Alzheimer’s Disease in Seniors: Signs, Symptoms, and How to Find the Right Care and Support

Some forgetfulness can be part of normal aging. However, when memory problems become frequent, worsen over time or begin to interfere with daily life, they may be the sign of a cognitive disorder such as Alzheimer’s disease.

Signs that deserve particular attention:

• Recent, repeated forgetfulness that complicates daily activities;
• Disorientation in time or space, even in familiar places;
• Growing difficulty with usual tasks, such as managing finances, preparing meals or following a familiar routine.

As noted earlier in this article, memory problems are common among people aged 65 and over, without necessarily meaning Alzheimer’s disease. The risk of developing the disease does, however, increase with age, as the Institut national de santé publique du Québec (in French) points out.

Only a healthcare professional can determine the cause of these symptoms and make a diagnosis. Once the situation has been assessed and your loved one’s needs are better understood, Visavie can support you free of charge in finding a residence suited to their situation, in Quebec or Ontario.

When the caregiver role becomes exhausting, several solutions can be considered depending on your loved one’s needs and level of autonomy: adapted home care, a specialized residence, or the support of an advisor to help you find the right setting.

Choosing according to the situation

• Home care: a good option when the loss of autonomy remains mild and your loved one can still live safely in a familiar environment.

• Residence search advisor: especially helpful when a decision must be made quickly. An advisor can help you target settings that match your loved one’s needs and save you precious time, free of charge.

• Specialized residence: may become necessary when needs increase or safety is harder to ensure at home, with an adapted environment and trained staff.

If you are part of the sandwich generation, exhaustion can be a sign that it is time to seek support. Visavie advisors take the time to understand your parent’s situation and support you free of charge in finding residences suited to their needs.

For emotional support or to connect with other caregivers, the Alzheimer Society also offers a range of services, including support groups and a helpline.

In the early stages of the disease, a seniors’ residence can sometimes meet the needs of a person who remains relatively autonomous. However, as cognitive losses become more pronounced, particularly with wandering, agitation or greater supervision needs, a setting adapted to cognitive disorders can offer a safer environment and better meet their needs.

What distinguishes the two types of settings:

• Resident profile: an ordinary residence generally suits seniors who are still autonomous or have moderate assistance needs, while a specialized setting is designed for people living with more significant cognitive losses.

• Safety: ordinary residences provide general supervision, while specialized settings can offer secured areas and measures adapted to the risk of wandering.

• Staff: teams in an ordinary residence meet the general needs of seniors, while specialized settings have staff with specific training and experience in cognitive disorders.

Alzheimer’s disease accounts for approximately 60 to 70% of dementia cases in Canada. Choosing from the outset a setting that truly matches how needs will evolve can also help avoid another move later on.

Visavie advisors support you free of charge in identifying residences that offer the services and supervision needed for a person living with Alzheimer’s, taking into account their needs, your area and your budget. You can also consult our page on the different types of seniors’ residences.

Agitation and aggression can appear as Alzheimer’s disease progresses. When these behaviors become frequent or difficult to manage, and the safety of your loved one or of those around them is compromised despite appropriate medical follow-up, it may be time to consider a living environment that offers more specialized supervision.

First steps to consider:

• Consult the doctor: some behaviors may be linked to the disease, to discomfort or to other factors that can be identified and addressed.

• Make the environment safer: adapt the home and try to identify the situations, habits or factors that may trigger agitation.

• Assess housing options: when the supervision required becomes too demanding to provide at home, a specialized setting can offer a safer environment and adapted support.

As described earlier in this article, these behaviors can be particularly trying for caregivers. According to the Canadian Institute for Health Information, the costs of care associated with dementia are considerably higher than those of care for other seniors.

When the situation becomes urgent, Visavie advisors can support you free of charge in quickly identifying residences suited to your loved one’s needs and to availability in your area.

Timelines can vary considerably depending on the region, the budget, your loved one’s needs and the level of care sought. When the situation becomes urgent, carrying out the entire search alone can be particularly difficult and time-consuming. A specialized advisor can help you quickly target residences that match your loved one’s needs and have availability.

Where to start?

1. Clarify the medical situation with the doctor to fully understand the needs and the level of supervision required.

2. Define your criteria: preferred area, budget, level of care and specific needs, particularly with regard to safety and wandering.

3. Check the financial assistance available that could help reduce housing costs. See our guide to financial assistance in Quebec.

Needs related to neurocognitive disorders are significant and growing steadily. The Alzheimer Society of Canada reported 771,939 people living with dementia as of January 1, 2025.

Since 1988, Visavie has supported families free of charge in their search for a residence in Quebec and Ontario. Our advisors help you find settings that meet the needs related to cognitive disorders and, when the situation is urgent, identify those with availability.