Question 1

What qualifications do your dementia caregivers have in Calgary?

Accepted Answer

Every caregiver on our dementia team completes specialized training in memory care: communication techniques for different dementia stages, behavioral de-escalation, safety protocols, and Montessori-based activity planning. They receive ongoing supervision from our clinical team and are certified through the Alzheimer Society of Calgary's caregiver education program. All our Calgary caregivers are fluent in English and French—because switching languages mid-conversation is stressful for someone with dementia.

Question 2

How does dementia home care work with Alberta's AHS services?

Accepted Answer

We work directly with your local AHS—not around them. AHS offices typically provide medical visits and limited home support hours, but most families need far more: overnight supervision, behavioral management, consistent daily presence. We share updates with your AHS case manager regularly so the care plan stays coordinated. Think of us as filling the gap between what the public system covers and what your family actually needs.

Question 3

What local dementia resources are available in Calgary?

Accepted Answer

The Alzheimer Society of Calgary (alzheimercalgary.ca) offers education, support groups, and day programs. AHS provides geriatric assessment services and the Brenda Strafford Foundation operates specialized dementia programs. We coordinate with all of these to ensure comprehensive support.

Question 4

How do you handle challenging behaviors like aggression or sundowning?

Accepted Answer

The short answer: we never argue, correct, or confront. Caregivers use validation therapy—entering the person's reality rather than forcing them into ours—and redirect gently. They learn each person's individual triggers through careful observation: specific times of day, overstimulation, unfamiliar faces, changes in routine. For sundowning specifically, strategies include dimming lights in late afternoon, reducing background noise, and keeping evenings calm and predictable. Most families notice fewer difficult episodes within the first two weeks.

Question 5

Can home care delay the need for a memory care facility?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, yes—significantly. A memory care residence means adapting to a new environment, new faces, and a shared schedule, which often accelerates confusion in dementia patients. At home, your loved one has one-on-one attention in a familiar setting with routines built around their preferences. We offer flexible care from a few hours daily to full 24/7 live-in support, scaling up as needs change. Many of our families have kept their loved ones home for years longer than they initially thought possible.

Question 6

What's the difference between Alzheimer's disease and dementia?

Accepted Answer

Dementia is the umbrella term for symptoms like memory loss, confusion, and difficulty with daily tasks. Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause—responsible for 60-70% of dementia cases. Other types include vascular dementia (often after strokes), Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia. The distinction matters for care planning because each type progresses differently and has different behavioral patterns. Our caregivers are trained to work with all types, and we adapt our approach based on what your family member is actually experiencing—not just the diagnosis on paper.

Question 7

Does my parent need a formal Alzheimer's diagnosis before starting care?

Accepted Answer

No. Many families come to us before a formal diagnosis—they can see the changes and need help now. You don't need to wait for a neurologist's confirmation to start home care. In fact, starting support earlier often leads to better outcomes: routines get established while your loved one can still participate in building them, and the caregiver relationship develops before the condition progresses. If you're waiting for a diagnosis, we can also help coordinate with your family doctor or the memory clinic at the Foothills Medical Centre or Foothills Medical Centre.

Question 8

How does Alzheimer's care change as the disease progresses?

Accepted Answer

Alzheimer's typically moves through early, moderate, and advanced stages—and care needs to evolve with it. In the early stage, your parent might need reminders, companionship, and help with organization. They're still largely independent, but safety gaps are appearing. In the moderate stage—often the longest—supervision becomes essential. Sundowning, wandering, resistance to bathing, and difficulty recognizing familiar faces are common. In the advanced stage, full personal care is needed: feeding, toileting, mobility support, and comfort-focused care. We scale hours and intensity at each stage, and we're honest with families about what to expect next. The goal at every stage is preserving dignity, identity, and as much independence as the condition allows.

Question 9

Do you provide care for all stages of dementia and Alzheimer's disease?

Accepted Answer

Yes—from the earliest signs of forgetfulness, where someone mainly needs reminders and companionship, through the moderate stages where supervision and routine become essential, to advanced dementia requiring full personal care. We're straightforward with families about what each stage looks like and what to expect next. Care plans adjust as the condition progresses, and if a time comes when home care is no longer the right fit, we'll tell you honestly.

Question 10

How quickly can dementia care start after we contact you?

Accepted Answer

Most families have a caregiver in place within 48 to 72 hours of their initial assessment. For urgent situations—a hospital discharge, a safety incident, a family caregiver who's hit a wall—we can arrange same-day or next-day coverage. The initial assessment takes about an hour at your loved one's home, and there's no obligation. We'd rather you meet us and decide we're not the right fit than wait until a crisis forces the decision.

Question 11

What's the difference between home care and a memory care residence?

Accepted Answer

In a residence, your loved one shares staff attention with dozens of other residents and adapts to the facility's schedule, meals, and environment. At home, care is one-on-one—built entirely around your family member's preferences, habits, and pace. Research consistently shows that familiar surroundings reduce confusion and agitation in people with dementia. Home care also costs significantly less in most cases, especially with Alberta's Canada Caregiver Credit. The trade-off is that home care requires a safe physical environment and family involvement in the care plan—which is where we help.

Question 12

What should we expect during the first week of care?

Accepted Answer

The first week is about trust, observation, and getting the details right. Your caregiver learns your loved one's daily rhythms, food preferences, comfort triggers, and anxiety sources. They introduce themselves gently—no sudden changes, no pressure. You'll get daily updates, and we schedule check-in calls on day three and day seven to fine-tune the care plan. Most families tell us the adjustment is actually harder on them than on their parent—because letting someone else help feels unfamiliar. That's normal, and it gets easier.

Alzheimer's & Dementia Care

What is Alzheimer's & Dementia Care?

Who Benefits from Alzheimer's & Dementia Care?

What's Included

Safety & Supervision

Memory & Cognitive Activities

Structured Daily Routines

Behavioral Support

Personal Care

Family Support & Coaching

Our Whole Person Approach to Alzheimer's & Dementia Care

Physical Activity

Diet & Meals

Social Ties

Mental Stimulation

Calmness & Purpose

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Services

24-Hour Live-In Care

Respite Care

Companion Care

Let's talk about care for your loved one