- Keep skin dry and clean. In late-stage Alzheimer's, the skin becomes more fragile. Check your loved one daily for sores, rashes, or other problems. When bathing or helping with hygiene, wipe the skin gently and avoid any harsh friction with washcloths or other scratchy materials. Be sure to dry the skin completely after washing.
- Change position every few hours. Changing your loved one's position every few hours can relieve pressure on certain parts of the body and decrease risk for bedsores. When repositioning, make sure that your relative is comfortable and in proper alignment. Pillows can be used to support the head, arms, and legs, as well as to protect bony areas like knees and elbows. Ask your doctor, nurse, or other trained professional to show you how to safely move your loved one, and always seek help if you cannot safely do this alone.
- Have a physical therapist apply range-of-motion exercises. When a person is confined to a bed or chair for long periods, limb contractures can occur (also called "frozen" joints). To reduce this risk, ask your doctor about having a physical therapist perform a sequence of arm and leg movements with your loved one several times a week. Another option is to ask a physical therapist to show you how to perform simple range-of-motion exercises so you can do this yourself.
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.
