haullsinations in old people

my recently had stroke and got better he is 89 yrs old and lives on his own recently he is waking up in the middle of the night and seeing people like his wife who has been dead for 11 yrs now and then phoneing for an abulance because of what he can see just the other day he rang my mum and told her i was dead and that my 2 children were with him doctors do not know what is wrong he is already got an age concern necklace tht at a touch of a button people get called out to him. Mum is getting really upset because of what is happening do u no why he is hallusinating?
Thanks

[Neuro Forum]

Thanks for using the forum. I am happy to address your questions, and my answer will be based on the information you provided here. Please make sure you recognize that this forum is for educational purposes only, and it does not substitute for a formal office visit with your doctor.

Without the ability to examine and obtain a history, I can not tell you what the exact cause of the symptoms is. However I will try to provide you with some useful information.

There are various causes for hallucinations in older adults. One of the correctable causes is medications; several medications increase risk of confusion and hallucinations in older adults including but not limited to pain medications (narcotics), benadryl, pepcid, and other anti-histamines, some antidepressants and anxiety medications, medications for insomnia, medications for bladder problems, and others. In older adults, confusion at night may be what is termed "sun-downing", in which some subtle confusion or memory loss if amplified at night. This signifies underlying brain dysfunction, such as occurs in a stroke, or underlying dementia.

Some of the causes of hallucinations and confusion at night are treatable; whether or not to initiate medications depends on whether the hallucinations are frightening to the patient and/or the patient's confusion is putting him/her at risk of harming self or others. in other cases, frequent orientation, bright lights on during the day, and sensory stimulation during the day are used. Discussion of your concerns with your father's neurologist is recommended. Evaluation by a geriatric specialist may be helpful.

Thank you for this opportunity to answer your questions, I hope you find the information I have provided useful, good luck.