Getting the news that your older loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease is life-changing. Thinking through the many elements and factors associated with the disease as well as its impact, both now and in the future during the late stages of Alzheimer’s, can be overwhelming.
In this three-part series, we’ve examined the early, middle and later stages of dementia, outlining the type of care needed during each stage, what family caregivers can expect, and how Morning Glory Home Care can help.
Late Stages of Alzheimer’s: Symptoms and Care Needs
In the late stages of Alzheimer’s, symptoms and care needs become much more pronounced. It’s extremely important to ensure safety and comfort, something that becomes more challenging as the older adult loses the ability to communicate verbally. Self-care for the caregiver is also crucial in this stage, as providing care can be both physically and emotionally draining.
Here is what you might expect to experience during final-stage Alzheimer’s:
Greater Care Needs:
Ways to Help
As the senior will lose the capacity to express how she/he is feeling and what exactly is needed, you’ll need to pay close attention to nonverbal cues. Proactive care can be achieved through thorough planning of the older adult’s day, making an effort to stick as close to a routine as you can for mealtimes, using the bathroom, exercise/repositioning, etc. These recommendations can help ensure the senior gets the best quality of life and dignity.
Meals:
Using the Bathroom:
Personal Care:
You can create a soothing environment for the older adult by focusing your time and energy on sensory stimulation, for example:
Reach out to the award-winning dementia care team at Morning Glory Home Care for additional ideas to allow for the best quality of life for a senior loved one in late-stage Alzheimer’s. We’re here around the clock to help just as much or as little as you’d like.
Email or call us any time at 618-667-8400 to find out more about our home health care in Alton, IL and the surrounding communities.
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