The Late Stages of Alzheimers Disease

The Final Stages of Alzheimer’s and How to Prepare

The final stages of Alzheimer’s disease can be incredibly challenging. Priorities begin to shift as expectations fall short. Your constant care is required twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Even with a list of impressive credentials, caregivers often find these last stages the most difficult. Once simple tasks become the most demanding, as you find your loved one falling victim to this terminal disease. It is crucial to prepare yourself for these last stages as you anticipate the effects of the disease, and remember to help those in need through love and care.

The painful realization that, in spite of all your efforts, your loved one is approaching the end of their life becomes a dreaded reality in the later stages of Alzheimer’s. It is important to understand that the patient cannot communicate directly, is likely confined to their bed, and has become entirely dependent on a caregiver. The most difficult part may be coping with the fact that your loved one cannot recognize you, cannot verbally express their desires, and is completely reliant on personal care to attend to all of their needs. Sensitivity is crucial when handling these fragile moments.

Comprehending the devastating effects of this disease will be helpful in assisting caregivers to give the proper attention needed to your loved one. The illness could last anywhere from months to years, calling for different strategies, difficult decisions, and maybe even more assistance. It is important to be able to adapt to change in these dementia stages in order to best assist those struggling with the disease.

It becomes your responsibility to help your caregiver help your loved one. You must remember that they cannot walk, sit, or even eat and require total assistance. Day-to-day activities you often take for granted become a trial for your caregiver and loved one. Tasks need to be prioritized and caregivers often need not only your assistance, but also the assistance of another nurse to perform certain activities. During this trying time, it is critical to help ease their pain by providing comfort and security to those with Alzheimer’s. You must remember they still have the capacity to feel scared, or calm, and you have the ability to provide them with love.

Most importantly, preparing yourself for the passing of a loved one can be the most difficult part of this process. This can stir up feelings of relief to regret to utter sadness. By anticipating the inevitable, you can be better adept yourself to spending quality time with your loved one and ensuring the last days of their life are fulfilling. It is important to seek the attention you need during this difficult time by consulting a spiritual mentor or a bereavement therapist so you are able to prepare for the coming loss.

It is important to remember that when it comes to handling the last stages of Alzheimer’s, there are no right or wrong answers. These drastic changes become testing not only for you, but for your loved ones as well. Placement and care decisions should be discussed with the family and thought out carefully. They should reflect the patients current needs, their health plans, as well as their financial circumstances and emotional needs. There are numerous resources available for gathering information about how to handle the last stages of Alzheimer’s, whether addressing placement for your loved one, or your own coping needs. Just remember that you are not the only one struggling with this disease, and there are people out there who are more than willing to help.

Sarah is a writer for Yard Sale Search. Check out the site to find garage sales in your neck of the woods.