Helping Seniors Deal with Late-in-Life Cancer Diagnosis

Victoria Respite Care  |  January 5, 2021

What Every Senior in Victoria, BC, Needs to Know About Dealing with a Late-in-Life Cancer Diagnosis

Late-in-Life Cancer | Being diagnosed with cancer is surely one of the scariest things in life, and it does not get any easier as we get older. 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.

Six Steps to Know What to do with a Late-Life-Cancer Diagnosis:

#1 – 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 the 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.

#2 – 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.

#3 – 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 feelings be known. Both of you will surely feel better afterward. Consider recommending a mental health professional or a local support group too.

#4 – 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.

#5 – 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.

#6 – Focus on other parts of life:

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

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

Firstly, if you are concerned about the health and well-being of your aging loved ones, we can help with 24-hour care. We offer senior care, post-surgery care, palliative care, personal care, senior living transition services, and much more! 

Comfort Keepers® Victoria Provides In-Home Elderly Care Services

Aging in place means keeping seniors happy and healthy at home. Comfort Keepers® trained caregivers provide seniors with the highest quality of life possible. In particular, our Interactive Caregiving™ system provides care that addresses safety, nutrition, mind, body, and activities of daily living.

Comfort Keepers® Victoria In-Home Caregivers Can Help with Interactive Caregiving™

Personal and empathetic care starts in the heart and allows us to meet our clients’ needs. Our philosophy is to elevate the human spirit. Our caregivers will be there every step of the way to ensure your loved one has a better quality of life. 

Senior Homecare in Victoria, BC

Our unique services offer families respite care, overnight care, personal care, companionship care, palliative care, and end-of-life care. To learn more, contact the Comfort Keepers Victoria office.

Comfort Keepers® Victoria is Proud to Provide Senior Care and Home Care Services to Keep Seniors Safe in Their Homes

If you are searching for home care near you, we can help! Comfort Keepers® Victoria can provide home care for Victoria and surrounding areas. Service territory includes Colwood, Saanich, Sidney, James Bay, and Oak Bay. Please call (778) 265-5999 and learn how your loved ones can receive compassionate, professional in-home care.

Quality and Accredited Respite Care for British Columbia Families

Comfort Keepers® Victoria has achieved Exemplary Standing accreditation from Accreditation Canada. This accreditation, a rigorous evaluation of organizational processes, policies, and procedures against established quality standards by industry experts, signifies that Comfort Keepers’ offices have successfully met or surpassed the stringent benchmarks for Home Care companies as defined by Accreditation Canada.

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