When a parent is diagnosed with dementia, families often feel two things at once: relief at finally having an answer, and worry about what comes next. Most people living with dementia want to stay at home for as long as possible. With planning and the right support, many of them can.

This guide is for Edmonton families who are caring for a parent with dementia at home, or thinking about it. It covers what changes to expect, how to make daily life easier, the local support available in Alberta and when it may be time to bring in help.

This article is general information, not medical advice. Always talk to your parent’s doctor about their health and care.

How dementia changes daily life

Dementia is not just memory loss. Over time it can affect how a person plans, communicates, moves and manages everyday tasks. Families often notice:

• Trouble following steps, like cooking a meal or getting dressed
• Getting lost in familiar places, or wandering
• Changes in mood, such as anxiety, frustration or withdrawal
• Confusion later in the day, sometimes called sundowning
• Difficulty with bathing and personal care
• Repeating questions or stories

If you are not sure whether what you are seeing is dementia or normal aging, our article on early dementia vs. normal aging can help you understand the difference.

Five ways to make home life easier

1. Keep a steady daily routine

Predictable days reduce stress and confusion. Try to keep waking, meals, activities and bedtime at about the same time each day. Our guide on why routine matters for seniors with dementia has practical tips.

2. Make the home safer

Small changes help a lot. Add night lights, remove loose rugs, put grab bars in the bathroom and lock away medications and cleaning products. If your parent tends to wander, door chimes or alarms can alert you.

3. Simplify, do not take over

Lay out clothes in the order they go on. Break tasks into one step at a time. Let your parent do as much as they safely can. Feeling capable matters.

4. Use music and meaningful activities

Familiar music can calm agitation and spark memories. Simple, enjoyable activities like folding laundry, gardening or looking at old photos give the day purpose. ComForCare’s Joyful Memories® and Meaningful Activities programs are built on this idea.

5. Look after yourself too

Caring for someone with dementia is hard, and it often gets harder over time. Burnout is common. Planning regular breaks is not selfish. It is how you keep going.

Dementia support in Edmonton and Alberta

You do not have to do this alone. Here are good places to start:

• Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories: has an office in Edmonton and offers First Link®, a program that connects people with dementia and their care partners to support after a diagnosis. You can ask your doctor for a referral or contact them yourself at 1-866-950-5465. They also run support groups and the Seeds of Hope family learning series, which covers communication, finances, legal issues and respite.
• Health Link 811: anyone in Alberta can call 811 to ask for a home care assessment. No referral is needed. A nurse will help figure out what publicly funded support your parent may qualify for.
• Client Directed Home Care Invoicing (CDHCI): some families use this Alberta program to choose their own home care provider. Read our guide to CDHCI in Alberta.

When to bring in in-home dementia care

It may be time to get help if:

• You are worried about your parent being alone, even for part of the day
• Bathing or personal care has become a struggle
• Your parent is getting lost, leaving the stove on or missing medications
• Nights are disrupted and nobody is sleeping well
• You are exhausted, or your own health and work are suffering

In-home dementia care can start small, with a few hours a week of companionship and help with routines. It can grow to daytime support, overnight care or 24-hour home care as needs change. If you mainly need time to rest, respite care gives you a break while your parent stays safe at home.

How DementiaWise® caregivers help

ComForCare caregivers are trained through DementiaWise®, our own dementia care program. The training includes over seven hours of specialized learning on topics such as:

• How dementia affects abilities beyond memory
• Care strategies for early, middle and late stages
• Communication techniques that reduce frustration
• Sensory-based approaches that make bathing and mealtimes easier
• Using music to ease agitation

The goal is simple: help your parent feel safe, calm and respected, and help them stay in their own home for longer. Learn more about our approach on our Dementia Care page.

Frequently asked questions

Talk to someone who understands

If you are caring for a parent with dementia in Edmonton, we would like to help. Call ComForCare Edmonton at (780) 733-4495 or request a consultation. We will listen to your situation and help you plan the next step.

Each office is independently owned and operated and is an equal opportunity employer.

ComForCare strives to provide services accessible to everyone, please contact your local office for documents and details related to accessible Customer Service.