How do I tell my Dad he is never going to go home?

You do not have to tell him. It is hard either way, feel free to do what makes the most sense to you; whatever you decide, do it out of love for him. It is a heartache to realize it is true, and you must do what needs done. He might or might not be able to understand. Collect other opinions from objective people whose point of view is going to be less emotional and more realistic too.

Hello Crazy8, in reply to Your question, I would never tell Your Dad that He's never going home. Isn't it tragic enough that Your por Dad has sever Azs/dementia. Telling Your Dad, He's never going home would just break His heart. You could tell Your Dad that Your looking foreward to having Him home again when the painter, decorator is finished His work in a few days. Prolong the dream, and be careful not to shatter it. My Mum has Azs, and when that day comes that Mum,s battle with Alzheimer's is over. I will bring Mum home for a day and night where Friends and Neighbours + Relatives can come and pay Their respects, before taking Mums remains to the Chapel. Our Parents have always had a longing for home.

He may want to go home to his childhood home or to a place where things made sense. He is confused and wants to go to a place that is comforting. I would not tell him he is never going home again. First of all, he won't remember and will just keep asking. He won't remember the fibs you tell him either. Tell him the house is being painted, or it is to late now and we will do it another day. Then redirect. This is so hard and I feel for you both but tell him whatever will bring him comfort but not the truth that he will not go home again.

You engage in therapeutic fibbing and say "we'll talk to the doctor about it, you need to get a bit stronger". Do some reading on this site about the nature of dementia so that you have a better idea of the big picture.