Find Senior Care (City or Zip)
Join Now Log In
L
lettie Asked October 2011

My 51-year-old dad is diabetic and losing the feeling in his legs. How can I help him?

EXPERT Carol Bradley Bursack, CDSGF Oct 2011
If he absolutely won't go to a doctor, you should call his doctor's office and give them the scoop. They may have suggestions. Also, please contact the Diabetes Association for ideas on how you can help him physically.
It's sad that this burden is placed on you. Please understand that no matter how miserable your dad is, if he does commit suicide - which is unlikely - but if he does, it's not your fault. Follow through with a therapist is you can. A professional counselor may have ideas for you. Often, sadly, officials can't do anything unless suicide is attempted. Start making contacts for your own support, please.
Carol

Eddie Dec 2011
LETTIE:

His suicide statements are a cry out for help. If he's verbalized a method, however, an intervention is needed. In the meantime, I suggest leg exercises to improve circulation. A physical therapist and/or short Internet videos will definitely alleviate the symptoms. If he's overweight, plenty of fluids (not just water) and cutting down fatty foods should reduce some of the pressure on the legs as pounds are shed.

If he doesn't want to move, present him a worse case scenario: vascular surgery. Having to be wheelchaired, being completely homebound for a while, needing assistance to take a shower and use the toilet. ... Utterly humiliating for a man accustomed to self-sufficiency.

Good luck my friend, and enjoy the rest of the Holidays.

ADVERTISEMENT


lettie Oct 2011
my husband and i are really battling with my dad he keeps saying that he is going to commit sucide because he cant live like this anymore and he wont get help from anyone and he refuses to go to a hospital for check ups what should i do.

sumlerc Dec 2011
lettie, how are you coping with your Dad? Have you received help for him?

ADVERTISEMENT

Ask a Question

Subscribe to
Our Newsletter