The late stage of Alzheimer’s disease can unfortunately last from several weeks to several years. Because of that, as the disease advances, intensive, around-the-clock care is usually required. If you are a caregiver for someone with late stage Alzheimer’s, you will notice that his or her needs will change and deepen due to the increase in symptoms. A person with late stage Alzheimer’s usually will:
-Have difficulty eating and swallowing
-Need assistance walking, and eventually will be unable to walk
-Be vulnerable to infections
-Lose the ability to communicate with words
-Need full-time help with personal care
As a caregiver for someone in their late stages of Alzheimer’s, your role focuses on preserving his or her quality of life and dignity. Although the person will typically lose his or her ability to talk and express his or her needs during the late stages, research found that some core aspect of the person’s self may remain. This means that you may be able to continue to connect with him or her throughout the late stage of the disease. At this point, for the person, the world is primarily experienced through the senses. You will be able to express your caring through touch, sound, sight, taste and smell. For example, you can try:
-Playing his or her favorite music
-Looking at old photos together
-Reading portions of books that have meaning for him or her
-Preparing a favorite food
-Brushing his or her hair
-Sitting outside together on a nice day
Resource: http://www.alz.org/care/alzheimers-late-end-stage-caregiving.asp
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