As long as you go in with your eyes open, you should do fine. Your tag says banijoman, I'm going to assume you are male. Do you remember how any of your girlfriends felt when she was raising a newborn? That's a good guide to how you may feel taking care of your father if you don't PLAN AHEAD.

Unfortunately, you CANNOT do this alone. Educate yourself: read all you can about what ever form of dementia your dad has. Hook up with a caregiver's group: don't let the fact that everyone else is a woman keep you from attending. Find an online community, like this one to find answers for complications.

Above all, schedule time for yourself. Care giving is an all consuming job. You will never "find time" for yourself. Schedule it ans stick to it. There are agencies that provide in-home care for hours, days, and weeks. Find them and try them out. Do not let your father be the judge of whether or not they are suitable - or none of them ever will be.

Remember, your father is going to die. The goal is to arrive at that point with your health and mental state good enough for you to enjoy the rest of your life. Yes, the Commandment is "Honor thy father and mother that thy days may be long upon the earth." This means that you have the right to assure your own survival above and beyond your duty to care for him - however much you love him.

Blessings on you and good luck.
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I am the sole caregiver for my elderly father, who is 91 years old. I am retired, single and willing to assume this responsibility
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