How do you deal with a parent that says they want to die?

save it? That should have been say it. :)

kateliv, so much depends on why they save it. Both of my parents have said it many times. Sometimes it happens when they are sad about losing independence and health. Other times it is said when they are pouting about something or as a temper tantrum. When it is pouting or temper, I just ignore. When they are sad, I listen. In the case of my parents, it was never suicidal. It was just an extreme way of expressing despair or anger.

Take what he says seriously!!!!!! Get him some help. A counselor, therapist, someone.