My Dad - Aging Issues Message Board

jasmine30 · 08-08-2003, 09:13 AM

Hello,

My Dad is 61 will be 62 in a few months.Iam very concerned about him.I lost my Mother the end of January.Since that time,Dad has been in hospital twice.

He is an Insulin Dependant Diabetic,has a history of Heart Attack and Bypass Surgery 12 years ago,Arthritis,Diabetic Retinapathy.

Dad has been depressed a bit since Mother died,he has mounds of bills he cant pay for which worries him.Im afraid he isnt eating enough to stay healthy or to keep his Blood Sugar level up.

He refuses to come to my house and eat.What can I do help him?There is only me and him in our immediate family,and I dont want to lose him soon.

Thanks,
Jasmine

Kre · 08-08-2003, 10:11 AM

Your dad is still in mourning over the loss of your mother. Men seem to "give up" after the death of their spouse.

The best thing you can do is to be there for him and provide the love he needs at this time.

If possible, take food over to him and sit with him while he eats.

I am sure he does not want to be a worry to you but never the less you do worry about him. I lost my mother in April and then 4 weeks later my dad passed away. They were 93 and 98 years old. Dad just gave up and his conjestive heart failure caused his death.

If you can assure your dad that his time will come when the Lord is ready for him and that he should not try to hasten his passing by not taking care of himself. He should be able to live a comfortable and productive life for a long time with proper care of himself.

It is very hard for him and you at this time. My heart goes out to both of you, been there.