I've been handling my daddy's finances for 5 years now, but his mind is slipping away at a more progressive rate now. He knows his mind is turning on him, as he put's it, but swears he doesn't have dementia. He forgets friends names that he has known for years now. He also has degenerative disc disease, & spinal stenosis, & can't get around very well. I also have a grown brother & sister who live with us also, who don't help at all. I've learned a lot of patience with him, & sometimes just agree with him, even when he's dead wrong. Should I pacify him, correct him, or just go with the flow ?
At best I'll sometimes comment that his memory is not what it used to be but at his age that's expected. He's fine with that concept. No one wants to be told their brain is broken and getting worse.
Tell your Dad what ever works, keep him happy and calm.
There's an overload of information available, and not so subtlely pushed onto consumers. We have to make decisions constantly how much we'll let into our lives, and that includes an adaptive approach for those with dementia. Your father doesn't need to know about a lot of things, especially in the political realm, that he can't do anything about or control.
Better to focus on what he can do. In that respect, try to find ways he can do projects he used to enjoy, but on a smaller scale. Plan plenty of rest and downtime inbetween so he can rest his back.
If he can still walk, albeit for short distances, go for walks, especially now that the weather is moderating and the color show is beginning. Nature has healing powers that pharmaceutical manufacturers can only wish for.
It is a delicate balance though to address the emotional and intellectual needs of someone who's independent but also dependent. I'm still working my way through this and learning new adaptations.