I [28F] don’t want my dad [64M] to feel like he has to be around me.

To provide some context: my dad, who is 64, suffered a brain aneurysm nearly a decade ago. The incident seriously affected him; he spent a few months in rehabilitation and still struggles to function normally. The aneurysm affected the left side of his brain, leading to difficulties with word associations, memory, and logic. Shortly after his hospitalization, I, at 28, moved out of my parents’ house to live with my then-boyfriend, and we got married five years ago. A year later, my dad was placed in an assisted living facility to ensure his needs were met. Over the last couple of years, his condition has deteriorated; his cognitive abilities are declining, making conversations difficult. He rarely speaks unless prompted, and it has become challenging to read his emotions. I mourned the loss of the father I once knew long ago; the man I see now isn’t the father I grew up with. He wasn’t perfect, but he was warm, kind, and funny—not the shell of a person he is today. My stepmother, mother, and sister usually check in to ensure he is treated well in the group home, which seems fine, but his decline is evident. Recently, he hasn’t been receiving adequate care, which has affected his eating habits and put him at risk for diabetes. About six months ago, my family decided that he would visit a family member each weekend for meals. With my mother and her wife, plus four kids, he joins us at least once a month. Last October, my ex and I realized we had grown apart and decided to file for divorce. We’re currently in the midst of the proceedings, which has taken a significant mental toll on me. I’m in therapy three days a week for at least an hour each session, focusing on self-care and addressing my tendency to prioritize others over myself. Today was supposed to be my day to cook for my dad, but I came down with a stomach bug. This morning, I felt a lot of frustration about the situation. I feel like my dad is being thrust upon me; I have to cook for him, or my mom and stepmom will never let me hear the end of it. It's not that I dislike my dad, but his cognitive issues make conversation difficult, and engaging with him can feel like caring for a toddler—using specific wording and only communicating when asked a question. I’ve realized I’m developing negative feelings toward him because I don’t feel I have a choice in this situation. My mental health is still a significant concern, and this has only added to the stress. It’s not that I don’t want to see my dad; it’s that it feels forced, which brings negativity to the situation. Right now, I don’t have the mental capacity to "babysit" my dad while the healthcare system drags its feet. I’m uncertain about what to do moving forward. While I don’t need advice, I’m open to it, and I appreciate you taking the time to read my story. (P.S. English isn’t my first language, so please excuse any spelling or grammatical errors.)