ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease)
Understanding when to transition to hospice care for a patient with ALS can be challenging given its gradual progression. Hospice care is typically considered when a patient has a prognosis of six months or less or if they decide to discontinue the use of medical support like feeding tubes or ventilators.
Is it time for hospice care?
While only a doctor can assess life expectancy, loved ones should be attentive to changes suggesting advanced ALS. Neurologists or personal physicians may recommend hospice when appropriate, but patients and families can also advocate for themselves by asking for an evaluation for hospice care.
If you or your loved one is experiencing the following symptoms, hospice care may be beneficial:
The patient has become wheelchair, or bed-bound
Speech has become barely intelligible, unintelligible or impossible
The patient requires major assistance with eating, dressing and personal care, or is dependent on others for these activities
The patient does not wish to be dependent on feeding tubes
The patient does not want to be placed on a ventilator, or wishes to discontinue mechanical ventilation
What can hospice care do for a patient with ALS?
Your hospice team will continually assess the patient's needs and adapt the care plan accordingly, providing support for both physical and emotional challenges.
Our comprehensive services include:
Pain Management: Addressing muscle spasms, joint stiffness, and immobility to ensure comfort.
Symptom Management: Supporting with breathing difficulties, swallowing issues, eating and drinking challenges, communication obstacles, pressure ulcers, dementia, anxiety, and depression.
Flexible Care: Delivering care wherever the patient resides, whether at home, in long-term care facilities, or in assisted living communities.
Coordinated Support: Collaborating closely with the patient's neurologist or physician, our team ensures seamless communication among all involved parties. We handle medication, supplies, and equipment to streamline the process.
Emotional and Spiritual Guidance: Offering tailored emotional and spiritual support for patients and their families through trained volunteers, specialized services, and grief counseling.