Dad spent 2.5 weeks in the hospital. It took awhile for the doctors to figure out what was happening, rule out other causes and stabilize him.
Dad has always insisted he would never go into a home.
But after a few days at home he is realizing how much socialization he was getting in the hospital. I don't think he would agree to be in a home, but living with my brother is lonely. My brother has young children, they are an active family, too busy to be Dad's entertainment.
It got me thinking, how some people post that their loved one is always wanting to go to the hospital, it could be they enjoy the attention and it wards off the loneliness.
It is also their expectation that all family visit them multiple times daily.they could have his and her backpacks with spare chargers and depends and sweats, but eschew this so it’ll result in more visits.
What opportunities exist locally that Dad could get to? Eg local seniors groups or even rehab exercise groups?
Elders who carry on about 'not wanting to be in a 'home'' really don't know what they're missing out on. And wind up going to the hospital for entertainment purposes in many cases. Sad but true.
Dad was involved in a post stroke study before Covid hit. He quit, because of the old people in it. He is 93.
Dad is a narcissist and believes he is far superior to most his peers. He does not like being around lesser beings. He does like the attention of professionals.
He has a group of people he calls on a regular basis.
Do you think he'd be interested in Senior Center activities? You might contact his, get a newsletter or something which includes upcoming activities, and ask if he'd like to go.
If his son won't take him, some Senior Centers have arrangements by which they rent small buses which might be able to pick up him then return him home after the activities. And they typically can use help with their various activities.
If he's physically able, he might also consider volunteering, One of the local Lowes is hosting events for people to help gather, pack and label packages for Ukraine. From the news photos, it looks like dozens of people are helping.
What about military organizations? Is he a Veteran? Local VFWs have events, and sometimes can use volunteers.
Therapy Dogs International. www.tdi-dogs.org
Dad loved the dogs he grew up with and refused to allow us to have dogs growing up. Part of his narcissism. He was afraid Mum and us kids would like a dog more than we liked him.
The first dog I had an an adult he abused. So, no therapy dogs are not for him.