Shrift, that is rough. If none of the siblings are localish to your parents, that makes it even harder.

When my parents had just retired, but before they got really old, Mom used to be a driver for something called “Shepherd’s Center.” She drove people to the store, to appointments, and to social things when they couldn’t drive themselves, often for reasons like your father probably has. It’s church related, but non-denominational. [link] The one I linked to is in the town where they used to live, but several came up when I googled it. Perhaps there’s something similar near your parents? You could try to sell it as “just until the study,” or even “just until the car is replaced,” instead of your dad renting something.

Askye, I hope you feel better and have a chance to pursue your art again soon.

Oh no, shrift, that sounds terrible and scary. I'm sorry.

I keep wanting to complain because I have a cold! And then I talk to literally anyone else.

Thanks, y'all.

If none of the siblings are localish to your parents, that makes it even harder.

My siblings are local and have been going over and offering help, but the problem seems to be getting my parents to accept it. But depending on how things go, something like Shepherd’s Center could be beneficial. Thanks for sharing it!

If I had any good advice, my own aging/infirm family member situation would be much better

My siblings are local and have been going over and offering help, but the problem seems to be getting my parents to accept it.

It used to irritate the hell out of my mother that my grandmother ignored something my mother said, but if a doctor said the same thing, it was suddenly gospel. Unfortunately, it doesn't sound like that works on your dead.

I pat your head.

if a doctor said the same thing, it was suddenly gospel

Oh, that works more than anything we say. But part of the problem is that his current doctor is retiring in a week and has both feet out the door.

Too close to home to comment, but I'm so sorry, shrift. It's so hard.

shrift, would your dad accept help if it were framed in terms of making things easier for your mom? Beyond that... hairpats.

Shrift I’m so sorry. It’s hard. I don’t have magic advice but I have deep empathy for you.

Hairpats galore, Shrift. It's hellish hard to parent one's parents, especially when they don't want to be parented by a child of theirs.

Calli, hooray for good scans!

Askye, you get hairpats, too. My advice, coming from simply "if it were me" would be to move, as quickly as possible. It's inhuman to expect you to live that way and do your job as well. You're a hero for trying, but everyone just accepts that you'll keep doing it, and nobody's going to change, or implement change in your living conditions, so you have to do it. I send buckets of courage if that's what you decide to do. And if not, then tons of coping~ma.

Thanks for the good wishes, everybody. It's true! Buffistas make things better! (Waves at Karl and msbelle)