This is one of the hardest things that I have ever done. My father is now 91 years old and he is an old farmer who does not like change of any kind. He can be one of the most hard-headed, stubborn people that I have ever known. However, I love him very much, and it is excruciating to watch him physically deteriorate almost every day. He has dizzy spells and is almost always unsteady while trying to get around. Of course, he should always be using a walker, but he refuses to do so, as it 'makes him feel old'.
When I say that I am taking care of him, I always have one person, usually a lady, come up to me and say that they did the same thing for their parent and it was the most rewarding thing that they have ever done. To me, it is the hardest thing that I have ever done. I suppose it changes from person to person and I am disabled by unsteadiness, panic disorder and PTSD myself. Also because of a broken back and a surgically repaired arm, if he falls I could not help him get to his feet. Hell, thinking about it, I am in worse shape than my 91 year old father. Is there a nurse in the house?