For those people helping to care for a dementia patient, the end stage of dementia is the most challenging stage to cope with and work through. Alzheimer’s and dementia patients eventually lose what is remaining of their cognitive and physical abilities and have to rely completely on other people. In end-stage dementia, caregivers should concentrate on pain and distress management for their loved ones going through this experience.
At this stage, the patient may be bedridden as their body is shutting down and are likely non-communicative. The primary indications of late-stage dementia may include:
- Challenges communicating
- Loss of mobility
- Serious weight loss
- Seizures
- Skin infections and inflammations
- Difficulty swallowing and eating
- Unintelligible sounds such as groaning or grunting
- More frequent sleeping
- Incontinence
- Sundowning and other confusing behavior
- Aggressive, inappropriate reactions
- Rocking back and forth or excessive hand activity
- Repeating words
- Hallucinations
- Restlessness
Symptoms may vary in occurrence and intensity from patient to patient.
Read more at the Alzheimer’s Association for recommendations on how to help manage discomfort and minimize distress for someone suffering from these symptoms.
Tips for Caretakers
In a recent research study, scientists discovered that end-stage dementia patients were often transferred between nursing homes and hospitals in their final days. This treatment has a significant adverse effect on the patient’s overall health. It results in more confusion and agitation and increases the potential for serious health complications. For example, seniors with late-stage dementia shuffled between nursing homes and hospitals were twice as likely to be admitted to an ICU in the last month of their life (and three times more likely to be afflicted with bedsores.)
Based on these findings, many healthcare experts now recommend that end-stage dementia patients should receive the same type of care as other terminally ill patients. Applying an approach similar to palliative care – or a pain-management approach to care – in which caregivers and physicians strive to maintain patient comfort as much as possible allows end-stage dementia patients to experience a better quality of life. More aggressive treatment, such as restraints or sterile hospital care, does not appear to extend their life span or enhance their quality of life.
Researchers are proactively evaluating how to implement a palliative care strategy for more end-stage dementia patients, as well as in the interaction with their family members and medical professionals. Some advocates suggest that more education and awareness around these methods is necessary for families. Others believe there are not enough medical providers trained in palliative care – and this inability to rise to the demand for care is a robust barrier to patients getting the care they need.
The end-stage of Alzheimer’s or dementia is difficult for everyone involved in the love and care of the individual suffering from the disease. Medical experts also understand that family members must diligently care for themselves during this very challenging time in their lives, as they, too, must begin to accept the end of their loved one’s life.
A Banyan Residence is a memory care facility located in The Villages. We are dedicated to providing quality memory care services to our residents and to helping family members come to terms with their loved one’s condition. If you are concerned about your loved one’s mental health but are unsure about what level of care they may need, call today for a consultation. We will work with you and your family to assess their health and determine the best level of care for their situation.
