Having amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is hard to adapt to. Life presents daily challenges and the emotional toll isn’t easy either. However, there are many ways to make life for someone with ALS better. Below are 5 things that can help your aging relative with ALS.
#1: Help with Physical Therapy
People with ALS usually work with a physical therapist to continue being able to use their muscles for as long as possible. The therapist may suggest exercises for them to do at home. Attend physical therapy appointments with the senior to learn what they are doing and how you can assist them at home.
#2: Encourage Positivity
It’s not easy to stay positive with a progressive disease like ALS. However, if the senior mires themselves in negativity, they’ll be wasting the time they have left. Encourage them to remain positive by helping them to stay involved in family activities, see friends often, and finding ways for them to continue enjoying their favorite things. If you see signs of depression, tell their health care team as depression is treatable.
#3: Find Tools That Make Tasks Easier
There are dozens of tools that can be used for people with ALS to continue doing activities of daily living on their own for longer. For example, a button hook allows them to button a shirt without assistance. Long handled grabbers allow them to reach further to get items even after they are in a wheelchair.
#4: Be Proactive
Learn about ALS and what your aging relative can expect in the future. This can help you to prepare for the care they will need as the disease progresses. It can also allow you to have tools and devices they’ll need before they need them, such as a power wheelchair or a lift to transfer them from their wheelchair to other surfaces.
#5: Hire Elderly Care
Elderly care is an excellent way for seniors with ALS to maintain more of their independence for longer. An elderly care provider can act as an assistant to them while they do as much of their regular daily tasks as they can. Elderly care providers can do the smallest things that make tasks easier, like putting toothpaste on the senior’s toothbrush, to larger tasks, like helping them to take a shower. Elderly care providers can also do household tasks the older adult can no longer do, such as cleaning the house, cooking meals, and doing laundry.
If you or an aging loved one needs Elderly Care in Carmichael, CA, remember Senior Home Care Services.Call us at (916) 514-7006 for more information.
Sources
https://alsnewstoday.com/2017/09/28/10-tips-patients-recently-diagnosed-als/
https://www.mda.org/sites/default/files/publications/Everyday_Life_with_ALS_P-532.pdf
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