When a person with Alzheimer’s reaches the later stages of the disease, everyday caregiving may become more challenging. It can become harder for the person to move around, eat well, chew or swallow easily, or they may develop skin problems. However, there are steps you can take to help navigate these changes, including:
- Helping the person move around. To prevent stiffness and pressure sores, a health professional can help you learn how to move the person safely and do range-of-motion exercises.
- Eating well. People with Alzheimer’s often lose interest in food. Preparing small amounts of food and trying high-calorie, healthy foods such as protein milkshakes may help.
- Avoiding skin problems. Sores or other skin issues may develop if a person stays in one position too long. Creams and ointments can help keep the person’s skin clean and moisturized. In addition, massaging the skin with unscented lotion can provide pain relief and comfort in addition to protecting the skin.
Find more tips to help care for someone in the late stages of Alzheimer’s.
