Father at 99

Welcome, Bonbask, I'm glad you've found us! In my opinion, if you are starting to worry about your father's safety and memory, it might be a good idea to find someone to stay with him while you are at work. Have you talked ot him about the idea? If he's resistant to the idea, you could start out slowly with having an aid come by for just a couple of hours a day and then, if they got along well and he adjusted to the idea, you could gradually expand the hours.

It's sounds like you are taking wonderful care of your father and I'm so glad to hear that he is otherwise in great health! Best of luck to you and please stop by anytime- we'd love to hear an update. :)

Lisa

Hi Bombask,

I think Lisa gave you good advice.  As your dad's primary caregiver, you really know him best.  Just thinking "maybe it's time because his memory is failing" probably means it's time. 

Please keep us updated!  I'm looking forward to hearing how you introduce the idea of an aid to your dad, how he takes to it, and how finding one and making it work goes.  I think loads of people find themselves in a similar situation and could benefit from hearing your experience!

Just a short follow up.  Thank you all for your comments it is great to know there are others with similar problems.  My dad is a sweet heart, he contantly thanks me for being here for him and tells me he loves me all the time.  When I hear what some others go through I thank god he is as nice as he is.   Some older people can be quite cranky..  Right now I am leaving things as they are.  In another week I go on vacation to visit a friend in Philadelphia and I will be there 17 days.  My dad will be staying with my Sister and Brother in law.  After that I will see how it goes.  

hello Bonbask! Staying on top of things while being flexible is a good way to go. Enjoy your trip and let us know how things are going when you return!

hello bonbask,

sounds like your dad is in pretty good shape for almost 100.  the last lady I took care of would have been 101 years old.  she was amazing, extremely sharp, what a memory better than mine.  She had some awesome stories to tell.  She also, for the most part, stayed on her own except for the last year of her life which I stayed with her for five hrs five days a week.  She took quite a few meds, which her grandson set up for her and he also stayed with her at night, because she didn't want to be alone then.  Anyhow, she truly enjoyed my coming to stay with her those few hours every day.  It gave her some companionship, some help with her bathing, she helped prepare lunch and several times during the wk we would have company for lunch. We baked cookies, did some gardening.   She was always sad to see me go, especially on wkends, her children and  grandchildren told me how much she had perked up since I had started staying with her.  I guess what I am saying is she still enjoyed doing a lot of things she just needed a little help.