No other family is available. I’m very concerned that my job schedule will prevent me from visiting more than once a week and even then, it will be on my only day off. There is no other family or friends to carry this load of visiting my dad. I’m very concerned that my job schedule will prevent me from visiting more than once a week and even then, it will be on my only day off. ad. I worry that I will have no down time if I must give up my only day off to go and see my dad. Please understand that I love my Dad and want to visit but I think that every weekend is going to be too stressful for me. I’m very concerned about finding a balance, and my employer is unlikely to give me any schedule flexibility.
Dad’s welfare no longer is your responsibility. He has three shifts of staff and his needs are being met by them. Does Dad have dementia? If so, you could visit every day and he might not even remember you were there. If not, you can explain to him that you have resumed working and you will visit when you can. If he has a phone, call him. Keep track of him by occasionally calling the nurses station and ask how he’s doing.
When you do visit, you are not obligated to spend all day there. Go at a meal time and eat with him. I used to bring fast food for my mom. She loved it. If the facility has programs for their residents, encourage him to participate.
Were you able to get him signed on for Medicaid?
I don't mean to dodge the question here on this page, but isn't resettling him a bigger issue than long-term visiting schedules?
In any case you must be extremely stressed and I'm sorry for it. One foot in front of the other has to be the rule at least for now, and if that means skipping visits because you need to unwind then so be it. There are always phones for you to send him your love and check up on him.
No family, no friends, nobody except you... are you sure? Try Googling 'befriending volunteers' in the area, or look up any churches or associations or clubs that he was a member of. Seek and ye will find and all that.
But meanwhile, if you fall to pieces your Dad won't have anyone at all. So take care of yourself, and please let us know how you're doing.
You know that Dad is taken care of by professionals. You could ask the facility if they know of any groups who will act as friendly visitors. Mum used to belong to a group who volunteered with visit seniors at a local nursing home who did not have anyone to visit them. Each volunteer was assigned to one or more residents and visit on a regular basis.
Also let his old friends, workmates etc know where he is living, they may go visit too.
He always wants more. Its difficult sometimes.... BUT at the end of the day you can only do what you can do.
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