Follow
Share
This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.
Find Care & Housing
Have you spoken to his doctor? That's where I would start.
Helpful Answer (3)
Report

I would ask his doctor, perhaps there is a drug that be of help to him. Obviously, his brain is broken, so sorry about this.
Helpful Answer (2)
Report

If it gives him piece of mind allow it. But I would mention it to his doctor.
Helpful Answer (0)
Report
AlvaDeer Jul 2023
I don't know. I would be pretty concerned for everyone's back here, or some other injury.
I can't imagine this being the only way this severe paranoia is manifesting, either. Not that I have an answer, because I surely don't.
(4)
Report
See 3 more replies
Talk to his doctor. My mother barricaded herself for maybe 2 years. She dumped her bookcases, boxed the books and pushed the boxes against the doors. She took cardboard and covered half her windows. She had some sense of logic left and I was able to convince her that papers in the closed windows would show they hadn’t been opened. In the midst of the worst, we got her into care, and, interestingly enough, her paranoia didn’t follow her there.
Helpful Answer (6)
Report

It seems like a safety issue if it blocks you getting out and others (EMTs) from getting in. If you can figure out a way to stop it, that would be best.
Helpful Answer (5)
Report
CaringinVA Jul 2023
Definitely a safety issue for all involved.
(2)
Report
Who knows what he is afraid of? I would definitely alert his doctor about this behavior.
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

I would start by talking to his doctor to see if there are any medications that help with paranoia. I'm sure there are.
And usually paranoia doesn't last all that long, as he soon will be on to another symptom of this horrific disease called dementia.
If things get to be just too much for you, you may have to start looking into placing him in a memory care facility, where you can get back to just being his loving wife and advocate.
Helpful Answer (4)
Report

He needs to be drugged at night so he doesn't get up. His doctor can prescribe medication for this.

Also, a new sleeping arrangement might be a good idea. Can he be put into a bedroom where the only furniture is a bed and that bolted to the floor? Then put a lock on the outside of the door so he can't wander?

Or it may be time to start looking into memory care for him. Barricading doors with furniture cannot be allowed.
Helpful Answer (6)
Report

If it is a potential emergency, i.e., someone needs to get in and cannot, then yes, it is an urgent situation that must be addressed. Are you able to move the furniture if needed? Although in case of a fire or something needing immediate attention, it needs to be addressed (due to underlying issues / needs) for safety - of both of you.

Without knowing more, I would encourage exploring assisted living or memory care, depending on needs.

Or

Have a caregiver overnights.

While medication might help ... I believe that you cannot 'stop his paranoia,' you can only address it and take preventative safety measures.

Gena / Touch Matters
Helpful Answer (4)
Report

I am hoping our OP will return to update us on this problem and whether any solutions have been found.
Helpful Answer (2)
Report

I move a bureau against the front door when I am home alone at Night and its Not being Paranoid . You could get a Video camera that He can watch Like a RING On the front door .
Helpful Answer (1)
Report
MeDolly Jul 2023
Oh Boy, really?
(4)
Report
Anti-anxiety medication and sleep medication to help him relax at bedtime.
Helpful Answer (2)
Report

My Dh has to sedate his mother into sleep every night. She keeps saying she's "not that kind of person' (One who takes any kind of mood altering medications) but her fears come into play as the sun goes down and w/o her Xanax, she becomes completely frantic--and once that is in play, then it's near impossible to get her to calm down.

He says that they start with one pill about 2 hrs before bed, or even sooner if she starts showing signs of agitation. Then the 'whopping' dose is taken when she is put to bed with her CPAP on. She usually, sleeps about 12 hrs with this on board. If she isn't sedated into sleep, she doesn't GO to sleep. Just stays up all night fretting and fussing. Since her kids care for her pretty much 24/7, they have opted to utilize more sedation meds than they'd like, but overall, they have to keep her calm, or they have horrible nights.

Keeping a level of anti anxiety meds in the system, rather than waiting for the 'drama' to start has helped a lot.

Yoiu can't stop the paranoia. To them, what they fear is as real as anything you can see or touch. My MIL is terrified that mice will get into her house. As silly as that sounds, it's a very real fear for her.

She has a RING doorbell and she is actually scared of that, too.

A broken brain's fears is probably not going to be allayed by tactics like pushing a dresser up against the door.
Helpful Answer (12)
Report

Good Morning,

You didn't mention if your husband was diagnosed with any type of Dementia.
Has your husband been checked for Lewy Body Dementia?

You may have to make an appointment with a Geriatric Neuro-Psych doctor or a Psychiatrist. Check out all of their credentials on your State Medical Board website.

Perhaps, some anti-anxiety medication would help. It may take a little adjustment period but oftentimes, it's a must, unless you want to be up 24/7.

I hope I was of some help. I will pray for you...
Helpful Answer (4)
Report

I am sorry. Meds will help. While it is a safety issue, make sure you can move it yourself in case of emergency; like others have said. However me personally, I would look at it kind of in the frame of mind that at least he obviously wants to stay in the house at night. That is one less worry.
Helpful Answer (9)
Report

This situation is a serious safety and fire hazard. Get your husband evaluated by his doctor. It may be time to place him in a facility.
Helpful Answer (3)
Report

You husband's behavior does sound like dementia or Parkinson's paranoia. You cannot stop this paranoia by reasoning or conversation or shouting. Your resistance will only make him more insistant about his fears.

You may need to consider placement for him if it has become to much for you. A friend of mine is finding placement right now for her husband for exactly what you describe. The husband's behavior has become too much for her to handle.
Helpful Answer (3)
Report

Sounds like its time to get husband evaluated and maybe some meds for his paranoia. Could be part of sundowning.
Helpful Answer (1)
Report

My husband has dementia and he constantly locks all the doors and windows before bedtime but he locks the front door when he sits in the living room, about 5-6 times a day. I have him on Ativan but it really doesn’t help!
he also locks the mud room door and talks to himself counting down. I go up to bed and he continues to ask me to help him lay close the doors even after he has locked them a million times and the windows that haven’t been opened
Helpful Answer (1)
Report

Oldstew: Speak with his physician posthaste.
Helpful Answer (2)
Report

Please , for both of your safety and quality of life, contact his PCP immediately; share your observations and seek immediate assistance in an appointment with either his PCP, a geriatric specialist or other physician to further assess your husband's status and " level of care needs" going forward.
This is a safety issue for you as well as your husband. Get help immediately.
Remember that you can and should call 911 to come transport your husband to the ER at anytime that he is in such a state.
Helpful Answer (2)
Report

Trazodone helped my husband
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.
Ask a Question
Subscribe to
Our Newsletter