Helping Seniors Deal with Cancer Diagnosis Later in Life in Victoria, BC

Uncategorized  |  January 5, 2021

Being diagnosed with cancer is surely one of the scariest things in life, and it does not get any easier as we get older. In fact, it often gets so overwhelming that it makes a person feel like their world is slowly crumbling down. Many cancer patients confirm they felt helpless upon hearing their diagnosis for the first time.

If your elderly loved one or someone you know recently got diagnosed with cancer, making a personalized plan for dealing with the situation can help them regain control over their life and spark the desire to fight the disease.

Please consider the following strategies when helping a loved one deal with a cancer diagnosis:

Absorb the information – Upon hearing such bleak, life-changing news, people need to develop a coping mechanism and this does not happen overnight. Be mindful of this and allow mom or dad to take as much time as they need to process the information and figure out how to move forward in terms of plans and treatment.

Encourage education – Learn everything you can about your parent’s specific type of cancer. Use online resources to read about various treatment options available. For any other information, do not hesitate to reach out to your parent’s medical team.

Express feelings – When one discovers they have cancer, it is only natural to feel sad, depressed, angry, or simply overwhelmed. So, do your best to openly talk to them about their fears and concerns and let your own feelings be known. Both of you will surely feel better afterward. Consider recommending a mental health professional or a local support group too.

Maintain healthy habits – Following doctor’s recommendations regarding nutrition and exercise is crucial to maintaining a good quality of life and having a better fighting chance against cancer – it is important that your loved one understands this and tries to boost their physical and emotional well-being.

Evaluate financial needs – Do not wait until the last moment to sit down with mom or dad to review their health insurance and bank balance, and develop a viable plan on how to pay for their treatment.

Focus on other parts of life – Engage your loved one in activities you know they love and enjoy. By focusing on hobbies or favorite pastimes, they can boost their spirits and realize they are in charge of their life.

Comfort Keepers of Vancouver Can Help

At Comfort Keepers, we help families who care for aging loved ones diagnosed with cancer. We can deliver a specialized, non-medical care plan and support your parent in any way we can.

Whether it is providing medication reminders, prepping healthy meals, assisting with exercise, or simply being there for meaningful companionship, our loving caregivers will make every effort to make every day a little brighter for your parent.

Give us a call today at 604-200-7893 to learn more about our services and how we can help your family.

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