Preparing for a senior loved one’s care in the advanced stages of dementia is difficult for families. Still, it’s necessary to ensure your loved one lives as comfortably with the symptoms as possible. Understanding the signs will help you gain more knowledge and prepare to offer the best care. Below are some tips that can help your loved one with dementia handle challenges and maintain as high a quality of life as possible through the final stages.
Assist with Meal Planning & Prep
The less active seniors with dementia become, the less often they’ll want to eat, putting their health at even more risk. Not eating could be due to forgetting it’s mealtime and not having an appetite. Regardless, you must develop meal planning and preparation strategies to ensure your loved one’s body receives all the nutrients and fluids it needs, especially if weight loss or dehydration becomes an issue.
One of the most common problems associated with dementia in the advanced stages is difficulty swallowing. Incorporate healthy, soft foods your loved one can eat with fewer challenges. Some of the best foods to consider are thickened juices, soups, and plain yogurt. Incorporate as much water as possible, as older adults with dementia may not realize they’re thirsty and forget to drink water and other fluids.
A highly trained caregiver with experience in caring for seniors with dementia can be a fantastic resource for family members. For trusted and reliable dementia care, families can turn to Companioa by Institute on Aging (IOA). As experts in caring for seniors with memory-related conditions, our dementia-certified practitioners will work closely with you to customize a care plan tailored to your loved one’s unique needs, interests, and desires. Our primary goal is to go above and beyond to provide the highest possible level of compassionate care by designing a care plan based on your loved one’s personal history, physical condition, and cognitive abilities.
Enhance Bladder Functioning
Using the toilet can be challenging for seniors during the advanced stages of dementia, which is why incontinence is one of the most common problems they experience. Set toilet schedules, monitor bowel movements, and limit liquid intake near bedtime.
Remember that having a bowel movement every day isn’t necessary for seniors, even near the end of life. However, if your loved one hasn’t had a bowel movement within the last three days, contact the physician to address the constipation and to receive medication or tips to help your loved one maintain bladder and bowel functioning.
Prevent Infections
Moving around may be challenging during the late stages of dementia, putting seniors at higher risk for developing infections and contracting viruses. Keep your loved one’s body and teeth clean and take steps to lower the risk of pneumonia and other illnesses. If your loved one has a scrape or cut, you should treat the problem immediately, whether it’s cleaning it with soap and water or applying antibiotic ointment.
Speak with your loved one’s physician to ensure your loved one is up to date with the latest vaccines and boosters to maintain good health.
For reliable dementia and Alzheimer’s care, families can turn to Companioa by IOA. We are a leading provider of professional memory care designed to help seniors maintain a higher quality of life. From our revolutionary care programs to our compassionate and dedicated caregivers, we can meet all of your dementia care needs.
Seek Assistance
Having a professional caregiver step in to assist your loved one and your family is essential during the advanced stages of dementia and end-of-life care. A caregiver can help you gain better knowledge and prepare yourselves for difficult times.
Caregivers can also step in and give your loved one the assistance needed to lower stress and pain levels. They can better monitor your loved one’s response to medications, giving you details to share with your loved one’s medical provider. The objective is to make your loved one’s days less stressful.
If you’re looking for reliable memory care, Companioa by IOA offers high-quality at-home care for seniors who are managing the challenges of cognitive decline. Our dedicated caregivers establish a nurturing atmosphere that revolves around trust, empathy, and compassion. They are experts in showing the patience, calm demeanor, and flexibility necessary to adapt to the ever-changing needs of aging adults with dementia. Our caregivers are able to foster meaningful bonds by practicing active listening and seeking a genuine understanding of each senior’s unique preferences, needs, and emotions. Call us today at (415) 750-4111 to schedule a consultation.