What is ALS?
ALS stands for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, which is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects the nerves and spinal cord. This generative disorder prevents muscles from receiving proper nourishment and to atrophy or waste away.
As the neurons are affected, voluntary muscle movement is lost leading to difficulty standing and walking. As the disease progresses, the ability to eat, speak, move, and breathe is affected. Everyday bodily functions become increasingly difficult over time leading to the need for medical assistance to eat and breathe and the inability to speak.
Why is it Called Lou Gehrig’s Disease?
ALS become widely known when Lou Gehrig, a first baseman for the New York Yankees, voluntarily removed himself from the lineup on May 2, 1939, when his performance deteriorated on the field due to ALS.
Lou Gehrig’s nickname was “The Iron Horse” due to his durability and batting strength but ALS is an incurable and progressive disease that ended his baseball career when he was only 36 years old. He was elected into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1939 and passed away two years after his retirement from baseball.
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) has become commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease in his honor.
In Home Care for Lou Gehrig’s Disease / ALS Patients
Elderly and Seniors with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, display the following progressive symptoms due to nerve and muscle atrophy:
- Muscle Weakness
- Muscle Cramps
- Muscle Stiffness
- Dysarthria (Difficulty Speaking, Slurred Speech)
- Dysphagia (Difficulty Swallowing)
- Dyspnea (Breathing Difficulties)
- Incontinence
Eventually, as the disease progresses, paralysis occurs.
Growing older already makes some activities of daily living (ADL) difficult but ALS greatly affects an elderly or senior person’s ability to bathe and dress themselves, maintain their home and prepare meals. Errands such as shopping or getting to doctor’s appointments become very tiring and stressful events.
In Home Care Services, from an experienced and compassionate caregiver, home health aide, nurse aide or personal care attendant has a profound impact on their quality of life, comfort and overall health.
Our reliable and affordable care givers can help with:
- Assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)
- Bathing, Dressing and Grooming Assistance
- Incontinence Care / Toiletry Assistance
- Safety Supervision / Fall Prevention
- Medication Reminders
- Mobility Assistance / Transferring
- Range of Motion Exercises
- At Home Care Includes the Above and:
- Meal Planning and Preparation
- Light Housecleaning and Laundry
- Companionship
Advanced Services Provided:
- ALS / Lou Gehrig’s Disease Alzheimer’s Disease
- Transitional Care / Discharge Assistance
- After Surgery / Post-Acute Care
- Diabetic Care
- Hospice, Palliative and End of Life Caregivers
- Anxiety Disorders
- Depression
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Sundowner’s Syndrome
- Dementia and Memory Care
- Traumatic Brain Injury TBI
- Arthritis / Pain Management
- Dialysis and Kidney Disease Care
- After Stroke Recovery Care
- Heart Attack / Bypass Surgery
- Cancer and Chemotherapy Care
- COPD
- Disabled, Handicapped and Developmentally Delayed
- Cystic Fibrosis
- Muscular Dystrophy
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Low Vision / Blindness
- Hearing Impaired / Deaf
Compassionate Hospice and Palliative Care for Elders with Lou Gehrig’s Disease
A-1 Home Care Agency provides compassionate and experienced in-home care hospice and palliative care for elderly and senior individuals with advanced Lou Gehrig’s Disease.
Our ALS caregivers are available for 24-Hour Live-In Care or Hourly Care and are experienced with end-of-life supportive services.
We carefully screen all Nurse Aides, Caregivers, Home Health Aides and Personal Care Attendants before matching them with your loved one.
All Care Providers Must:
- Be State Registered
- Test Negative for Covid-19
- Test Negative for Tuberculosis
- Have CPR and 1st Aid Certification
- Completed State Required Training and Registration
- Interview with A-1 Home Care Agency staff
Long Term Care Insurance for ALS In Home Care
A-1 Home Care Agency is a State Licensed, Bonded, and Insured non-medical homecare agency that has been a care provider in Orange County, Los Angeles County and San Gabriel Valley since 1991. We are approved by many Long Term Care Insurance Companies, and Health Saving Accounts (HSAs).
There is a program from the VA called Aid and Attendance Benefit Program for War Time Veterans and their spouse. If approved, this program helps pay for a Veteran’s home care needs. To see if your loved one qualifies, click here and fill out the form to start the application process.
Please CALL today for more information on how A-1 Home Care Agency can help you!
Los Angeles (562) 929-8400
Orange County (949) 650-3800
San Gabriel Valley (877) 786-3104