As Alzheimer’s disease progresses, caregiving becomes more complex. Brain cognition and function deteriorate, impacting speech. When the patient’s speech and other skills become severely impaired, communication becomes problematic. 

Life quality in later stages of the diseases is severely affected, making it paramount for focused attention on their health. It is then up to the caregiver to become informed about special care needs to support the patient's well-being. Read about the basics of health needs at this stage.

The Alzheimer’s patient is no longer mobile

A specialist caregiver such as a nurse, home aide or physical therapist may be necessary when the patient is no longer able to move themselves. Constant position changes are needed to limit the risk of pressure sore development. 

Patients with late-stage Alzheimer’s disease also need physical therapy to ensure that their muscle tone and circulation is taken care of. As they are not able to communicate their needs, make the patient as comfortable as possible as their brain health deteriorates. 

Increase comfort levels for the patient

Physical manipulation prevents stiffness, which supports comfort levels, but patients can be made more comfortable in other ways too. Ensure that they have a special mattress to sleep on. Insert cushions on seats that reduce pressure at focal points. Change the patient's position every 2 hours to maintain their health and comfort. 

Purchase special supports for arms and to maintain the patient in an upright position when sitting. Provide them with something to hold onto when moving them to prevent them from grabbing onto you or other items. 

Ensure you support their weakest side when moving patients and contact your local medical supplier for further health support.

Avoid physical harm when moving a patient

Don’t lift someone that is beyond your strength levels. Always bend your knees so that your thighs support your back when lifting someone. Never bend from your waist as this can harm your back. Rather keep your back straight when lifting, and support your position by placing your feet apart, front to back. 

Keep the person as close to your own body when lifting for better weight distribution. Avoid twisting your body, and take small steps to transfer the patient between locations. A Posey belt from a medical supplier will ease the lifting and transfer process.

How to feed a late-stage Alzheimer’s patient

Check dental health to enable comfortable eating. Control food intake by managing snack times and access to food as the patient tends to forget when they last ate something. High-calory nutritious food snacks are best, as are vitamin supplements. 

Adjust diets for diabetes or other health complications, and ensure the patient is always hydrated. Call the doctor if the patient loses a lot of weight quickly. 

Use a straw for liquids and cut food into small portions if the patient struggles to swallow. Do not rush eating times and stroke the throat gently to help the patient to swallow their food while repeating the word “swallow.” Never feed the person when they’re lying down.

Other health considerations

Provide medication in crushed or liquid form if the patient has issues with swallowing. Check skin and feet for pressure sores and dryness. Pressure sores can rapidly develop into serious health problems if skin and footcare is not maintained with regular moisturization and movement to relieve pressure. Make sure the patient’s dental health is intact. 

Should the patient experience physical jerking throughout their body, contact your healthcare professional for a possible prescription to relieve these symptoms. Late-stage Alzheimer's patient care is critical to ensure the quality of their health.