Respite Care and Alzheimer’s: The Talk About Alzheimer’s with a Senior Parent or Loved One

Vancouver Respite Care  |  September 23, 2024

What Every Family Needs to Know About Respite Care and Alzheimer’s Services from Comfort Keepers® Vancouver

What do you need to know about respite care and Alzheimer’s? Talking about Alzheimer’s to a parent or loved one is a dreaded conversation. It can feel like an overwhelming challenge. If your loved one is suffering from impaired judgment and memory loss, the conversation may be difficult. It’s good to know families can find supportive and loving ways to approach the conversation.

Tips for Families Talking About Respite Care and Alzheimer’s with Seniors

Tip #1. The Diagnosis:

Firstly, get a confirmed medical diagnosis before having the conversation because numerous medical issues can closely mimic early Alzheimer’s. Once the adult is willing to go to a doctor, make an appointment and plan part of a bigger day with enjoyable activities. This makes the day more positive for both of you.

Tip #2. Inform the Patient:

Secondly, openly communicate the results of the Alzheimer’s Disease diagnosis once confirmed by a doctor. It may go more easily than you would think if he or she has already been considering that something was wrong.

Tip #3. Be Compassionate:

Thirdly and most importantly, consistently repeat to the loved one how much you care for them. Compassion and open discussion of the diagnosis fare better emotionally. Ease the fears of your parent or loved one that you will not abandon them.

Respite Care and Alzheimer’s: Six Tips to Know When It’s Time to Have the Talk

Respite care does not mean that you are abandoning your senior loved one.

Tip #1. State-of-Mind:

Depending on the patient’s state of mind, being involved with financial, medical, legal, long-term care, and end-of-life decisions may still be possible.

Tip #2. Understanding the Diagnosis:

Your older adult might completely deny or reject the diagnosis, and it’s possible the diagnosis won’t be comprehended.

Tip #3. Community:

Don’t hesitate to obtain assistance from family or friends, and maybe a social worker or clergy member who is experienced with Alzheimer’s.

Tip #4. Ongoing Conversation:

Continually keep open conversations during the progression of the disease.

Tip #5. Listen to Concerns:

Listen as your parent or loved one tries to articulate emotions, such as anger, frustration, and sadness.

Tip #6. Be Aware of Mental State:

In addition to the above, always be on the lookout for symptoms of clinical depression so you can get the right professional help.

In short, once your loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, you don’t have to take on the load of caring for them alone. Comfort Keepers® provides industry-leading Alzheimer’s care for those living with this disease. 

The Best Senior Home Care Provider in Vancouver, BC, is Comfort Keepers®

Many families prefer Comfort Keepers® when arranging senior home care services for a loved one in or around Vancouver, British Columbia. 

If you are concerned about the health and well-being of your aging loved ones, we can help with 24-hour care. Comfort Keepers Vancouver also provides home care services like respite care, overnight care, Alzheimer’s disease and dementia care, personal care, and more! 

Comfort Keepers® Vancouver Can Help with Companion Care and Interactive Caregiving™

Personal and empathetic care starts in the heart and allows us to meet our clients’ needs. Comfort Keeper’s philosophy is to elevate the human spirit, and our caregivers ensure your loved one experiences a better quality of life.

Trained caregivers help provide our senior clients with personal home care to help maintain the highest possible quality of life, keeping them happy and healthy at home. Our Interactive Caregiving™ delivers a system of care that addresses safety, nutrition, mind, body, and activities of daily living (ADLs).

Bring The Best Home Care Assistance for Seniors Right Where You Live with Comfort Keepers®

Comfort Keepers® Vancouver is proud to provide elder care in homes throughout Vancouver, keeping seniors safe in their homes. We provide home care for the seniors of Vancouver and the surrounding areas of Burnaby, Langley, Maple Ridge, and Richmond. Please call (604) 689-8609. 

Personal Care and Senior Homecare in Vancouver, BC

Learn more about our unique service, which offers personal care, companionship care, palliative care, and end-of-life care by contacting the Comfort Keepers® Vancouver office.

Accredited and Quality Respite Care Available 24/7 for British Columbia Families

Accreditation Canada has awarded Comfort Keepers® Vancouver with Exemplary Standing. This designation is only achieved after an organization’s policies, procedures, and processes undergo a thorough evaluation by industry experts to ensure they meet or exceed the stringent quality standards set by Accreditation Canada for Home Care companies.

Share This Post: