What is a significant expectation for the spouse of a client experiencing advanced Alzheimer's symptoms?

In advanced stages of Alzheimer's disease, one of the most significant expectations is the progressive memory loss that accompanies the condition. As the disease progresses, individuals often require total assistance in daily activities due to cognitive decline and loss of ability to perform tasks they once managed independently. This expectation is vital for caregivers and family members, including spouses, to understand, as it indicates the necessity for comprehensive support and care.

In this phase of Alzheimer's, individuals can lose the ability to recognize loved ones, remember recent events, or manage basic self-care tasks like bathing, dressing, or eating. Recognizing the need for total assistance allows spouses to plan for long-term care strategies and seek appropriate resources or facilities that can provide the necessary level of support.

Other options present scenarios that are unrealistic for someone affected by advanced Alzheimer's. Continued independence is often unachievable, communication abilities typically deteriorate rather than improve, and wandering behaviors become more pronounced as the disease progresses, often increasing the need for guidance and supervision. Understanding the expectation of total assistance can foster a more realistic and compassionate approach to caregiving in these advanced stages of Alzheimer’s disease.