How can I best communicate with someone who is in the late stages of Alzheimer's?

Communication in the late stage of Alzheimer's is a challenge. I think you are doing the right thing but do stop if she becomes frustrated with trying to get you to understand. Showing items as a clue is perfect and I would only keep asking questions if you think she is uncomfortable or in pain. At this stage non-verbal communication is sometimes the only way to understand the person is trying to say. You might say that you are not hearing well today and that you love her and give her a hug.

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My father in the advanced stages of alzheimers gets very frustrated when he can't think of the words he is looking for to explain himself. I find that telling him I'm having trouble understanding today helps me through this. Then I redirect the conversation. I bought dad a bear that plays a rock n roll song when you push its foot. HE loves that bear. He claps his hands and all is right with the world for a couple minutes. I give my dad a kiss on the cheek and tell him it'll be alright when I am feeling helpless. It feels right at the time. take care. joan

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because Alzheimers patients are not themselves anymore it is very diffucult to figure out what they want or need I always try to remember what makes them the most comfortable and just do it and not ask questions as they can't articulate at this stage of this horrable illiness,I watch some of the husbands at the nursing home my mom goes to sometimes when she needs antibodics,and rehab, and the wife will hit him because he is trying to make her eat, what would be best for both of them would to step back and let one of the other caregivers have a go at it. you can't force someone to eat, people with Alzheimers get real stubborn and it is always best to redirect them and try to get them to eat a little later. The fear of choking is a natural reflex and so it is a fear for them, they just don't know how to tell you that. after a wile in the later stages it is best to avoid clear liquids and gel up their water, for some reason they start to asperate with clear liquids, My mom carried a gallon of milk over to her bed this morning, and she is so tiny and frail she has arthritis and cronic pain, also copd, I never know what I will awaken to, god bless you all this is such a thank less job, and the goverment needs to step up and provide medicaid to Alzheimers patients just like the priviate pay homes, not one Alzheimers "home" takes medicaid, and not one nursing home will take someone with alzheimers.They get away with it by calling it assisted living so what do you do when you can't afford priviate pay ? where does your mom or dad, husband or wife go ?

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My dad is starting to choke more on water. He is afraid to swallow at times. This is getting more difficult to figure out. All us kids and mom just want dad to be as comfortable as possible. I'm tired of crying and feeling helpless. I stay at the hospital with DAD a couple nights a week and he calls out for his brother to come help him. His brother has been dead for 25 years. I don't know what to say. I can't lift him to help get him to the potty, he's wearing a diaper and hates it. He has a pee bag on. I just pray for strength to do what I have to do. joan thank you booda. I'm trying to work on smiling.

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