Caring for Someone with Late-stage Alzheimer’s Disease

As Alzheimer’s disease progresses into the late stage, your loved one will need full support with their daily care. They may lose the ability to walk and eat on their own. They may also become more inactive, which can increase the risk of infections like pneumonia. 

Needing more help does not reflect your ability as a caregiver. It is a natural part of the disease. 

Planning for late-stage care 

Deciding how to care for your loved one during this stage can feel overwhelming. Many families consider long-term care or additional in-home support when needs become too great to manage alone. 

If possible, start conversations early while your loved one can still share their wishes about future care and treatments. Planning ahead gives everyone time to understand options and make thoughtful decisions. 

Banner Alzheimer’s Institute and Banner Sun Health Research Institute can connect you with trusted education, support and guidance to help you navigate long-term care planning. 

Your role as a caregiver 

During late-stage Alzheimer’s, caregiving is focused on comfort, dignity and quality of life. 

Even when speech is lost, people may still recognize familiar voices, music, and touch. Small moments can still create connection. 

Ways to show comfort and care include: 

• Playing music they enjoy 
• Reading familiar books or poems 
• Looking through photo albums 
• Preparing favorite simple foods 
• Using a lotion with a scent they like 
• Holding hands or gently brushing hair 
• Sitting outside together if possible 

Helping with everyday needs 

Eating and drinking 

Your loved one may eat less or forget to drink. Here are ways to help: 

• Offer foods they can hold or simple spoon-fed bites 
• Provide favorite foods to encourage eating 
• Give fluids often, including water, juice or soup 
• Serve soft foods or thicken liquids if swallowing is hard 
• Check food temperature for safety 
• Talk with a doctor if weight loss is concerning 

Using the restroom 

Your loved one may need help getting to and using the bathroom. Incontinence is common. 

Support may include: 

• A regular bathroom schedule based on their routine 
• Hydration during the day and fewer fluids before bedtime 
• Fiber-rich foods to help prevent constipation 
• Absorbent products or a bedside commode to reduce accidents 

Skin health and mobility 

Limited movement can lead to skin breakdown or stiff joints. 

Tips for protecting skin and comfort: 

• Change positions at least every two hours 
• Use soft pillows under bony areas like elbows or heels 
• Keep skin clean and dry with gentle washing and patting dry 
• Check skin daily for redness or sores 
• Ask the care team about safe range-of-motion exercises 

Preventing infections 

Weakened mobility can increase infection risk, especially pneumonia. 

Ways to help reduce risk: 

• Stay up to date on flu and pneumonia vaccines 
• Clean cuts right away and watch for signs of infection 
• Brush teeth daily and clean dentures every night 
• Watch for coughing, fever, changes in breathing or confusion 

Watching for signs of pain or illness 

Your loved one may not be able to explain when something hurts. Look for: 

• Facial expressions like grimacing or wincing 
• Changes in skin color or swelling 
• Fever, vomiting, or sores in the mouth 
• Restlessness, trouble sleeping, or unusual behaviors 

If something seems wrong, reach out to a health care provider. Pain can and should be treated. 

You are not alone 

Caring for someone with advanced Alzheimer’s can be stressful and emotional. Support is available for you too. 

Banner offers: 

• Caregiver support groups 
• Educational events 
• CARE T.I.P.S tools and training 
• Guidance for financial and legal planning