A person at the end stages of Alzheimer’s depends on caregivers for all activities. However, quality of life, comfort and dignity must be maintained. According to Help Guide, most Alzheimer’s patients are no longer able to communicate, are totally dependent on others for personal care and are often bed bound. Verbal communication is lost as well as the ability to smile. The end stages of the condition last up to two years. Still, a person with Alzheimer’s maintains his five senses. Incorporate the senses in activities throughout the day to promote mental relaxation and to create a pleasant atmosphere.
Music Therapy
According to The American Music Therapy Association, music therapy promotes intellectual stimulation as well as quality of life. Play soft music from the era of the Alzheimer’s patient. Ask friends and family members for suggestions on the type of music the person enjoyed during her 20s and 30s. Incorporate religious hymns if the Alzheimer’s victim regularly attended church. Add sounds from nature with auditory sound machines. Many machines play birds chirping, rain drops falling or ocean waves crashing and are relaxing to listen to. According to Activity Therapy, avoid using the radio for auditory stimulation. The radio’s overstimulation may increase agitation in Alzheimer’s patients. Shut windows, doors and turn off nearby televisions to avoid sensory overload.
Aromatherapy and Massage
Aromatherapy revises smells of times in the past. Bake fresh cookies, pies and breads. Place drops of lavender essential oil on a tissue. Allow the patient to smell the tissue for a sense of relaxation. Place lavender in room air diffusers. Do not use scented candles to avoid a fire. Use essential oils to massage a person’s hands, arms or feet. The benefit of touch and massage aids in relaxation in Alzheimer’s patients. According to Massage Therapy, the sense of touch is the last sensation perceived when all other senses have gone. Training family members in specific techniques may help bring together loved ones and Alzheimer’s victims during the last stage of the disease.
Visual Stimulating Activities
Stimulating one’s eyes includes using a variety of colors, motions or shapes. Visually stimulating activities may incorporate animals. Place a fish tank in a room or hang bird feeders at windows. Lava lamps and fiber optic lights are commonly used with Alzheimer’s patients who participate in Snoezelen therapy. The different colors of lava or bubble lamps and the soothing slow motion of the moving liquid relaxes some Alzheimer’s patients. Use a projector to cast images onto walls such as clouds, stars or a forest to add relaxing visual stimulation.
Reading Out Loud
A person may not understand a caregiver’s words when being read to, but he will understand the tone of voice. Use a soothing, relaxed voice when reading poetry, the newspaper or religious texts. Speak gently because the tone of voice makes an Alzheimer’s patient feel safe and relaxed. Loved ones can make recordings of readings for care staff to play if they are unable to visit the patient for several days.
About this Author
Freelance writer Julie Hampton has worked as an artist, writer and event planner for more than eight years. She also served in the U.S. Army as a medic and nurse specializing in geriatrics. Hampton has a degree in journalism, and studied public relations at The University of West Florida.
