Sorry for making everyone wait for an update.

Finally, we know what is wrong. More or less. Schizophrenia. But my dad's not typical. He's been able to hold a job, have a marriage and a family (sort of) and is highly intelligent.

He's on meds, but only 1 mg. It will take a considerable amount of time to work him up to probably 6 mg.

His latest things are: the voices have told him my mom is dead, that the woman who calls is an imposter, that their house burned down, that someone is putting something in the food. The doctor is trying to convince him that the food is safe and so far he's still eating. They are going to give him escorted walks very soon as they don't consider him a "runner", he's too old and in poor shape.

My mom is having trouble accepting that he may not come home, that no amount of meds will make him safe to be out.

Thanks everyone for your support with this. I do pass along the comments to my mom when we chat on the phone. She is amazed by our community and the kindness that is shared.