Late-stage Alzheimer’s usually brings major changes in mobility, communication, eating, personal care and the level of supervision a person needs. Families often need a more detailed daily plan and more support from health professionals.
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This checklist is not a substitute for an individualized care plan. It is a way to organize questions and observations for the care team.
Need a broader structure for caregiving? Explore The Alzheimer’s Caregiver Compass™.
Morning check
Notice alertness, comfort, skin condition, toileting needs, mobility, hydration and ability to eat or drink. Follow the person’s prescribed medication and care plan. Record meaningful changes rather than relying on memory at the end of the day.
Eating and drinking
Allow plenty of time and position the person as recommended by their care team. Changes in swallowing, repeated coughing, choking, dehydration, persistent refusal or significant weight loss should be discussed with appropriate clinicians.
Skin, movement and comfort
People with limited mobility may need individualized plans for repositioning, skin care and pressure-injury prevention. Ask the care team to show family caregivers what is appropriate for the person’s condition and equipment.
Communication
Even when speech becomes limited, the person may respond to tone of voice, touch, familiar music, facial expression and comforting routines. Watch for nonverbal signs of pain or distress.
Sudden changes and caregiver capacity
Sudden confusion, fever, breathing difficulty, marked sleepiness, new weakness or another abrupt change should be discussed promptly with medical professionals. Round-the-clock care can also exceed what one person can safely provide, so reassess whether the family needs additional home support, respite, palliative-care discussions or a higher level of care.
This page is educational and does not replace individualized medical, palliative or hospice advice.
Sources: Alzheimer’s Association: Late-Stage Caregiving; National Institute on Aging: Alzheimer’s caregiving.