Private Home Health Care for ALS Patients
Home health aides (HHAs) play an immensely important role in assisting people who live with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), and their families, especially as it concerns better managing the condition at home. The highly-trained and professional HHAs of City Choice Home Care Services can provide this needed service.
Our In-Home Health Care Services
for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Patients
- Medication Management
- Cognitive Stimulation
- Help with Lifestyle Changes
- Create Supportive Environment
- Caregiver Support
- Remain in Familiar Environment
- Provide Personalized Care
- Safety Measures
- Emotional Support
The Disease Called ALS. What Is It and How to Manage It.
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), sometimes referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a fatal Motor neuron disease (MND) that is characterized by the progressive degeneration of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord that ultimately leads to muscle weakness, paralysis, and, eventually, respiratory failure.
The causes of ALS are unknown but there are instances where genetics are a factor. There is also no known cure.
There are two main types, namely:
- Sporadic ALS
- Familial ALS
Symptoms of Lou Gehrig's Disease
In some cases, the first symptoms of ALS usually begins with weakness in one or both limbs. In other cases, difficulty in swallowing or slurred speech will be the initial symptoms.
Some of the more common symptoms of ALS include:
- Muscle twitching and cramping
- Loss of motor control and/or impairment in the arms and legs
- Persistent and severe fatigue
- Difficulty breathing
- Difficulty swallowing
- Paralysis
- Slurred speech
Diagnosis And Management of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
The established methods of diagnosing ALS include:
- Lab Tests: Like urine and blood tests, as well as thyroid function tests.
- Nerve of muscle biopsy:
- Spinal tap or lumbar puncture:
- X-Ray
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Electrodiagnostic tests
There is currently no cure for ALS, therefore, the best that a sufferer can do is to manage its symptoms and seek supportive care to improve their quality of life and prolong their life.
This ALS managed care will usually be undertaken by a team of specialists like Registered Nurses (RNs), Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN’s), Physical Therapists (PTs), Occupational Therapists (OTs), and Home Health Aides (HHAs).
At City Choice Home Care Services, we work with many of these health professionals to ensure that we have the right caregiver at all times that is needed to provide the required care.
Care Options for Lou Gehrig's Disease
You or your loved one who suffers from ALS have the option to remain in the comfort of your home while receiving the necessary care.
This home care support can either come in the form of visiting care or live-in care. In either case, trained caregivers provide assistance with activities of daily living (ADL), medication management, and emotional support, enabling patients to maintain a sense of independence and continuity.
Palliative Care is specialized medical care that that ALS sufferers and their families can avail themselves of. One of its main goal is to improve the quality of life of the patient and also to provide as much relief to them and their families.
Hospice Care will often be reserved for ALS patients who might be in the last stages or months of their life
It also involves, or is another type of palliative or supportive care because it also involves managing the symptoms of the disease.
The Role of Home Health Care Aides in Managing Motor Neurone Disease
Our Home health agency can play an important role in supporting you or your loved one who may be suffering from Motor Neurone Disease.
Our Home health care aides, skilled nurses, personal care aides, and other health professionals have the training, certification and experience needed to adequately and properly care for you.
Some of the ways in which we can help include:
- Personal Care: We assist with activities of daily living like bathing, dressing, grooming, and toileting, some of which can be challenging for individuals with mobility issues associated with ALS.
- Medication Management: HHAs help patients take their medications as prescribed, ensuring they follow their treatment plan.
- Health Monitoring: Health Aides will also make it a point of duty to stay on top of regularly monitoring the vital signs of their patients and reporting any significant changes to the appropriate healthcare professionals.
- Emotional Support: ALS can be emotionally challenging for both the patient and their family. An HHA can be a source of companionship and emotional support for them.
- Transportation: Health Caregivers can transport and/or accompany their patient to medical appointments or other outings.
- Rehabilitation Support: Home health care aides can also provide support for patients undergoing physical or occupational therapy.
- Mobility Assistance: They help MND sufferers move around the house, and therefore, reducing the risk of falls and injuries that can arise from their coordination difficulties.
- Household Tasks: Light household tasks can also be undertaken by these aides as needed.
- And much more
FAQs About Our ALS at Home Health Care Services
Our aides are well-trained and experienced in caring for individuals who live with MND. Our agency understands the unique challenges and complexities associated with this disease and take special care to provide the highest level of support.
Yes, we are a Licensed Home Care Service Agency that serve all boroughs of New York City, and other major cities across New York State. We also carry all necessary insurances.
Our agency has established protocols for handling emergencies or medical issues to ensure the safety and well-being of our clients. Our protocols include conducting an immediate assessment and contacting all necessary emergency contacts.
Yes, certain private insurances and Medicaid covers home care for ALS patients.
Yes, our agency can staff a wide variety of time frames.
Ensuring continuity of care is essential in the home care of all our patients, just as it is with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis patients. Our agency has well-documented strategies and policies in place to handle caregiver absences or vacations to minimize disruption to the client’s routine and care.
Matching caregivers with clients to ensure a good fit in terms of personality and needs is a critical aspect of private home care, especially for ALS sufferers. The process begins with an initial assessment of the client’s needs and preferences. A Registered Nurse from the agency will meet with the client, and if applicable, their family members to gather information about the patient. This assessments helps in created a personalized care plan. The agency will then use this information to match the most appropriate caregiver for the patient.
Yes, as a licensed home care service provider, we can certainly help with meal preparation and accommodate dietary restrictions since proper nutrition is essential for maintaining the health and well-being of our clients.
Yes, as a licensed home care service provider, we will create a written care plan that is tailored to your loved one’s specific needs. This care plan will serve as a comprehensive guide for our caregivers, outlining the services, schedule, and special considerations required to provide the best care possible for your loved one. The care plan will be developed in collaboration with you and your loved one, taking into account their medical, personal, and emotional needs. We are committed to delivering personalized care that addresses your loved one’s unique circumstances and goals.
Absolutely. Supporting patients and their families often involves more than just in-home care. Some additional services and resources that you can turn to are:
The Cost of Home Care for ALS Patients.
The cost of caring for a ALS patient will often be influenced by various factors.
Some of the most common ones include:
- Severity of ALS Symptoms: The stage and progression of ALS symptoms can significantly affect the level of care required. As the disease advances, patients may need more intensive care, leading to higher costs.
- Level of Care Needed: The type and extent of care needed, such as assistance with daily activities, mobility support, respiratory care, and specialized medical interventions, can impact costs.
- Skilled Nursing Requirements: If the patient requires skilled nursing services, such as administering medications, managing ventilator support, or other medical interventions, the cost may increase.
Accessibility of the Home: The home environment may need modifications to accommodate the patient’s needs, such as ramps, lifts, or other accessibility enhancements, contributing to overall costs.
- Geographic Location: The cost of home care can vary based on the region or country. Urban areas often have higher living costs, which can impact the prices of in-home care services.
Professional Care Providers: Hiring trained and experienced caregivers or healthcare professionals, like Skilled Nursing Care, will typically incur higher costs compared to less specialized assistance. The qualifications and expertise of caregivers contribute to the overall expense.
- Technology and Equipment: ALS patients may require specialized equipment such as mobility devices, communication aids, respiratory support machines, and home modifications. The cost of acquiring and maintaining this equipment can influence overall expenses.
- Frequency and Duration of Care: The number of hours per day or week that a caregiver is needed, as well as the duration of care required, will impact the overall cost. Full-time or 24/7 care will naturally be more expensive.
Insurance Coverage: The extent of insurance coverage, including health insurance, long-term care insurance, or government assistance programs, can play a significant role in determining the out-of-pocket costs for home care.
Unforeseen Expenses: ALS is a progressive disease, and unexpected health complications may arise. Unforeseen medical emergencies, hospitalizations, or changes in care requirements can contribute to additional costs.
These costs can generally be classified under direct and indirect costs, and, medical and non-medical costs.
These ALS home care costs will usually be borne by patients, or their families, who need external help in caring for the patient.
The options to pay for home care for ALS patients will usually range from private, or out-of-pocket pay, health and/or supplemental insurance, Medicare or Medicaid, and charitable donations.
Our Other Chronic Home Health Care Services
Our Chronic home healthcare services are provided by various licensed medical and allied healthcare professionals like Registered Nurses (RNs), Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN’s), Physical Therapists (PTs), Occupational Therapists (OTs), and Home Health Aides (HHAs).
Other Services We Offer
Become A Caregiver
at City Choice
Are you looking for a rewarding career that offers great experience, competitive pay and flexibility? Become a home-care aide with City Choice Home Care!
Our goal is to provide quality health care to our clients with the most qualified and compassionate staff available. If you’re already a certified home healthcare aide or if you’re looking to become a caregiver for a loved one through our CDPAP program, City Choice has an opportunity for you.
If you’re looking to make a real difference in the lives of others while getting the compensation you deserve, please reach out to us today!
