Dealing with a Cancer Diagnosis Later in Life

Uncategorized  |  April 12, 2021

What Every Senior in Edmonton, AB, Needs to Know About Dealing with Late-Diagnosis Cancer

Dealing with a cancer diagnosis later in life can be scary and overwhelming. 60% of people who have cancer are 65 or older. A cancer diagnosis can make a person feel like their world is out of control. People often say they feel helpless and powerless after they find out they have cancer.

However, making a personalized plan for a cancer diagnosis can help seniors make treatment decisions and feel more in control. And, by taking intentional action, it is possible to continue to focus on quality of life and joyful moments even in a difficult time.

Six Strategies for Dealing with a Cancer Diagnosis Later in Life:

#1 – Absorb the information:

People need to give themselves as much time as they need to take in the news. Processing a diagnosis can be difficult, and the person should feel comfortable taking the time and space they need to come to terms with the next steps in their treatment plans.

#2 – Encourage education:

As the saying goes, “Knowledge is power.” Encourage them to learn as much as they can about their type of cancer and the treatment options available. Healthcare professionals are more than willing to provide resources to help someone understand their diagnosis.

#3 – Express feelings:

It’s normal to feel depressed, angry, sad, or overwhelmed after being diagnosed with cancer. There are many opportunities to talk about their feelings, whether it’s with someone in their life that they trust, a mental health professional, or a local support group.

#4 – Maintain healthy habits:

Continuing healthy habits is important following a cancer diagnosis. Those with a cancer diagnosis should follow a doctor’s advice regarding nutrition and exercise, and make an effort to take care of themselves mentally and physically.

Tip #5 – Evaluate financial needs:

Reviewing insurance and having a plan for how they will pay for their treatment will help relieve stress down the road.

Tip #6 – Focus on other parts of life:

Focusing on the things in life that can be controlled will help people remember that they have the power to decide how they live life.

Comfort Keepers® Edmonton is Proud to Offer a Wide Range of Home Senior Care Services

Our trained caregivers will ensure your loved one is comfortable, independent and safe in their home. On top of that, we will also aim to enhance their overall health, quality of life and general happiness. 

Top-Notch Home Healthcare for Seniors in Edmonton, Alberta

Comfort Keepers of Edmonton offers a wider range of senior care services. We offer retirement care, respite care, senior care, companionship care, end-of-life care, post-surgery care, palliative care, personal care, and senior living transition services. If you are concerned about the health and well-being of your aging loved ones we can help with 24-hour care and more!

Helping Seniors Age-in-Place with Companionship Care and Interactive Caregiving™

Empathetic care starts in the heart and allows us to meet our client’s needs. Our trained caregivers are selected with one specific quality in mind, empathy. We strive to stimulate our clients emotionally, mentally and socially, thus enhancing their overall quality of life. 

Our Interactive Caregiving™ provides a system of care that addresses companionship, safety, nutrition, mind, body, and activities of daily living (ADLs). The system increases seniors’ sense of well-being, independence and companionship by focusing on Senior Mind, Senior Body, Senior Nutrition, and Senior Safety.

Affordable and Client-Directed Homecare is Available for Qualifying Albertans

Comfort Keepers® Edmonton is an Approved Service Provider for the Client Directed Homecare Invoicing (CDHCI) Program Offered by Alberta Health Services. 

What is the Client Directed Home Care Invoicing Program (CDHCI)?

CDHCI is a great program provided by Alberta Health Services (AHS), allowing clients to choose an approved agency like, Comfort Keepers Edmonton for Personal Care, Respite Care and Homemaking needs. The chosen agency can then bill AHS directly for services rendered for approved hours through Alberta Blue Cross. Read more about the program HERE.

Accredited Home Care Edmonton

Comfort Keepers® Edmonton was awarded the “Accredited with Exemplary Standing” seal by Accreditation Canada. This honour demonstrates Comfort Keepers’ commitment to offering safe, high-quality home care to its senior clients in Edmonton, AB.

To learn more about senior in-home care in Edmonton, contact the Comfort Keepers® office. Our service territory includes Edmonton, Devon, Sherwood Park, Stony Plain and surrounding areas, contact the Comfort Keepers Edmonton office at 780-465-4665.

References

Cancer.net. “Aging and Cancer.” Web. 2018.

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