I feel guilty, should I leave work and remain with my father?

You should not quit your job. Consider getting help to come in or getting him to a day care center where he will be with other people instead of home alone all day. They sometimes provide transportation to and from also. Medication will probably help, but he is probably very lonely, if he is home alone all day, everyday. Sometimes a small pet helps. A kitten or cat takes less effort to care for, but can bring alot of enjoyment for a lonely elderly person. Plus having something "dependent" on them gives them purpose.

My experience parallels that of gsw92498 -- do NOT quit your job. Get your Dad drugs for depression (Mom is in Assisted Living where she is seen by a gerontologist for every little thing, and the anti-depressants are working wonderfully). For some very useful perspectives, read the extensive AgingCare discussion thread on RECOVERY AFTER CAREGIVING.

Yes, DON'T quit your job!!! I did that stupid thing, thinking Mom would be gone in a short time, and I could go back to work. That was almost 5 years ago, and Mom is still here and here I am almost 64, with very little retirement. Don't quit, you'll be sorry.

Also, If you can get him to a doctor for evaluation, they'll probably prescribe some anti-depressant drugs, (there are many) that may help him and YOU!!!

xo
-SS

Absolutely not. First of all, set boundaries. Like children, our aging parents start to become like children. They (some) need a schedule. Try to make a schedule that says, "Dad, I'll come by and see you this week on Monday and Thursday." Or whatever days you want. Then do your best to stick to it. Things come up and we all have lives. But it will give him something to look forward to. I moved my parents to live closer to me because the house was falling in around them and no one was helping them. Well, what a life altering decision that was! I was waiting on them hand and foot, they don't drive and totally depend on me. I rough in extra help but now I see a cardiologist and therapist. Get the message? Don't step in my shoes.

You can help him be making a schedule and you'll be help yourself at the same time.

Good luck!

-SS