A question

[McHutchison <quigg@xxxxxxx>]

All ---

My mom asked me to post this query to my "net-buddies", as she put it.  We know 
that paranoia and hallucinations are all part of the Parkinson's package, but 
for the past couple of days, Dad's been outdoing himself.

He's absolutely convinced that there is / has been / will be a fire at the 
nursing home.  Monday morning, in fact, the director of social services 
"walked" with him to each room on the floor (Dad's in a wheelchair right now), 
and he felt each and every doorknob to see that it was not hot (as it would be 
in a fire).  Even after that ritual, he still wouldn't give up the idea.

It was suggested to him that he go downstairs, and outside, so that he could 
see that the building was fine.  He got quite indignant, stating that he 
couldn't go downstairs.... he can't go down the stairs in the wheelchair, and 
everyone knows that you don't use elevators in a fire.

They finally convinced him to go down, and Mom and he sat in the community room 
downstairs.  The primary purpose for getting him off of the 2nd floor that 
afternoon was that, as luck would have it, they were having a fire drill!  (The 
staff knew about it, the residents didn't).

Another evening recently Dad hustled Mom out of the day room they were visiting 
in.  When she asked why, he told her simply to move it now, and he'd explain 
later.  Once "safely" down the hall she asked him again, and he told her that 
the room was on fire... couldn't she see it?

Now.  He's never been in a fire;  My uncles are all firefighters, as are my 
brother-in-law, nephew, husband, and myself.  We've never had any of our homes 
damaged by fire.

Could it be that because he can't do anything for himself (get out of bed, walk 
alone, etc.) that he's feeling trapped, and worrying?  What is it with the 
fire.... does anyone else have such vivid fears--- centering on a single topic?

Thanks for any and all input.  We're all baffled.

Diane McHutchison
LD Caregiver for Dad (69/7+)