How to Care for Late Stage of Alzheimers

Late-stage Alzheimer's disease may last from months to several years. Often, constant care is required and that could mean 24-hour care. People suffering late-stage Alzheimer's should have their privacy and dignity respected at all times. Ideally, any end-of-life decisions will have already been made and be known to the family and caregivers before the severe dementia is apparent. Options such as residential or hospice care should be considered. The burden of care for late-stage Alzheimer's may be too much for one person or a family.

Things You'll Need

• blender
• adult diapers
• first-aid kit
• thermometer
• paper
• pen
• nutritional supplements
• dental-care products
• skin-cleansing towelettes
• towels
• pillows

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Instructions

• 1

  Do not let the person sit or rest on one area for too long because that will cause the skin to break down and eventually lead to a sore or the beginning of a pressure ulcer. Moisture can contribute to skin breakdown. Changing positions at two-hour intervals and keeping the skin clean and dry are essential to maintaining good skin integrity.

• 2

  Plan a toileting schedule. A good schedule will help to decrease incontinence. Toileting should be offered every two hours, as well as monitoring bowel habits. A bowel movement does not have to occur every day but frequency should be monitored so that constipation does not occur. Developing a toileting routine will aid in decreasing incontinent episodes.

• 3

  Puree food. A person suffering from Alzheimer's may have difficulty eating, drinking and swallowing. This is known as dysphagia. Food may have to be pureed and fluids offered frequently. Keep the person upright to minimize choking risks.

• 4

  Monitor for any sign of pain. A person with Alzheimer's may not be able to express pain. A change in behavior such as agitation, aggression or increased verbalizations including moaning and groaning may indicate pain. Look for facial expressions such as grimacing or increased paleness.

• 5

  Check the person's temperature with a thermometer. Monitor for a fever or any change in condition. Watch for scrapes or sores and keep them covered and clean. Persons who have dsyphagia or difficulty swallowing can be prone to pneumonia, so monitor for it or other infections. Food or fluid may get into the lungs and cause infection.

• 6

  Plan a dental-hygiene regimen. The mouth is a source of bacteria and potential infection. Good dental hygiene will reduce the risk of infection and help the person to eat and drink.