He also survived West Nile last year and has Bell's Palsy and is not improving. Dad has always been active and pushed himself to get things done, but not any more. He had a bad sinus infection that put him in the hospital for four days during that time he gave up trying to get well or even better. He wants to die.
What can I do to help him? He is not interested in in anything. He used to read but can't see now, Bell's palsey. He used to pick up, clean, and get pecans ready to sell. Not any more. He wants to sleep all the time. He doesn't want physical therapy, or much food. What can I do? Doctor seems to not know what to do. Dad doesn't want to take any pills. I'm at a loss what to do.
. It sounds like maybe he's depressed . Can you get him to a geriatric psychiatrist ?
Are you all sure that the original infection is cleared? I had a sinus infection recently ( I'm 61, work full time,etc) and suddenly had no interest in anything .
West Nile is a bummer.... my sig other daughter [30's] had that last year and her energy level dropped big time. And it took her more time to get over other ailments. Bell palsy will eventually clear itself, just give it time. I had that about 10 years ago, the meds were worse then the palsy itself.
Or maybe your Dad feels he has lived a full life, it is time to run down the clock. Just think 90 is a long time. Try to get him talking about how things were back when he was a child, and what new inventions he saw happening. I always found my Dad's childhood chats quite interesting... he and his brothers were always inventing something :)
My sympathy is with your father and you. I don't know how to make it better. I would probably spend my day researching post-West Nile infection to see if science has found things that might help.