Can you communicate in writing? Maybe he's deaf out of choice, does not want to listen anymore. Is there a senior center nearby? Can you take him there for lunch and see if he shows any interest in the place? Maybe the VFW or Legion Post? Find stuff he can do, get some free time for yourself.
Do you ever get a break? Would an hour at Starbucks with a good book help?
Are you caught in the Polar Vortex, or can you go outside? Exercise is the VERY best antidepressant there is.
Are you more hopeless or more irritated? They are both symptoms of caregiving. Do you have any support from friends or family? If you want it, there are lots of friends here.
Mustanger, my heart goes out to you and do empathize with your situation. Caregiving is at different levels for all of us and if you are at the end of your rope; you do need to reach out for assistance. As Jeanne mentioned above, there are many resources out there. Try calling the local elder services in your town and ask to speak to a social worker or counselor; they will be able to give you advice and are extremely understanding and helpful.
The first step is to make that call to them - there is so much support on this site and we all are here to help. Hugs to you across the miles.
Hang in there, Mustanger! Many caregivers reach a meltdown point. There is always a way to improve the situation.
It sounds like you need to get out of the caregiving role, at least for a long break and maybe permanently. What kind of care does your father need? Are other people involved in his care, such as a visiting nurse or a sibling of yours? Are you living in his house or is he living in yours? If you don't want to be his caregiver you do not have to do it. There are resources in your community that can help you get on with your life, without your father being without care. Tell us your story. Someone will have useful information for you, when activity on the board picks up in the morning.
You can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at any time you feel you are in a crisis. 1-800-273-8255 Please do not suffer alone; call and talk to someone.
I'm sorry you are at this point. People here are understanding and often helpful. Could you give us a little more information, please? Are you currently a caregiver, or was that in the past? Who was/is the care receiver? Caregiving is almost always stressful. What are your biggest stress points? Tell us about where you are stuck. We'd like to help, or at least to commiserate.
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Are you caught in the Polar Vortex, or can you go outside? Exercise is the VERY best antidepressant there is.
Are you more hopeless or more irritated? They are both symptoms of caregiving. Do you have any support from friends or family? If you want it, there are lots of friends here.
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The first step is to make that call to them - there is so much support on this site and we all are here to help. Hugs to you across the miles.
It sounds like you need to get out of the caregiving role, at least for a long break and maybe permanently. What kind of care does your father need? Are other people involved in his care, such as a visiting nurse or a sibling of yours? Are you living in his house or is he living in yours? If you don't want to be his caregiver you do not have to do it. There are resources in your community that can help you get on with your life, without your father being without care. Tell us your story. Someone will have useful information for you, when activity on the board picks up in the morning.
You can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at any time you feel you are in a crisis. 1-800-273-8255 Please do not suffer alone; call and talk to someone.