Hello. I'm new to all this. I've been taking care of my 87 year old father in my home. I am his full time caregiver. However, an accountant by trade. So most of the information I am getting is from the Internet. I feel I am doing a good job. But one thing bothers me. I had to switch to adult diapers when I moved him here last June. At first I told him it was because I didn't want him to rush to try to make it to the potty and fall. He was having a problem getting up on his own. He now can get standing on his own for the most part, but he just seems happy sitting in his recliner all day. I make him get up a few times a day to walk and get moving. I even suggest "let's go to the potty and freshen up" But he is stubborn. I was letting him do this and making sure I would wash him up good every morning and night. I am the only one that he will let bath and dress him at the moment. I don't know if I am enabling him or if I'm lazy in letting him do this. I need to have a conversation with him, but I don't know how to start. He is showing signs of memory loss. I plan on doing a teleconference with his doctor about it before his next appointment. I have a hard time telling the doctor things I've noticed while my dad is sitting there. I don't feel right "talking above him" like he is not there. I just don't want an unhealthy situation to be left go unchecked until the doctors appointment. If anyone has had this conversation with their loved ones, please let me know how you started it!
PS - Keeping him moving is also important to keeping his strength and ability to move.
Get him up every 2 hours, set an alarm if you have to. If he needs to go great if not just getting up and changing positions often allows the bladder to empty more fully. This will be a he does not have a choice thing. He gets up every 2 hours if he wants to or not. Work a snack or a drink into the trip so that he is getting something for getting up. (reward type system that he probably used when you were little)
To communicate with the doctor, if you are on his medical forms to allow communication about him, most doctors offices have Patient Portals you can set up the portal yourself if he does not use the computer and submit your questions, comments and concerns. This way you can inform the doctor without "talking above him".