Tips for Being an Effective ALS Caregiver

By Lori LaPorte | May 3, 2019 |

ALS is a challenging condition to be a caregiver for. It entails a lot of hard work that can be physically and emotionally draining. By the time the disease reaches its final stages, the older adult will rely on caregivers for every aspect of life, from making meals to getting dressed. Sometimes it can be hard to know what to do. Below are some tips to help caregivers be more effective in helping a family member with ALS.

Take Time to Gather Knowledge

Caregiver Huntington Beach CA: Effective ALS Caregiver Tips

One of the first things caregivers should do is learn everything they can about ALS. It’s a disease that many don’t know about until it touches their life in some way. Ask the senior’s medical team for literature about the disease and use reputable websites to learn more about the disease. It’s especially important to know what the symptoms of the disease are and how it progresses so that the caregiver knows what to expect.

Get to Know the ALS Healthcare Team

People with ALS see a number of different healthcare professionals. Members of the team include:

• Neurologist.
• Physical therapist.
• Speech therapist.
• Nutritionist.
• Respiratory therapist.

In addition, there may be a social worker involved. All of these people are sources of support who can help you to learn more about the disease and what you can do to help your loved one.

Connect with Other Caregivers

It can be helpful to meet other ALS caregivers because it will help you to feel less alone. Other caregivers can share information about their experience and tips for making things easier. They can also be an excellent source of emotional support because they understand what you are going through. One way to make these connections is by joining a support group for caregivers to people with ALS.

Take Care of Your Own Health

This may sound like a strange tip given that the job of a caregiver is to look after someone else’s health. However, if you’re in poor health, you won’t feel up to doing the things necessary for being a good caregiver. Unfortunately, many caregivers neglect their own health because they are too busy worrying about the health of the person with ALS. Make sure you continue to eat a balanced diet, get some exercise, and attend your regular medical appointment.

Arrange for Home Care

You shouldn’t expect to do everything on your own. There’s too much work involved and even the most dedicated caregiver needs to take breaks. Home care can offer you a way to make the time to take care of yourself and keep up with other relationships. Home care providers can be hired for as many or as few hours as needed.

If you or an aging loved-one is considering a Caregiver in Huntington Beach, CA, please contact the caring staff at Easy Living Home Care today. Providing Non-Medical Home Care Services in Orange County, CA since 2009. Call for Assistance: (949) 282-5017 or (949) 842-6831.

Sources
http://www.alsa.org/als-care/caregivers/caregiving-tips-and-hints.html
https://www.verywellhealth.com/caring-for-a-loved-one-with-als-4154624
https://www.webmd.com/brain/loved-one-has-als#1

Author
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Lori LaPorte

Founder/Owner at Easy Living Home Care

Easy Living Home Care owner and administrator, Lori LaPorte, has over forty years of extensive experience caring for the elderly community. Ms. LaPorte graduated from Western Michigan University with a Bachelors Degree in Special Education, Elementary Education and Health.

At a very young age it was always Ms. LaPorte’s passion to work with the elderly. She was a caregiver at a nursing home in high school and college and volunteered in senior centers and senior events held by the city in which she grew up. After graduation, Ms. LaPorte became a special education teacher for sixteen years.

She put her teaching career on the sidelines to raise two wonderful children, during which her passion for the elderly inspired her to start Easy Living Home Care in 2009. Ms. Laporte wanted to help people, especially seniors, find competent, qualified, and caring in-home care at reasonable rates.

Ms LaPorte takes an active role in conducting and managing all operations of her business. She is patient, compassionate and listens. Ms. Laporte is always available to her clients and staff.

In her spare time, Lori volunteers for the American Red Cross and Leashes of Love canine rescue organization.