- Tap into his or her senses. Think about your loved one's history. Was she a gardener? Perhaps she'd enjoy the smell of fresh cut flowers or herbs. Does he love animals? He might find pleasure in stroking a dog or cat (if you don't have a pet, find a neighbor with a pet you can trust). If she enjoys the outdoors, she might enjoy bird watching. If he likes music, sounds that represent a happy time in his life or a cultural/spiritual tradition could be very comforting to him. The key is to find a way to tap into your loved one's senses by remembering his or her unique qualities.
- Use touch. Simply holding a person's hand or providing a gentle massage can communicate reassurance and caring to a person with late-stage Alzheimer's.
- Speak in a soothing tone. Even if your relative can no longer understand what you're saying, speaking in a gentle, soothing tone of voice can provide comfort and a feeling of safety. Similarly, the rhythm of reading to her can be relaxing, even if she doesn't understand what you're reading.
Sources:
Alzheimer's Association (2005). Late-stage care: Providing care and comfort during the late stage of Alzheimer's disease. Chicago, IL: Author.
Mace, N. L., & Rabins, P. V. (2006). The 36-hour day: A family guide to caring for people with Alzheimer disease, other dementias, and memory loss in later life (4th ed.). Baltimore, MD: Johns Hopkins University Press.
National Institutes of Health (2008). End of life: Helping with comfort and care (NIH Publication No. 08-6036). Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office.
