My Dad is 97. He has dementia but still lives in his own home (Mom died 8 years ago). He can feed himself, bathe, dress, all the daily tasks. He REFUSES home care or assisted living. My 75-year-old sister drives 45 minutes each way 3x a week to visit, bring him food, etc. I don’t live in the same state, but I spend one month every quarter with him. My sister and I have gathered all the info about all options. We can afford those options. But Dad refuses and he can’t remember any of our conversations nor does he believe when we tell him the odd/unsafe things he’s doing. He has bad arthritis in his back and must use a walker. He is bored and lonely (doesn’t remember when my sister visits so he thinks he’s been “abandoned”). We know he needs stimulation during the day but don’t know what to do! He sleeps and watches TV. We’ve tried puzzles, books but his cognition doesn’t allow for those activities anymore. He often says “I’m wasting my life” so he knows what’s happening but won’t let us take him to adult day care. Or have “strangers” visit. He doesn’t belong to a church. The neighborhood has changed over the years so he doesn’t really have neighbor friends. My sister is doing as much as she can. We hate to see him just sit there, getting worse and worse. Any advice at all would be so appreciated. 😢
Do the right thing and place your father before you find him at home not breathing one day.