late stage Alzheimer's

Each level of Alzheimer’s brings with it distinctive obstacles, and the approaches to overcome those challenges and help seniors live the highest quality life possible need to be changed accordingly. In the later stage of Alzheimer’s, it is very common for the person’s level of activity and involvement to decrease; however, it’s still crucial for family members to search out as many opportunities as possible to help the individual stay involved in interesting pastimes.

Live Free Home Health Care’s New Hampton, NH home care employees are fully trained and knowledgeable in appropriate Alzheimer’s care for every level of the disease. We offer the following engaging activities to try with your senior loved one in late stage Alzheimer’s:

  • Document the senior’s interests. A beneficial first step is to document as comprehensive a list as possible of what has piqued the senior’s interest through her lifetime: her favorite genre of music and songs, pastimes, and passions. Having as much of this information as possible in one document will aid in uncovering related activities that she might take pleasure in. For example, if she raised and trained golden retrievers, scheduling a therapy dog to stop by or presenting her with a stuffed dog that appears to be similar to one she had in previous years could bring her great joy.
  • Ensure that the person spends time outside. Nothing is quite as exhilarating and calming as feeling the sunshine on your face and a cool breeze in your hair. Bring the senior to a local park, or even just take her for a walk/wheelchair ride around the block or through a garden to allow her the chance for fresh air and to enjoy firsthand the wonder of nature.
  • Take time to remember. Given that Alzheimer’s has an effect on short-term memory first and often leaves longer-range memories unimpaired, revisiting stories you know from the senior’s past, helping her look at photo albums, playing the song she danced to at her wedding or when rocking her small children can all bring about a renewed interest in the world around her.
  • Engage in the arts. Arts and crafts are often effective activities throughout Alzheimer’s. In the late stages, the senior may merely hold onto craft supplies or help put them into place as the caregiver takes care of the greater part of the activity, but the tactile engagement by itself is enjoyable, and can spark memories of art projects she’s enjoyed in the past.

For more appropriate activity suggestions for those with Alzheimer’s, contact the New Hampton, NH home care team at Live Free Home Health Care. Our dementia care staff are committed to making certain that each senior’s overall health, wellbeing, and enjoyment in life are maximized through caring, patient, customized home care services. You can reach us any time at 603-217-0149 to set up a free in-home consultation to learn more about our Alzheimer’s care solutions for your senior loved one.