The Final Stage of Alzheimer’s: What to Expect

Being prepared for the final stage of Alzheimer’s is key to continuing to help make life as meaningful as possible for someone you love.

The journey through Alzheimer’s disease can be compared to navigating a winding road that spans years, riddled with intermittent stops, starts, unexpected twists, and a plethora of unknowns. As the dedicated caregiver for an individual grappling with dementia, having foresight about what to expect around the next bend is paramount. This knowledge empowers you to not only be well-prepared but also to administer the most fitting and compassionate level of care in the final stage of Alzheimer’s.

Alzheimer’s, being a highly individualized experience, manifests uniquely in each person. Yet there are certain commonalities at every stage of the disease. When an individual transitions into the last stage, discernible challenges emerge, including struggles with eating and swallowing, a diminishing ability to walk or a complete loss of ambulatory function, an augmented susceptibility to illnesses, and an undeniable need for round-the-clock care and unwavering support.

The optimal approach to bolstering the well-being of seniors in this stage revolves around the dual pillars of preserving dignity and enhancing their overall quality of life. These strategies can help you deeply engage the person’s senses, creating meaningful and personalized interactions:

• Play the person’s favorite music, creating a shared auditory experience
• Share the joy of storytelling by reading aloud to the person
• Reminisce cherished memories together by looking through photo albums
• Prepare the individual’s favorite foods and treasured recipes
• Apply lotions infused with pleasant scents such as lavender and vanilla
• Enjoy the outdoors together when weather permits, basking in the calming elements of nature
• Cultivate a sense of connection through the gentle act of brushing the person’s hair

In this transformative phase, our specialized dementia care team stands ready to accompany you through the final stage of Alzheimer’s. Reach out to us for a complimentary in-home assessment, where we can share the many ways we provide assistance and support tailored to your unique needs. We’re here for you, every step of the way, through services such as:

• Assistance with bathing, getting dressed, and other personal care needs
• Running errands, such as picking up groceries and prescriptions
• Preparing meals according to the individual’s specific preferences
• Light housekeeping and laundry
• Companionship for conversations and ability-appropriate activities
• Transitional care from hospital to home
• Hospice care and support
• And much more

Contact us any time at (866) 940-4343 for more tips and resources related to dementia care, and to learn more about our specialized care for someone with Alzheimer’s disease in Novato, Santa Rosa, Sonoma, or the surrounding areas. We will be happy to provide you with a free consultation, right in the comfort of home and scheduled at your convenience.