My dad

[Timeforachange68]

My dad is a widower, my mum died about 2 & 1/2 years ago and whilst I never expect him to “get over” her death I actually feel like he’s getting worse. He lives alone but we live nearby and see him about 3 days a week and speak to him on the other days. He has no interests as such and doesn’t want to do anything in particular but is very miserable.

I can’t change his situation and I do my best but I wish he could feel better - I guess I’m asking if anyone else is in the same situation what do you do/have you done to improve things?

It was the same with my dad. My mum was the one who decided they were going out so once mum died he had no reason to go out especially as he had me to do shopping, bill paying etc.
What about any previous hobbies your dad might have had, could he start going to events in that connection? Is he retired? Did or does he have work friends perhaps you could suggest asking if he would like to ask one of them round and you could maybe make up a plate of sandwiches/afternoon tea tray so he would only have to make the tea or coffee. Would he feel better if you or someone would go with him to events he might be interested in.
Just a few suggestions hope they give you an idea or two

Is there anything he could be truly helpful with and would enjoy at your house- maybe some pruning or painting?
Can you get some of his favorite old shows or movies set up for him to easily watch?
Are you sure he is eating well?

Thanks both for replying - he is retired and has been for almost 20 years so not many people left that he worked with unfortunately and it does seem like a few people avoid him since my mum died ☹️ He never really had an hobbies that I can recall! He does go out he’s quite independent, does his own shopping & looks after himself and his house - he walks every morning with a friend and her dog (since his own dog was put to sleep) but he spends a lot of time by himself! We have tried to encourage him to do other things to no avail - he even went to a local “lunch club” but decided it wasn’t for him!

I don’t really ask him to help much (apart from the odd lift) because of his age - he does enjoy watching old stuff but he doesn’t have internet so it’s down to buying him dvds which we have done! I’m pretty certain he’s eating well - he does like his food!

Thanks for all the suggestions