How Long Do Most Patients Live in the Severe Alzheimer's Wing?

Many people with late-stage Alzheimer's disease live in the severe Alzheimer's wing of a long-term care facility. They live there from several weeks to several years, depending on the reasons for their decline to this stage of the disease. Maintaining dignity and comfort for them is key.

Severe Alzheimer's Disease

• Alzheimer's disease, a brain disorder, robs people of their memory, thinking skills and normal behavior. People with severe Alzheimer's disease lose the ability to respond to their surroundings. Often they don't recognize what is being said to them or how to say things to other people. They need help eating and using the bathroom. Eventually they cannot swallow and have no control of their bladder or bowels. Many lose the ability to walk by themselves. In time, sitting is difficult without support. Their reflexes become abnormal, and their muscles grow rigid.

Preventing Skin Breakdown

• Because people with severe Alzheimer's disease often become bedridden or chair-bound, their lack of movement causes skin breakdown and rigid joints. Staff on the severe Alzheimer's wing relieve body pressure by changing their position every two hours and providing them with special cushions and pillows.

Eating and Drinking

• People with severe Alzheimer's disease often develop trouble swallowing, which can lead to pneumonia and even death. Staff on a severe Alzheimer's wing have to be alert for this.

Hospice Care

• A person with severe Alzheimer's disease requires 24-hour care. Many caregivers choose hospice. A hospice facility provides, care, comfort and support services for people with terminal illnesses and their families. People with severe Alzheimer's symptoms qualify for hospice benefits under Medicare if a doctor determines that they have less than six months to live. Contact a local hospice group for more information.

End of Life

• Try to make sure your loved ones have their wishes for life-saving medical treatment spelled out while they are still able to make such decisions. Limiting or forgoing medical or life-sustaining treatment is a legal option for a person with severe Alzheimer's disease. Aggressive medical treatment can seem like torture to them because they don't understand what is being done or why. Medical options that family and friends might think would be beneficial are often harmful and painful.