Dear Paul:

I am going home to Dallas, Texas to visit my dad in a few weeks. He lives alone since my mother passed away last year. When I was in town to see him over the holidays I noticed a big decline in his health. I really think he is lonely and maybe even depressed.

Dad seems to have dropped out of a lot of the social clubs he and my mother belonged to for years, and has even let his personal appearance slide a bit. I talk with him almost every day and he always tells me he is doing “fine” and doesn’t need anything. But I really think the time has come to talk with him about moving to a retirement community. I think he needs to be around people his own age and not home alone so much.

I have to admit, however, that I am really struggling to figure out how to begin this conversation. I don’t want my dad to think I am trying to take away his independence.

Do you have any ideas you can share that might help me tackle this topic with my dad?

Sincerely,
Tom [Read more…]