My dad is down and depressed

Old people shouldn't stop doing things, even learn new hobbies or work on craftwork, do light tasks with their hands or continue to play board games, etc. Your dad could learn some simple to do tasks. You could find out what people or organisations are doing to teach a task, like origami, etc. Then, your dad can take this new found hobby to his siblings, so they have something to do when they are together. Besides, doing a task keeps their hands exercised and their brains working some, other than keep them together in the same physical space. No one should be doing nothing, at any age. We should balance the limitations of the body by doing less than what we did before or doing something new that require less physical work. Working around our limitations, not allowing our limitations to keep us down.

Sharon, Elderly people normally get depressed for different reasons. Is there any way that we can somehow track them down? If not, try to find an activity for him to do if he's already retired. When we get older we tend to feel lonely and useless. Often the elderly feel unwanted and like a burden even if you try to convince them that they are not. Just give him your love and support and try to find a way to make him feel useful and loved. Best of luck! Bambo318

He should be happy they're in an assisted living home and not a nursing home. He should be happy for them. The people in assisted living homes get treated very well. If he misses his older brother and sister, he could always pay them a visit if they're not living too far away.