My elderly mom has this fairly often, and not just when in the hospital. At first I thought it was medication induced, but she has had episodes at home, too. I am one who believes in this as a spiritual thing (and physical) happening. I think it is when our loved ones are nearing the end and their mind and spirit begins to separate a bit from this world. If that’s not your thing, to view it that way, it could no doubt be attributed to some physical changes such as less oxygen to the brain or who knows what, at this stage. I personally do not believe it is an illness Orr hi g to be afraid of our “solved”, though. It is more of a natural bridging between two worlds.