Why is my Father (82) sleeping so much, losing weight and losing muscle mass?

Get him to a doctor and have his thyroid and Vitamin D checked. He really needs a complete work up and this could be clinical depression which masks itself as something else. Men who lose spouses usually die within a year (so says the research - women last years longer) so the fact he has survived five years is great. Good luck!

High energy and high protein supplement drinks like ensure or resource helps and is often given to pts at the hospital where I work

OregonGirl, we got the back brace from a DME supplier. My father had become interested in one after trying it out at a health expo sponsored annually by his local community.

I spoke with both his physiatrist and orthopedic surgeon but both were unwilling to recommend one as they felt (as did I at the time) that exercise was the better option.

My father already had fairly severe osteoporosis, and even though he did exercise, he still had occasional back discomfort. The bigger issue though was the aberrant posture caused by the osteo.

So I called DME suppliers, found one that also had a rollator, and away we went. It was $40 or $45; we had no script, so it was paid out of pocket (and of course logged in my tax files as a medical cost.)

The only problem is that he can't latch the Velcro tabs himself so he needs help to put it on.

Obviously, food can cause sugar issues. I have Hypoglycemia and must eat several small meals a day. In fact, I have not had an attack for years because I snack. But, good snacks. Have they done blood work on him? If I eat a large meal of high sugar foods, I will become very sleepy easily. This is very dangerous. Have they done any test on him at all? The Independent Care homes have Institutional foods. Don't believe them when they say they have a diet person who knows what they are doing. Have him tested for Hypoglycemia and have his doctor do it NOW. But, be with him when they do it. About the third dose, he will become very ill if he as this. I agree with GardenArtist.... I have RA Oh God, I sound like an old person, RA, Hypoglycemia and breast issues.....Who am I to tell you how to handle this? BUT, with that said, the hypoglycemia is the worst. I can go to sleep with NO ISSUE at all if I am not careful. The back brace is a GREAT solution per Garden Artist. In fact, I think with my RA, I might try it. I wish you well with the solutions...Please let us know how it goes. I don't know where you get the brace. Would be curious...Do I have to have a doctor's prescription? Please get his blood sugars check asap

Is he eating high sugar foods? Drinking coffee? If so, they could cause an energy level drop after absorption and cause him to nap. On the other hand, if he's not very hungry, is he getting enough protein and well rounded diet? This can be a vicious cycle because if he's tired he's not going to walk or exercise, and that can make him less steady on his feet.

I think your first option should be his medical team, starting with his internist or PCP (if that's a very thorough doctor; some aren't). I would take him to an orthopedic doctor as well to address what may be osteoporosis.

There's a possibility of getting a back brace as well; the one we bought is made of really thick and tight elastic and does provide good support. We purchased it despite recommendations to the contrary by a physiatrist and orthopedic surgeon, who felt that exercise was better. We agreed, but at the stage of osteoporosis my father has, he needs some support - now.

PT would help as well if your father can get his energy back enough to do PT; that will certainly give him more balance strength.