My father has been on his own for a number of years now. My brothers and I are all busy with our own families, work, and day to day life to spend enough time with him. We have been worrying about his overall happiness because he generally doesn't have anyone left. All of his friends have passed away or moved out of state. He has been developing memory an cognitive issues and I know it is worrying him. I just think having someone to talk with or a group to talk with would help. Does such a thing exist? If so, what are these groups called?
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Thank you for both of your replies.
I will have to get in touch with my county and get a list of Alzheimer's related facilities to see if they have one or could consider hosting one. I wouldn't mind taking him a few days a week if it helps him out.
I too will look into counseling resources as well. I don't want something bad to happen to him and I do worry a lot about his happiness.
Melissa - I really appreciate your observations and concern about your father's situation. Indeed, for persons scoring high on the Loneliness scale, they can have the same health risks as if they smoked 15 cigarettes a day! Loneliness begets depression, and a vicious cycle ensues. These symptoms can exacerbate cognitive impairment issues as well. As Ryan mentioned, depending on where he lives, there may be resources. Contact the local Area Agency on Aging, look for Day Programs or even Senior Centers which often provide low cost lunch as well as many activities and exercise programs. Also you might seek out counseling resources or even an evaluation for his cognitive impairment which will aid you and your siblings in planning for the future. Also, check out Dementia Caregiver Support Groups for yourself and your siblings as a way to inform and prepare for what's ahead!
Hi, depending on where your father lives there may be some resources locally. To be honest support groups for the ones suffering from Alz or dementia is a resource gap. Maybe reaching out an organization like the local chapter of the Alzheimer's Association they can let you know if there are any support groups like that in the area. I know locally in San Antonio I help facilitate a group for family careigvers and their loved ones.
You may also want to reach out a local counselor or therapist that can listen to your father and he can talk openly about his concerns. Locally the GainWel group has counselors that will come to your house.