjust the meds he's on to modify his behavior. Hallucinations are not uncommon, acting out and violence is also not uncommon. Calling the police, though certainly not easy and maybe heartbreaking, can be an act of love to protect him, you, your home, and sometimes the community.

My thoughts are with you in a very difficult time.

You can certainly call the police and they will most likely put him in a the hospital under an involuntary psychiatric 72 hour hold for a mental health assessment. This is often a good thing; they can get him on meds or adjust the meds he's on to modify his behavior. Hallucinations are not uncommon, acting out and violence is also not uncommon. Calling the police, though certainly not easy and maybe heartbreaking, can be an act of love to protect him, you, your home, and sometimes the community.

My thoughts are with you in a very difficult time.

Absolutely i second what "Frazzled" wrote, dad needs to be hospitalized. But don't see it as a negative, because it is the beginning of things getting better. They will diagnosis what is causing this behavior and the hallucinations and get him on the right medication...so you can get your dad back. (It might be as simple as a bladder infection).

Dementia, particularly dementia from Alzheimer's, can often disguise a co-morbidity. Which simply means, there could be other problems that a hospitalization can reveal. Once revealed, can be treated.

Finally, I would add that long-term illnesses that affect the mind, are unpredictable. And anyone with a family member suffering one, should look into getting a good "geriatric care assessment". They can be expensive, but its generally a one-time expense that is worth its weight in gold. There is one that I know of, and you will see why if you go there, that is free: http://www.easycaregiving.com/DementiaAssessment/ But if you fill it out, it will serve as a wonderful road map for the future care of your loved one. Good Luck, Donahue

Absolutely i second what "Frazzled" wrote, dad needs to be hospitalized. But don't see it as a negative, because it is the beginning of things getting better. They will diagnosis what is causing this behavior and the hallucinations and get him on the right medication...so you can get your dad back. (It might be as simple as a bladder infection).

Dementia, particularly dementia from Alzheimer's, can often disguise a co-morbidity. Which simply means, there could be other problems that a hospitalization can reveal. Once revealed, can be treated.

Finally, I would add that long-term illnesses that affect the mind, are unpredictable. And anyone with a family member suffering one, should look into getting a good "geriatric care assessment". They can be expensive, but its generally a one-time expense that is worth its weight in gold. There is one that I know of, and you will see why if you go there, that is free: http://www.easycaregiving.com/DementiaAssessment/ But if you fill it out, it will serve as a wonderful road map for the future care of your loved one. Good Luck, Donahue

I am sorry for the way you feel. My hubby, who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's non specific type..also gets angry and calls me names and threatens to move out etc..He has not real hallucinatins, only the feelings that my friend or I have stolen and hidden his coffee cupt and other things he has misplaced. He has not gone far enough to threaten physical violence, and I live far enough away from the police, that it would take a long time to get them here. I live in a tiny town in Germany, police are here 2 hours twice a week in a sort of police station in the back yard of a little store here. I think the advice you got above is darn good advice, but also know how hard it will be emotionally to do so. Best to you friend.

I am sorry for the way you feel. My hubby, who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's non specific type..also gets angry and calls me names and threatens to move out etc..He has not real hallucinatins, only the feelings that my friend or I have stolen and hidden his coffee cupt and other things he has misplaced. He has not gone far enough to threaten physical violence, and I live far enough away from the police, that it would take a long time to get them here. I live in a tiny town in Germany, police are here 2 hours twice a week in a sort of police station in the back yard of a little store here. I think the advice you got above is darn good advice, but also know how hard it will be emotionally to do so. Best to you friend.

Thanks, Donahueg! I put in for the assessment, but I also recommend the video, ""Dementia - What is it exactly?", a short, easy to understand video. I especially liked the referral to 'the inability to make memories', rather than the term 'forgetting' which I find so misleading - especially misleading for those not directly dealing with dementia who think they or you can 'help them remember'.

Thanks, Donahueg! I put in for the assessment, but I also recommend the video, ""Dementia - What is it exactly?", a short, easy to understand video. I especially liked the referral to 'the inability to make memories', rather than the term 'forgetting' which I find so misleading - especially misleading for those not directly dealing with dementia who think they or you can 'help them remember'.

Inability to make memories. That makes a lot of sense, thanks Frazzled, I'll use that.

I think I know that video you are talking about "Dementia - what is it exactly? People can find that on youtube...or I think its on: http://www.easycaregiving.com and http://caregiverhelp.blogspot.com Because when I saw it, I felt how I imagine you do - its a great summary of the illness for someone just starting out with caregiving.

Inability to make memories. That makes a lot of sense, thanks Frazzled, I'll use that.

I think I know that video you are talking about "Dementia - what is it exactly? People can find that on youtube...or I think its on: http://www.easycaregiving.com and http://caregiverhelp.blogspot.com Because when I saw it, I felt how I imagine you do - its a great summary of the illness for someone just starting out with caregiving.

Absolutely...and for family and friends who don't have to deal directly with it, but need some kind of explanation. The only thing I don't like is that it makes the disease sound like it has a predictable pattern and I don't think it does. Have you found in your clients that most people follow a pattern? My mother, for example, seems to have lost emotional control first, then logic...but maybe that's just manifestation of behaviors. Anyway it's confusing at best and this video is a nice quick and dirty.

btw, the video is at the same site as the assessment, just further down on the page.

http://easycaregiving.com/DementiaAssessment/

Absolutely...and for family and friends who don't have to deal directly with it, but need some kind of explanation. The only thing I don't like is that it makes the disease sound like it has a predictable pattern and I don't think it does. Have you found in your clients that most people follow a pattern? My mother, for example, seems to have lost emotional control first, then logic...but maybe that's just manifestation of behaviors. Anyway it's confusing at best and this video is a nice quick and dirty.

btw, the video is at the same site as the assessment, just further down on the page.

http://easycaregiving.com/DementiaAssessment/

oh. thanks, I have a few blogs and get them mixed up. Which reminds me.

Everybody on these pages is under some kind of stress, right?. I built a site to deal with it called http://www.stopstresscold.com it's a fun site with a really uplifting video that I can proudly say I made, right at the beginning. It makes me smile every time, I hope it does the same for you.

oh. thanks, I have a few blogs and get them mixed up. Which reminds me.

Everybody on these pages is under some kind of stress, right?. I built a site to deal with it called http://www.stopstresscold.com it's a fun site with a really uplifting video that I can proudly say I made, right at the beginning. It makes me smile every time, I hope it does the same for you.

Well I called his doctor and they said get him to an ambulance/ER "NOW!" Boy.. THAT was ROUGH. He started crying. but at least he is where he can get some help now.

Well I called his doctor and they said get him to an ambulance/ER "NOW!" Boy.. THAT was ROUGH. He started crying. but at least he is where he can get some help now.

Fantastic, rorschach, you're absolutely right - now he will get the help he needs and hopefully it will also benefit you. Keep us updated and vent when you need to. This is a tough journey.

Fantastic, rorschach, you're absolutely right - now he will get the help he needs and hopefully it will also benefit you. Keep us updated and vent when you need to. This is a tough journey.

God the house is so quiet now. Is it wrong to kinda enjoy that? My aunt (his sister) is meeting him at the ER. She said to me.. just stay there Ill take care of this. I just know its a problem with his meds. Once he comes home I hope he is evened out more.

Thank you all for these supportive messages. It has ment allot!

God the house is so quiet now. Is it wrong to kinda enjoy that? My aunt (his sister) is meeting him at the ER. She said to me.. just stay there Ill take care of this. I just know its a problem with his meds. Once he comes home I hope he is evened out more.

Thank you all for these supportive messages. It has ment allot!

Rorschach, we caregivers have to enjoy every second of quiet we get, without guilt, we get too few. I'm glad your aunt is there to support you and give you some reprieve.

Rorschach, we caregivers have to enjoy every second of quiet we get, without guilt, we get too few. I'm glad your aunt is there to support you and give you some reprieve.

Update: Dad is still in the hospital. This morning he was transferred from his room to the "psyche-ward". Im not sure I know what that means.

The CAT scan he had showed that he had several mini strokes or TIA?

I finally got to talk to him today after I got his patient code and he sounds as off balanced as ever. He is obsessed that mom is the sick one (mom is fine) and that its her fault he is in the condition he is in.

Its still so peaceful now that he is out of the house.. but its unnerving to me that he dosnet seem to be getting any better.

Update: Dad is still in the hospital. This morning he was transferred from his room to the "psyche-ward". Im not sure I know what that means.

The CAT scan he had showed that he had several mini strokes or TIA?

I finally got to talk to him today after I got his patient code and he sounds as off balanced as ever. He is obsessed that mom is the sick one (mom is fine) and that its her fault he is in the condition he is in.

Its still so peaceful now that he is out of the house.. but its unnerving to me that he dosnet seem to be getting any better.

TIA - transcient ischemic attacks - mini strokes with short duration symptoms. I have a friend who has those. Disables her for a day or two then she's back at it again. Horrible stuff. She also had a large stroke several years ago and had to relearn many things, stil has occasional trouble with judgements.

It's good that he's in the psychiatric ward. They will watch him, his behaviors, and try several meds to try to get them balanced. He has obviously displayed enough 'unnormal' behaviors to be placed there. It's not unusual for TIA or AD patients to be combative or unreasonable, and who knows what else may be lurking.

It must be very unnerving. I hope you know you did the absolute best.

HUGS!

TIA - transcient ischemic attacks - mini strokes with short duration symptoms. I have a friend who has those. Disables her for a day or two then she's back at it again. Horrible stuff. She also had a large stroke several years ago and had to relearn many things, stil has occasional trouble with judgements.

It's good that he's in the psychiatric ward. They will watch him, his behaviors, and try several meds to try to get them balanced. He has obviously displayed enough 'unnormal' behaviors to be placed there. It's not unusual for TIA or AD patients to be combative or unreasonable, and who knows what else may be lurking.

It must be very unnerving. I hope you know you did the absolute best.

HUGS!

The thing I liked about my dad being in the psych ward was that the staff there had to handle the changes until he adjusted to his meds. When my dad was on hospice we were the ones who had to be there while they determined the best thing for him. They would give him 1 pill that worked for a day then that one wouldnt work and they would give another pill. In the mean time we were handling the time in between. It is very very overwelming for someone who has never seen their father act this way. We did not know what was normal and what was not. Very very scary. I was going to say that we did not have the time to adjust to things but with ad you never do. It is one change after another. Expect the unexpected I guess.

The thing I liked about my dad being in the psych ward was that the staff there had to handle the changes until he adjusted to his meds. When my dad was on hospice we were the ones who had to be there while they determined the best thing for him. They would give him 1 pill that worked for a day then that one wouldnt work and they would give another pill. In the mean time we were handling the time in between. It is very very overwelming for someone who has never seen their father act this way. We did not know what was normal and what was not. Very very scary. I was going to say that we did not have the time to adjust to things but with ad you never do. It is one change after another. Expect the unexpected I guess.

If there is one thing that a human being is entitled to enjoy - and needs greatly - it is time to 'be still'. Enjoy your quiet times - revel in them - seek them out! And, at such times, listen to your heart. :)

If there is one thing that a human being is entitled to enjoy - and needs greatly - it is time to 'be still'. Enjoy your quiet times - revel in them - seek them out! And, at such times, listen to your heart. :)

He went into there yesterday.. My aunt said he would be in there a while. How long does that mean?.. what is the usual stay?

He went into there yesterday.. My aunt said he would be in there a while. How long does that mean?.. what is the usual stay?

I think it's generally 72 hours...that's for an involuntary admit. And I think that's minimum.

I think it's generally 72 hours...that's for an involuntary admit. And I think that's minimum.

Ahh thats good. I have been using this opportunity to clean up his room allot. I got him a whole new bed set and pillows. So I still have some time for some extra stuff/

Ahh thats good. I have been using this opportunity to clean up his room allot. I got him a whole new bed set and pillows. So I still have some time for some extra stuff/

If he just got transferred to the psyche ward that means he is still a danger to others or himself right? Sounds like they haven't figured out what meds to get him on yet. I have heard that it can take weeks for them to know if the meds work. Hopefully they will figure it out before they release him. In the meantime take time for yourself too. That can range from vegging out to running a marithon. By the time you get out of the caregiver mode he will probably be back so live a little right now. Boy do I miss spellcheck!!!

If he just got transferred to the psyche ward that means he is still a danger to others or himself right? Sounds like they haven't figured out what meds to get him on yet. I have heard that it can take weeks for them to know if the meds work. Hopefully they will figure it out before they release him. In the meantime take time for yourself too. That can range from vegging out to running a marithon. By the time you get out of the caregiver mode he will probably be back so live a little right now. Boy do I miss spellcheck!!!

I just read today, an excerpt from USA today, sent to me by a friend, that for those people who keep active with their minds, that is playing games, puzzles, crosswords , and those various games on the net too I am sure, the ones that make you think and plan and use a strategy, these people get AD a lot later in life, if they get it, but, that it also progresses significantly quicker than in the other folks who do not stay so mentally active. My husband did crossword puzzles but that was about all, and sort of shut out new ideas as well. He has had AD now for 4 years, only a mild cognitive impairment in 2006, but looking back we see incidents that indicated a problem at least one year earlier. That makes it 5 years he has had some problems and only now is it beginning to be more obvious that he cannot put two different ideas together, or anticipate very well what comes next when doing a bit of work with tools.. Today also showed me that he has progressed. I have naturally curyly hair, always have. Today he complimented me on my hair, it is now platinum white, and asked if I always had had curly hair. I said yes, and then he said no, he used to roll it up in curlers for me.....that was a previous wife...so some memories must be blending now. We have been married 26 years..

I just read today, an excerpt from USA today, sent to me by a friend, that for those people who keep active with their minds, that is playing games, puzzles, crosswords , and those various games on the net too I am sure, the ones that make you think and plan and use a strategy, these people get AD a lot later in life, if they get it, but, that it also progresses significantly quicker than in the other folks who do not stay so mentally active. My husband did crossword puzzles but that was about all, and sort of shut out new ideas as well. He has had AD now for 4 years, only a mild cognitive impairment in 2006, but looking back we see incidents that indicated a problem at least one year earlier. That makes it 5 years he has had some problems and only now is it beginning to be more obvious that he cannot put two different ideas together, or anticipate very well what comes next when doing a bit of work with tools.. Today also showed me that he has progressed. I have naturally curyly hair, always have. Today he complimented me on my hair, it is now platinum white, and asked if I always had had curly hair. I said yes, and then he said no, he used to roll it up in curlers for me.....that was a previous wife...so some memories must be blending now. We have been married 26 years..

I just read that yesterday. With my dad I think he had it for about 8 years--- 5 that we knew for sure. In the end I think I was his mother. He used to get mad at my mom because she would answer to honey. It was so funny. He could not remember her name but I was honey and she was darling in his brain. he was very specific about that. I think I went from his daughter to his sister to his mother. He was a very very angry 13 year old when he died and he had to get to school.

I just read that yesterday. With my dad I think he had it for about 8 years--- 5 that we knew for sure. In the end I think I was his mother. He used to get mad at my mom because she would answer to honey. It was so funny. He could not remember her name but I was honey and she was darling in his brain. he was very specific about that. I think I went from his daughter to his sister to his mother. He was a very very angry 13 year old when he died and he had to get to school.

To All: So very amazing to read the back and forth comments and teriffic helps! Thank you one and all for being open and so willing to share. Know that you all really do make a difference. We are put on this earth to be blessed and be blessings to others ~ each of you qualifies. Thank you again from us "lookers on".<+>< Linda

To All: So very amazing to read the back and forth comments and teriffic helps! Thank you one and all for being open and so willing to share. Know that you all really do make a difference. We are put on this earth to be blessed and be blessings to others ~ each of you qualifies. Thank you again from us "lookers on".<+>< Linda

Well, I don't know what city you're in, but here in Phoenix you can't call the police and have them take someone in for hallucinating, being nasty, talking nonsense or anything else! You have to "petition" them which is a long ordeal of filling out forms and then the doctor reads it and decides if they will help the patient and you. I live with a bipolar man and I know. It gets so tiring being kept up at night while he wanders around the house moving things, throwing things away, etc. And then you can't talk to him because it's just nonsense gibberish! NO ONE helps!

Well, I don't know what city you're in, but here in Phoenix you can't call the police and have them take someone in for hallucinating, being nasty, talking nonsense or anything else! You have to "petition" them which is a long ordeal of filling out forms and then the doctor reads it and decides if they will help the patient and you. I live with a bipolar man and I know. It gets so tiring being kept up at night while he wanders around the house moving things, throwing things away, etc. And then you can't talk to him because it's just nonsense gibberish! NO ONE helps!

I think the criteria is if they are a danger to themselves or others.

I think the criteria is if they are a danger to themselves or others.

that is what I was going to say. They wouldnt have moved him from a regular bed to the psyche ward if there wasnt a reason and usually at least in my area they get people out as soon as they can. There is just toooooo much to catch in a hospital and not enough staff.

that is what I was going to say. They wouldnt have moved him from a regular bed to the psyche ward if there wasnt a reason and usually at least in my area they get people out as soon as they can. There is just toooooo much to catch in a hospital and not enough staff.

He smacked me and gave his sister a fat lip and the cops did nothing.......

He smacked me and gave his sister a fat lip and the cops did nothing.......

Actually, MouseGodess is correct. The law in Arizona regarding "a danger to themselves or others" specically exempts "drug abuse, alcoholism, mental retardation, and declining mental abilities that directly accompany impending death" unless the threat is imminent. Now how they determine all this...who knows. However, Arizona does allow shooting someone who is a direct threat. Go figure...

Actually, MouseGodess is correct. The law in Arizona regarding "a danger to themselves or others" specically exempts "drug abuse, alcoholism, mental retardation, and declining mental abilities that directly accompany impending death" unless the threat is imminent. Now how they determine all this...who knows. However, Arizona does allow shooting someone who is a direct threat. Go figure...

Geeeez MouseGodess...don't they have any Domestic Violence laws there? Most states someone will go to jail if there is any physical sign of violence. Maybe your police department if just corrupt.

Geeeez MouseGodess...don't they have any Domestic Violence laws there? Most states someone will go to jail if there is any physical sign of violence. Maybe your police department if just corrupt.

Sheesh. that is crazy. Basically they have eliminated all of the people who might be a threat. What the heck does imminent mean? So he can beat the crap out of you but unless he is going to beat the crap out of you in front of the police at this second he is ok? Woooooow.

Sheesh. that is crazy. Basically they have eliminated all of the people who might be a threat. What the heck does imminent mean? So he can beat the crap out of you but unless he is going to beat the crap out of you in front of the police at this second he is ok? Woooooow.

Pretty much, or if you have massive bruising they can see. Although his sisters lip was bloody and swelling but they still said it's a "he said, she said" situation! And then this cop threatened to arrest ME if I didn't take money out of MY personal account and give to my BF so he could leave......I talked to a lawyer about THAT!

Pretty much, or if you have massive bruising they can see. Although his sisters lip was bloody and swelling but they still said it's a "he said, she said" situation! And then this cop threatened to arrest ME if I didn't take money out of MY personal account and give to my BF so he could leave......I talked to a lawyer about THAT!

That is just plain sick! Another reason I wouldn't live in AZ.

That is just plain sick! Another reason I wouldn't live in AZ.

http://www.ci.phoenix.az.us/police/dvlear1.html

Mouse, I suggest that page at the link above. Maybe print it out, and call someone at the numbers listed. Tell them what happened and ask them what to do if it happens again and the police respond as they did. Sheesh, that makes me mad!!!

http://www.ci.phoenix.az.us/police/dvlear1.html

Mouse, I suggest that page at the link above. Maybe print it out, and call someone at the numbers listed. Tell them what happened and ask them what to do if it happens again and the police respond as they did. Sheesh, that makes me mad!!!

Oh, thank you! I certainly will. I'm still mad about it when I remember that cop dangling the handcuffs in front of me.....

Oh, thank you! I certainly will. I'm still mad about it when I remember that cop dangling the handcuffs in front of me.....

it isn't only in arizona, a year ago in valencia, cal. my mom went off enough to disturb the neighbors, the police and the paramedics came and said they couldn't take her, because she refused to go and they were not able to say whether she was not competant to make that decision.

Now we are in utah and it is even worse, my brother and i took her to the hospital ourselves, on the instructions of the intake, and the er wouldn't admit her for the same reason.

it isn't only in arizona, a year ago in valencia, cal. my mom went off enough to disturb the neighbors, the police and the paramedics came and said they couldn't take her, because she refused to go and they were not able to say whether she was not competant to make that decision.

Now we are in utah and it is even worse, my brother and i took her to the hospital ourselves, on the instructions of the intake, and the er wouldn't admit her for the same reason.