How do I find out if my Dad can afford a maid before I agree to pay?

There are some frozen dinners that are more healthy than others, but there still might be preservatives in them, which aren't any more healthy than high fat dinners are. There are also lower sodium soups, which can be microwaved. That would eliminate his having to stand at a stove.

I would check out Meals on Wheels; generally it is for someone who's confined at home and isn't driving, but since his driving is limited, your local MOW might be flexible.

Making and freezing meals is also a great idea, especially if they're in small containers so he doesn't end up having more than he can eat.

If you are in the same area, how about bringing some home cooked dinner to him, all ready to heat up. Can he use a microwave? We did this for an uncle. Different nieces would bring meals for a week. The he would just heat them up. He eventually died at home just like he wanted to!

Use team work. One sister takes him to lunch while the other sister cleans the house. He may be uncomfortable watching you clean, but he will certainly feel better seeing it all freshened up. It's important not to step on his ego.

He still sound capable. How about, "Dad, let's see about getting you someone in here to help clean." Then work on it together. He'll know how much he can afford if he is agreeable to having someone come in.

Any chance your Dad might want to check out independent living facilities? Before he quickly says "no", tell him he will be around people of his own age group, he has meals in the common dining room with new made friends, there are activities he can join in or not.... and usually the independent living facilities will supply cleaning services, for a fee or not. And no more worry about driving. Plus the money he will save on property taxes, homeowners insurance, utilities cost, worrying about a new roof or new furnace, cost of keeping up his car, etc. Yikes, I am beginning to sound like a commercial !!

It all depends on if your Dad can afford something like that. If he owns his home, he can sell it and use the proceeds. There are some senior apartments where one can move based on their income. There are also Assisted Living complexes.