As you’ve progressed down the devasting road of Alzheimer’s disease progression, there have been highs and lows. As you now enter the late stages of the disease with your loved one, you can still share special moments together. With the help of these tips and Alzheimer’s care at home, your senior parent can have better days in the end stages of Alzheimer’s.

Late-stage Alzheimer’s Care Concerns

For many with Alzheimer’s Disease, the late-stage part of the disease progression is marked by the loss of several key functions to living independently. Your loved one may have difficulty eating and drinking on her own and may lose her ability to walk altogether or need extra help. If you haven’t already enlisted the help of a trained Alzheimer’s Care provider in the home to help with personal care tasks, this will be the time to take that step. Having a professional Alzheimer’s Care provider step in and assist with bathing, caring for, and assessing your loved one will help you be able to spend more of these final days caring for and comforting your loved one.

Common Comforts for Late-Stage Alzheimer’s Patients

You know what your loved one likes so where possible, continue to spend time with them enjoying those comforts. While many people with late-stage Alzheimer’s Disease lose the ability to communicate through words, it is believed that they are still the same person at their core and still enjoy many of the aspects of life that used to bring them joy outwardly.

When on this part of the Alzheimer’s journey, most individuals connect to the world around them through their senses. Seeing, hearing, and touch can all help them connect with items and people that bring them comfort. Here are five ways to connect with your loved one during late-stage Alzheimer’s Disease.

  • Photos and Home Movies. Your loved one will still enjoy seeing photos and movies of places they got to visit in their younger years as well as the people that were a part of building those memories. You may need to pick up the photos and hold them for your loved one to look at, or project the movie onto a large screen. Overcrowded photo books are hard for them to process as well as watching movies on tiny phone screens.
  • Calming Personal Care. Your loved one may still enjoy having her hair brushed or her favorite scented lotion rubbed gently into her hands or on her feet. Take these moments to share your care through touch.
  • Music. If your loved one had a favorite musical genre, an artist she enjoyed listening to, or a favorite song that evoked special memories, she would still enjoy listening to the music that inspired her when she was younger. Favorite tunes can also be a great way to help your loved one remain calm during chores she no longer likes doing like bathing or getting ready for bed.
  • Stories. If your loved one had an author or stories she loved to read, you can still help her enjoy those stories by reading to her. If faith was important, reading from her beloved holy book may bring comfort.
  • Fresh Air. On a nice day, find a nice quiet space to sit outside and just watch the clouds float by or hear the birds sing.

Each point of connection with your loved one will build tender memories for you.

Source
https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/stages-behaviors/late-stage

If you or an aging loved one is considering Alzheimer’s care in Maple Grove, MN and the surrounding areas, please contact the friendly staff at CareBuilders at Home Minnesota. Call today 612-260-2273.