My spouse also thinks that I am his father, who is deceased. He also sees a man randomly, in our car driving (I'm the only one that can drive), or in our house. Sometimes my husband shows anger at any response that I might give. How do I handle these situations and they last about 4- 5 hours.
This is a medical condition and his doctor should know about it and can most likely prescribe some thing that will help. My mother had hallucinations with her vascular dementia and was given an anti psychotic by her g eriatric psychiatrist which stopped them.
I agree it would be good for you to look into facility care for your husband. There may come a time when caregiving is too much for you.
Please talk to your husbands doctor about what medications they think will be helpful with his sundowning, as there are several that can help.
Also don't ever hesitate to call 911 if you feel that your life is in danger by your husband, and like already said remove any guns, knives or weapons that can be used to harm you.
Your husbands brain is broken and while he would never have thought of harming you before his dementia, you just never know now.
Please be careful.
Heads up: When this sort of behavior begins, it's a good idea to have an alternate care plan, such as a memory care home where he can go. Dementia is difficult to cope with as a home caregiver, but when you've got 4-5 hour situations on top of all the other care you have to do, it may become impossible for you to handle.
Also there is a very real danger that he will hallucinate and become violent toward you. At that point, you MUST get him out of your home and into a care facility of whatever sort is appropriate. Definitely speak to his doctor about this NOW. There's a wide range of care available from geriatric psych wards to memory care to whatever else can help him (and you).
My immediate advice about his anger is to not respond. In other words, don't tickle the bear because you don't want to find out what he'll do next, at least on your watch. In my experience, I've known a man who thought a skunk named Thomas was living in his attic and wanted to kill it. And my mother who thought animals were living in her fake flower arrangements and insisted they be removed. And a man who started yelling for his guns to shoot suspicious trick-or-treaters at the door. Never think a tragedy can't happen to you. It happens to others all the time.
Get guns out of the house, if there are any. Also hide the knives. "Oh, he wouldn't do that!" Well, his previous brain might not have, but the brain he has now is broken and unpredictable. Don't trust it.
Best of luck in a difficult situation. And yes, I know whereof I speak. I've been there.
You do not give any other info.
Some forms of dementia are more difficult to treat when it comes to hallucinations.
If he is on meds for Hallucinations it may need to be adjusted or changed.
All that said...
If you are unsafe at any time you have to call 911 (or whatever is emergency in your area, there are people from other countries posting)
Tell the dispatcher you are afraid for your safety.
This may seem extreme but if you are hurt who will care for both of you while you heal (if your injury is not fatal)
Remove or lock any weapons just to be safe. (this also includes sharp kitchen knives, gardening tools...)