My father is 81 years old and living alone. This past year he has shown interest in moving into a new house and we have shopped around. We've seen many gorgeous, suitable houses (master bedroom on main) but each time he comes up with new worries and concerns of why not to do it. Most of the time these worries are totally IRRATIONAL (like he'll die before he makes the move and then we'll have the bother of trying to sell the house etc) He does have a problem with anxiety and ocd but has not nor will never seek help for it
It is only a matter of time til he has a fall climbing his stairs or just declines in health to the point he cannot handle them. I want to try to avoid this disaster. Living downstairs is not an option as there is no shower
He has the means and the waxing and waning interest to do this but fear stops him. Elderly friends sticking their 2 cents in about how much work moving everything would be doesn't help either!!
For now I live down the street from him but will not be living in state forever as I am planning a move of my own. I want him to be set up in a new home and safe before I move on with my life. Do you have any suggestions? I'm at my wits end! I've been house shopping for a year only to be met with more and more excuses
Sometimes its not worth it to bang your head on the wall - life is too short and it sounds as it you are trying to do your best.
I have talked this over with my sister who goes back and forth as well. She doesnt want to be bothered helping him move and would rather not get involved it seems.
Her inlaws are the ones giving my father a headfull of dumb ideas. Tonight they suggested that when the day comes he can't walk, that he just live in the upstairs of the house and have a live in nurse.
So he's then trapped living in his upstairs bedroom?!? Unable to get outside for fresh air? Unable to enjoy the rest of his house?!? God forbid there's a fire or emergency that he needed to get out of the house!!! What are these people thinking
*bangs head on wall*
Thanks for the suggestion!