Helping Dad Stay Independent: The Best Father's Day Gift for an Aging Parent - A Checklist from Dr. Dan Tobin, Founder and CEO of Care Support ...( NEW YORK June 10 /- As our fathers...),Health

NEW YORK, June 10 /PRNewswire/ -- "As our fathers age, they want to remain independent, not be a burden, and -- no offense -- they usually don't want to move in with their children," says Dr. Dan Tobin, Founder and CEO of Care Support of America and a nationally recognized expert on eldercare and family caregiving. "Helping your Dad safely age at home can be the best gift -- and the best Father's Day gift -- you can give him, once you notice even small changes in his ability to get around."

"Remember Men are from Mars? Men do not often express their feelings freely or at all. So if your father is living alone, it will be harder for you to know how he is doing," Dr. Tobin says. "The hardest part may be getting your Dad to open up about practical and emotional issues."

Dr. Tobin advises: "Go slow and steady. Approach one issue at a time. Fathers may want to appear as if they're always in control, even when things have begun to slip. Let your Dad know that you are there to help without getting in his space. In order to assess how he's doing living on his own, here is a checklist of issues for you to explore with him. Then, if there are problems, you can address them, and find your father the help he'll need to stay independent."

Activity and Connectedness

"The most important indicators for wellness in aging are staying physically active and staying connected to others or to a community. Does your Dad appear to be slowing down? Is he less mobile? Is he exercising, interacting with his neighbors, or participating in senior-activity programs? We tend to look away from physical changes that are important in supporting our Dads."

Housekeeping

"When you visit your father at his home, look around and get a quick readi
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