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How do I help Dad?
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How do I help Dad?
<font face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" size="1"><div>About to become a grandparent? Wondering what is next after the death of a spouse? Transitions in life can be tougher than we sometimes expect. Meet others who may be going through the same thing as you and may be able to offer wise advice.</div><div><br /></div></font>
My father is 87 and is now in an independent living facility. &nbsp;He is reasonably healthy for his age, but he is very unsteady and very stubborn! &nbsp;He does use a cane some, but I worry about hi
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Cat:edeb10e3-fb61-498e-99ea-390824fc4299Forum:5cfb1d08-0e43-4dac-b21e-392834ecb22a
Cat:edeb10e3-fb61-498e-99ea-390824fc4299Forum:5cfb1d08-0e43-4dac-b21e-392834ecb22aDiscussion:893f4379-5e64-4696-a7a3-9ac18bbf42d7

Forums » Personal Growth » Transitions » How do I help Dad?

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Forums  »  Personal Growth  »  Transitions  »  How do I help Dad?

How do I help Dad?

posted at September 28, 2011 12:52 PM EDT
Posts: 2
First: September 28, 2011
Last: October 5, 2011
My father is 87 and is now in an independent living facility.  He is reasonably healthy for his age, but he is very unsteady and very stubborn!  He does use a cane some, but I worry about him driving.  Being able to get out when he wants to is the only freedom that he has, but he has had several minor finder benders (mostly with stationary objects).  He still treats me as a child and usually discards out of hand what I think.  How do I discuss this with him without starting World War III?

Re: How do I help Dad?

posted at October 4, 2011 11:32 PM EDT
Posts: 2
First: September 25, 2011
Last: October 4, 2011

This is a very difficult situation for family members. You are his child and this is the way he sees you. I am sure he thinks he knows best when it comes to his independence. However, there is a safety issue here, not only to himself, but a public safety issue. Maybe he would agree to not driving alone; is someone available to accompany him when he is out and about? You could ask his family doctor to disccuss the situation with him. This is sometimes helpful as opinions of the doctor are usually not seen as 'interference'. I never had to deal with this problem with my dad ... thank goodness; he drove his car until three days prior to his death. Very difficult as your dad probably feels he is losing control of his life; you mentioned he is living in an independent facility. He may be feeling a little angry at himself for aging and fearful of losing his independence, so he is determined not to give up his usual daily activities ... seen as stubborness.

Hope this is helpful to you.

Teabiscuit.

Forums » Personal Growth » Transitions » How do I help Dad?