DEAR AMY: This presidential campaign has gotten so stupid that I have decided your column is by far the most interesting thing in the paper, and so I have become a devoted reader. But I digress.

My father retired about 20 years ago, and until now he has been happily doing volunteer work.

He had a stroke last May. He walks about half as fast as he once did, and he seems to have trouble using the left side of his body. He was also diagnosed with diabetes.

He has moved from his apartment into a retirement home. He doesn't complain, but during my visit he didn't seem happy. He still has an active mind — many of the other residents suffer from Alzheimer's disease.

I live overseas and would move back, but I am worried that I will have a hard time finding work. My dad says I shouldn't move. At the same time, he's unhappy.

I don't want to bring him to live with me because we could not really provide him with the care he needs. I need an objective viewpoint about what to do. — Conflicted Son

Dear Conflicted: I agree that the dumber the political season gets, the more fascinating the real problems of real people seem.

I bet there is a way to improve your dad's quality of life. You should plan an extended visit so you can observe his situation over the course of a couple of weeks.

You should work with the director of the home to see what they can realistically do for

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him. Your father's health might improve if he has regular social and physical therapy.

Visit other assisted-living facilities to see if there might be a better place for him. Also, contact his former volunteer coordinator and see if your father can continue his work there in some capacity.

Dear Amy: My son, a high school junior, was invited to the senior prom by a senior girl. They are casual friends, not boyfriend and girlfriend.

Prom tickets are $75 each. My son will be paying for his tux, flowers and a share of the limo. As it is her prom and she invited him, shouldn't she pay for his ticket? — Perplexed Near Pittsburgh

Dear Perplexed: The person issuing the invitation — whether female or male — should pay for both tickets.

Sometimes, if they are going as friends, the offer to pay for both tickets is met with "Oh, no — let's at least each pay our own way." This spreads the cost and keeps thing casual.

Proms are expensive. If it's any consolation to you, the girl's expenses will far exceed your son's.

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