He lives with us and has his own small apt. It is still a huge drain on my family. My father is depressed, angry and ALWAYS negative. It is a mental drain. He can still get around but it is very limited these days. He has post polio syndrome and it affects his mobility. I’m just feeling burnt out. I can’t go on a vacation with my boys. We can’t leave him alone due to his paranoia. If he is alone and I try to go do something I come home to a pity party and made to feel guilty about being able to leave the house and have a life. So now I don’t do anything to avoid this grief.
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I am thinking of taking up meditation. Learn how to put myself in a protective bubble mentally. I think that's all we as people can do. Try to not engage in his negative conversations. I find people like that run out of steam eventually if they don't have a willing audience.
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Would he want to. Or able to go to senior centers during the day. I don’t know what’s available for seniors. But maybe he needs to be around other seniors. Maybe they can help with transport of someone w limited walking
As far as his paranoia I’m not sure. Is it crazy paranoia or just being crabby cause “someone took my wallet, you musta took it? “
I would also suggest not to have him convince you to let him go on vacation with you and your boys. Not saying he will but it seems likely he might suggest that. Although that may seem like an enticing compromise, I feel it would defeat the purpose. Best of luck.
He's trained you well. If he can be left alone safely, then go out. If he starts his whining when you return, ask him to go to his own apt.
Is he on any depression meds.? Talk to his Dr maybe? Or find him a geriatric psychiatrist.
Good luck.