Rick-have empathy for your dad. that might be you some day.
I talked to a friend of mine last night on the phone. When dad was in Elsinore, he wasn't eating well after his um...women "friend" across the street from him died. His health spiraled down tremendously.
I called 911 on August 3rd 2009 from NorCal and that call saved his life. After his week stint at Windemere Medical Center, he moved into Assisted Living. Got stronger. A year later moved in with me.
His blood tests showed he was in optimal health. He is exercising, eating a perfect diet.
...but he became lazy. He stopped walking. His doctor said he needs to walk 1 mile per day at the age of 80. He chooses ready-to-eat foods instead of making foods from scratch.
He spends $100/mo at the grocery store on snack foods and Atkins sugar-free candy bars.
He won't walk. He watches TV all day.
I bought him two puzzles. He won't work them. I bought him a chess game. He doesn't want to play.
All he wants to do is watch TV all day.
Studies show excessive TV viewing turns the brain to mush.
I've done all I can do for him. It's his choice to live how he wants to live.
I'm simply preparing myself and getting myself into position to the day when dad won't be able to take care of himself.
Checkers has given me a lot of insight in how to deal with the Veteran's Administration. Dad has a VA appointment next month. A full medical exam and work-up.
My gut feeling is that I'm going to need to rely on the VA in the future when it comes to dad's health.
