ALS Care Tips for Utah Family Caregivers

As a degenerating neurological disease, ALS (sometimes called Lou Gehrig’s disease) can cause a wide variety of physical obstacles that can result in clinical depression. For individuals providing ALS care for a loved one, it’s difficult not to feel overwhelmed and unsure about how to help the person live life to the fullest and remain optimistic.  

When providing ALS care in the home, it is important for family caregivers to understand the struggles that the disease produces in order to offer the absolute best care.  

Harmony Home Health & Hospice, the top providers of home health care in Ogden, Utah, has developed the following advice to help ensure the best care for individuals diagnosed with ALS: 

• People with muscle diseases such as ALS are proficient thinkers, even if they are generally unable to communicate clearly. Examine choices openly while making joint decisions about the individual’s ALS care. 
• Ask if the person wants assistance before helping. Do not take over tasks that still can be performed if the person is provided with adaptive products and time. 
• Patience is vital. Although it may often seem faster and more efficient to take over certain tasks, show patience and allow your loved one to accomplish the tasks that he/she can.  
• Set up a computer and internet access. Computers, along with other assistive systems, offer entertainment and social interaction and make it possible for the person with muscle disease to help with tasks like paying bills, tracking down information, hiring services, and shopping. 
• Use adaptive devices. The utilization of adaptive equipment like wheelchairs is a move in the direction of self-sufficiency, not away from it. Adaptive tools are obtainable for assorted everyday tasks, such as eating, opening jars and doors, buttoning or zipping up clothing, writing, and taking a shower. 

For people with Lou Gehrig’s disease, self-reliance and exceptional ALS care are essential. The Ogden, Utah home health care experts at Harmony Home Health & Hospice are fully trained and experienced to provide the care and assistance needed to ensure people with ALS live their best lives. If you would like more information on our expert ALS care, contact us any time at 1-877-I-NEED-CARE (1-877-463-3322) and learn about our top-rated services in your area.