I’m in the same boat with my 96 year old mother. She talks to people on the other side all the time. Sometimes she does imagine people, based upon her past memories.
It’s not difficult to tell the difference between when it is just imagination and when it is a real spirit present in the room. The goose bumps on both arms and hair standing on end are real good indicators. I can usually communicate with them. Thought forms have a much less dynamic energy.
I held my father’s hand when he died and passed with him into the light. The profound Love is beyond words. I do this by helping people pass over every chance I get, but they still won’t allow me to stay there. Really hurts to come back here and experience this reality again... No.. I don’t do drugs!! I frequently work with stage 4 cancer patients helping them to prepare for death.
Often I see the deceased attending their own funeral services. They are guided over about the time the personal testimonials take place in the service as these emotional sharings tend to anchor the soul to this realm.
May God bless you in your work.