Follow
Share

Type 2 diabetes, depressed, Wellbutrin, debility, hard of hearing.

This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.
How old is your dad? Sometimes seniors who have multiple health problems, hearing or vision problems and mental decline, just aren't into social activities and travel, especially if they are in their 90's or older. My mom is in her 70's and she's really cut back from her former schedule.

First, I might determine if there is some medical reason that he's not seeming chipper. Is his depression medication working for him? Have the strokes caused brain damage/dementia. Maybe, his meds needs adjusting or a new med. Is his Type II diabetes under control? If his blood sugar is too low or high, it can make him feel terrible. Does he have a working hearing aid? If he can't communicate, he may feel isolated. Does he have access to senior center, church, community events, shopping?

Assuming the above things are not the problem, then you might consider if he has any age related mental decline. How's the memory or mood?

There is no way to make another person feel a certain way. You can provide them with safety, security and love, but if he wants to rest at this point of his life, it's his decision. Being old and in ill health is a real challenge. I can see why it's not likely to inspire an upbeat attitude.
Helpful Answer (5)
Report

My 98 1/2 yo dad deals with a lot of pain from arthritis in his neck, hands, knees. Pain is exhausting. He still plays computer solitaire & does research, but forces himself to eat. He used to LOVE to go to buffets, etc. & to eat in general. Even that pleasure subsided.

Facing increasing physical limitations is difficult for many, whatever the cause. The loss of independence & increasing need to depend on others are also difficult adjustments to make.

I try to joke with my dad, even about our aches & pains. He counts the painful joints each day. Having them all "present & accounted for", joking about the competition to get his attention, and just commiserating sometimes offsets the seriousness for a brief time. I have moderate RA which affects my hands & wrists, so helping him with his personal care is a bit of a challenge, but I manage the best I can. I can relate to his challenges with hands, and sometimes talk about my mom's hands after years with RA.

Sometimes empathizing helps, but nothing takes away the frustration and concern. I try to recall the days of my mom's stroke - and pray for strength to help my dad through whatever comes.

I'm sorry for the adjustments you're both going through. Facing our fragility and mortality isn't easy. I wish you both well through these tough times.
Helpful Answer (4)
Report

When my 90 year old Dad left this earth last December, my then 90 year old Mom stopped eating, couldn't sleep, lost all interest in life. I just kept on loving her, taking care of her, reading to her, praying with her, and she gradually came out of the depression.

Now having friends over helps her to want to live again, and being with grandchildren gives her a real boost. Going out for a meal gives her great pleasure. I watch videos with her and we like movies with happy endings. I talk to her a lot and answer her questions. I must tell you all these positives follow many negatives and much much prayer. When her time comes, I will have no regrets.
Helpful Answer (3)
Report

Try switching antidepressants. Getting the right one to unlock the chemical imbalance for depression takes lots of trial and error. If he is not responding, talk with his doctor about a change. Keep his weight and diabetes under control and know he will not be the same person he once was.
Helpful Answer (1)
Report

If his hearing is good enough, music therapy might help. Music from his youth might be best.
Helpful Answer (2)
Report

My MIL was in rehab after a UTI. She was told she would have to make a decision which of her 3 sons she was going to live with because she couldn't live alone. Since she got worse in rehab she was being transferred to a rehab near the closest son, MIL didn't get along with that DIL. While waiting for the transfer to another state MIL continued to get worse. Depression meds did not help. Doctor was called to reevaluate her and found she didn't have the will to live. She passed the day before she was to be transferred.
Helpful Answer (1)
Report

When my Dad reached this stage I spent as much time with him as possible. He
Was not able to go places so tried to make his home environment pleasant with
Fresh flowers from home gardens or wildflowers roadside. Usually art, flowers, and music of the patient's preference works wonders. There is a book by Ruell
Howe, "Live All Your Life" that can work real magic and helpful changing thought
Processes?..probably out of print but try Amazon or EbAy
Or the library Interloan service, available for anything in print plus free. This book
Is worth the effort it takes to find!
Helpful Answer (1)
Report

TLC is the secret ingredient in all the ADLs & reminding those around my frail 92 yr old mom with late stage vd to please simply use eye contact, lovingly....
Helpful Answer (1)
Report

I agree, TLC.
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.
Ask a Question
Subscribe to
Our Newsletter