I haven't used this radio but it looks to be a good choice for your Dad. One of the better online reviewers at YouTube (Todderbert) liked the FM-AM version of this this radio from the same brand.

Greadio MD-T26 has fairly large digital display, simple controls and decent frequency coverage for shortwave broadcasts: 4.7 through 18 MHz. It does not feature SSB so it will not be great for utility listening or listening to hams but your Dad seems to be interested in shortwave broadcasts, anyway (so am I).

Buy one of these Sangean ANT-60 shortwave reel antennas too, and clip it to the whip antenna for better shortwave reception. If you can run the reel antenna outdoors, so much the better. Shortwave reception can be good in wooden-framed houses, not so good in other buildings. Shortwave suffers in dense urban area and apartments. Don't let the naysayers steer you wrong: there is still a lot of good shortwave broadcast listening out there especially with some practice and patience on the user's part. I listen to foreign shortwave broadcasts every day.

This radio is affordable. A top of the line portable like the Sangean ATS-909X2 will cost about US $225.

Added in edit: Portable shortwave radios usually work better on batteries than on the wall wart. Wall wart power supplies make noise that may be picked up on shortwave. No problem with this radio: it uses 4 D batteries which should last quite a while. Using AC power should be fine for FM and maybe the AM band. Just about all home electronics make noise that be heard on shortwave (including LED and fluorescent lighting). Turn 'em off for shortwave listening.