Preparing For Late Stage Alzheimer's Care In Auburn, NH

An Alzheimer’s diagnosis can be incredibly overwhelming, which could put preparing for mid-stage and late-stage Alzheimer’s far away from your train of thought. But, if you’re prepared for what the future may hold, it’ll improve the quality of life of not only your loved one but for you.

            Mid-Stage & Late-Stage Alzheimer’s: What to Expect

            As mid-stage Alzheimer’s begins, a person’s cognitive and memory abilities will slowly increase. They may struggle to function without the Alzheimer’s care of family, friends, and their caregivers.

            Some symptoms of mid-stage Alzheimer’s are:

• Decreased hand-eye coordination
• Trouble remembering the current time and place
• Severe memory lapses and difficulty communicating
• Needing assistance with personal activities like dressing and bathing
• Severe memory lapses and difficulty communicating

Mid-stage Alzheimer’s usually lasts 2-4 years. During that time period, the person can usually still live at home with the help of a loved one or a caregiver.

During late-stage Alzheimer’s, which usually lasts 1-2 years, the person is completely dependent on other people for care.

Some symptoms of late-stage Alzheimer’s are:

• Severe difficulty speaking, followed by loss of speech abilities
• Loss of physical abilities (ability to walk, sit, and swallow, etc.)
• Near-total short-term and long-term memory loss
• Requires 24/7 care and monitoring
• High vulnerability to infections

            Since this person will need 24/7 care, it can be quite difficult for them to remain at home. You may have to hire Alzheimer’s care professionals.

            Alzheimer’s: How to Plan Ahead

            Prepping for mid-stage to late-stage Alzheimer’s is difficult, and needs to be a long-term process. Below are different ways that you can prepare as time goes on:

• Research what to expect from your loved one. Look into their behavioral changes and what may be causing them internally. Additionally look into ways to keep them comfortable, safe, and secure for as long as possible.
• Learn what to expect from yourself. Ask yourself how will this affect your well-being and your livelihood.
• Examine your finances. Alzheimer’s care can be expensive. Research local care options in your area to see how you can make it work for your family.
• Develop your support network. Whether it’s family or care professionals, it’s important to have people around you who support you.
• Be realistic. After a loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, you may find yourself wanting to do everything for them in order to protect them. The reality of the situation is, you’ll need help in order to ensure that your loved one is getting the quality care that they deserve, especially as they move into mid-stage or late-stage Alzheimer’s.

To learn more about at-home Alzheimer’s care and respite care options near you, contact the office of Visiting Angels of Auburn.