Talking about Alzheimer’s With Your Loved One Can be Tough

Alzheimer's and Dementia Care  |  September 28, 2018

What Every Family in Edmonton, AB Needs to Know About Alzheimer’s Disease

Talking about Alzheimer’s | Nobody wants to talk with their parent or loved one about the possibility of Alzheimer’s. It’s a tough subject that can easily overwhelm both you and the inflicted adult. If the parent or loved one already has impaired judgment and memory loss, a cohesive conversation probably won’t even be possible. Still, there are loving ways to approach this tough talk with compassion.

Get the Diagnosis First

Numerous medical issues can temporarily mimic Alzheimer’s. Your older loved one might be more inclined to go to the doctor if you remind him or her of this possibility. After you have an agreement, plan an appointment with the doctor as part of a fun day that includes other enjoyable activities so the day is better for both of you.

Confirmed Diagnosis

Once the diagnosis is confirmed, depending on the relationship with your loved one, you might be able to have an open conversation. If he or she has already suspected that something isn’t right, the dialogue may go more easily. Reassure your older adult that you will continue to care for them during this tough time. Families that incorporate open discussion about the diagnosis and disease as it progresses are better off emotionally.

Be consistent in reassuring your parent or loved one that you will be there so you can ease any fears they may have of abandonment. Here are more suggestions:

• Depending on the patient’s current state, perhaps he or she can still participate in financial, medical, legal, long-term care, and end-of-life decisions.
• The patient might deny his or her diagnosis, and it’s also possible this diagnosis will not be fully understood.
• Ask for additional help from family members or friends, or maybe a social worker or clergy member who is familiar with Alzheimer’s.
• Continue to keep communication as open as possible while the disease progresses.
• Allow the newly diagnosed parent or loved one to articulate anger, frustration, sadness, and disappointment, which would all be normal emotions.
• Always be vigilant for signs of clinical depression.

Comfort Keepers® in Edmonton Can Help with In-Home Elderly Care!

If you are concerned about the health and well-being of your aging loved ones we can help. Comfort Keepers®’ trained caregivers help provide senior clients with the highest quality of life possible to keep them happy and healthy at home. 

Companionship and Interactive Caregiving™

Our Interactive Caregiving™ provides a system of care that addresses safety, nutrition, mind, body, and activities of daily living (ADLs).

Moreover, our trained caregivers are selected with one specific quality in mind: empathy. Empathetic care is care that starts in the heart, and it allows us to meet our client’s exact needs. 

Learn more about our unique service offering by contacting the Comfort Keepers Edmonton office. If you live in Devon, Edmonton, Sherwood Park, or Stony Plain and surrounding areas, contact Comfort Keepers at 780-465-4665.

Comfort Keepers® Edmonton is an Approved Service Provider for the Client Directed Homecare Invoicing Program Offered by Alberta Health Services. Is Invoicing the Right Option for You?  Read more about the program HERE.

Comfort Keepers Edmonton is here to help you and your loved ones get the best care possible. Awarded the “Accredited with Exemplary Standing” seal by Accreditation Canada. Our Edmonton location has achieved the highest available certification in Canada for Home Care services, clearly demonstrating Comfort Keepers’ commitment to offering safe, high-quality home care to its senior clients in Edmonton.

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