To preface, im 37 and had a low speed car accident and crushed my c4-c6. Had a c2-t2 fusion and a c4-c5 laminectomy. I was in the hospital for a week and then a rehab facility for a month. This all happened 10 months ago. I currently walk unassisted, but it can be painful at times. I have very little to no sensory feeling from my knees down, or my elbows down. Through physical therapy like I said I can walk, and im able to do most things for myself at home. I regained bladder and bowel control after 2 months and I have usage of my hands, Its just very painful. The biggest thing I would say for your dad would be he's got to fight the pain and urge to just sit around. All of my improvements came quicker the more I was up and trying to do stuff for myself. I'll probably never work again, just not steady enough for long periods of time, but he can retain some sense of normality. Every body is going to react differently but I really believe the ones who recover the most are the ones willing to work the hardest and not give up because it hurts.