My Dad, soon to be 90, is living in a retirement apartment. He is still able to care for himself but he calls me many time a day usually for the most trivial things. It is like I am talking to a toddler most of the time. I know he gets bored, but how can I talk to him and not make him feel he is a bother to me or belittle him? I know it is just something I have to put up with, but if anyone else has a parent who does this it would be helpful in knowing how you handle this. Thank you and Happy Holidays.
I'd work on seeing that he has things to do, and then I'd also apply cwillie's advice -- don't take all those calls.
Does your dad know to call 911 in an emergency? Is there an emergency cord in his apartment to summon help? Does he have a medical alert device? If he can summon help in an emergency, don't feel bad about not taking all his calls!