Late stage dementia
People in the later stages of dementia or Alzheimer's disease will be totally dependent for care needs and require constant nursing care.
Most people in late stage dementia are cared for in an aged care home. Other health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes or Parkinson’s disease can complicate care and contribute to a further decline in health.
Progression of dementia depends on a number of factors and will be different for everyone.
Signs of late stage dementia may include:
- Unable to attend personal care
- Problems communicating
- Incontinence
- Problems walking, bed or chair bound
- Unable to recognise family and friends
- Problems with swallowing
- Restlessness or disturbed sleep pattern
- Complications from dementia; malnutrition, falls, infection, pressure ulcers
Caring for someone with late stage dementia
In the late stages of dementia a person is susceptible to and often dies of complications such as infection or pneumonia. Nursing care is focused on maintaining comfort and quality of life.
Most people receive nursing or palliative care in an aged care home. However, community care packages such as the Extended Aged Care at Home Dementia Packages (EACH-D) allow a person with dementia to receive complex nursing care at home.
Family members at this stage of dementia often have to make complex decisions about what medical treatments you and the person with dementia would prefer toward the end of life. This could mean thinking about whether a feeding tube is inserted for someone who can't eat or should you send a loved one to hospital for active treatment.
If you can, discuss any concerns with a doctor and other family members early on. If a person with dementia has made his or her preferences known in an advanced care plan, it can help family come to terms with the often distressing decisions you have to make.
Helpful resources
- Contact your local Commonwealth Carelink Centre on 1800 052 222 for information about support services and home care service providers in your area.
- The National Dementia Helpline 1800 100 500 is a free service for people with dementia, their carers and family.
- Your local council can give you information on community support groups, home care and volunteers in your area.
- For more information about caring for someone with Alzheimer's disease visit Alzheimer's Australia
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