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 speak with their parent or loved one about the possibility of Alzheimer’s. It’s a tough subject that can easily overwhelm you and the afflicted 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.

Talking about Alzheimer’s

Step #1. 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. With the agreement, plan an appointment with the doctor and plan something fun for afterwards.  

Step #2. Confirmed Diagnosis

Once the diagnosis is confirmed, depending on the relationship with your loved one, you might be able to have an open conversation. 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.

Step #3. Be Consistent

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.

Six Tips for Families When Talking About Alzheimer’s

Tip #1. Decision Making:

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.

Tip #2. Denial:

The patient might deny his or her diagnosis, and it’s also possible this diagnosis will not be fully understood.

Tip #3. Ask for Help:

Ask for additional help from family members or friends, or maybe a social worker or clergy member familiar with Alzheimer’s.

Tip #4. Communication:

Continue to keep communication as open as possible while the disease progresses.

Tip #5. Allow Emotions:

Allow the newly diagnosed parent or loved one to articulate anger, frustration, sadness, and disappointment.

Tip #6. Mental Health:

Always be vigilant for signs of clinical depression.

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

If you are concerned about the health and well-being of your aging loved ones we can help with retirement care, 24-hour care, respite care, senior care, companionship care, end-of-life care, post-surgery care, palliative care, personal care, senior living transition services, and much more! 

Comfort Keepers®’ are trained caregivers who help provide senior clients with the highest quality of life possible to keep them happy and healthy at home. 

Companionship Care and Interactive Caregiving™

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

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

Home Care Edmonton

To learn more about senior care in Edmonton, contact the Comfort Keepers® office to discuss our unique service offering. If you live in Devon, Edmonton, Sherwood Park, or Stony Plain and surrounding areas, contact Comfort Keepers at 780-465-4665.

Is Invoicing Modelling and Client Direct Home Care the Right Option for You?

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

Comfort Keepers® Edmonton is here to help you and your loved ones get the best care possible. Recently 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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