{"id":111,"date":"2015-10-20T17:00:38","date_gmt":"2015-10-20T17:00:38","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/web2.proweaverlinks.com\/tech\/innovativehc\/?page_id=111"},"modified":"2020-04-22T15:53:55","modified_gmt":"2020-04-22T20:53:55","slug":"als-care","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.innovativehomecare.com\/staging\/8503\/services\/als-care\/","title":{"rendered":"ALS Care"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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ALS Care: What Family and Professional Caregivers Need to Know<\/h1>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an illness from which certain nerve cells in the spinal cord and nerve slowly die.<\/strong> These nerve cells are called motor neurons<\/strong>. Also, they control the muscles that let one move the parts of his body. Relatively, Lou Gehrig\u2019s disease<\/strong> is yet another name for this illness. Since the disease is severe and at times alarming, patients should specifically receive ALS care from a professional or someone who has knowledge about it.<\/p>\n

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Indeed, if a member of the family has ALS, you should immediately take action to prevent it from getting worse. ALS care is very important so that the patient gets the proper treatment and handling of his sickness. So, if you are the one taking care of the person with this disease, or if you are in charge of getting a caregiver for him, you\u2019re on the right page. Here, you will discover not just important information about ALS, but the right things to do, as well as the care provider.<\/p>\n

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What happens after ALS progresses?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

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As the illness progresses, ALS patients slowly turn weaker and more disabled. In addition, how quickly the disease worsens is different for everyone. Meaning, some people live with ALS for several years. More so, over time, ALS includes muscle cramps, muscle weakness, and difficulty in walking, speaking, eating, swallowing, and breathing which are all indications that can result in injury, illness, and eventually, fatality.<\/p>\n

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Moreover, in the majority of the cases, since ALS can also affect the nervous system, death can occur within 3 to 5 years from the onset of the symptoms. Some who acquire ALS, though, live longer for up to decades. If this is your first time to learn about the sickness, your initial reaction may be alarming. Nevertheless, talking to a doctor, getting counseling, or joining a support group may help you deal with your feelings and even provide proper ALS care.<\/p>\n

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It is important to note that ALS is no longer a common or typical disease. In fact, in the United States, and most parts of the world, only 1 to 2 out of 100,000 people acquire the disease. Relatively, men get ALS slightly more often than women do and it can occur at any age. However, it most frequently begins among the middle-aged and older adults.<\/p>\n

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How is ALS acquired and who usually receives ALS care?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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Recently, more than 20,000 people have ALS in the U.S. In connection to this, approximately 6,000 Americans took the clinical tests and were newly diagnosed with ALS every year. And, even though the symptoms typically occur in individuals aged 40 to 70 years old, ALS, one of the rarest motor neuron diseases, takes place in both younger and older persons.<\/p>\n

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One can extend his chance to survive averagely for up to 5 years if he is receiving proper ALS care. However, the progression of illness varies with every individual. Approximately 10% of those diagnosed with ALS live for even 10 years or more. Family caregivers, physicians, nurses, physical therapists, speech therapists\/pathologists, occupational therapists, and social workers are all working together with the patients to help them find a cure for ALS and guarantee a high quality of life.<\/p>\n

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What are the common symptoms of ALS?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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Some people with ALS become aware of the beginning of their illness when their hands become clumsy. Consequently, they find it difficult to perform their regular and simple tasks like writing or unlocking the doors. Other patients experience weakness or sometimes numbness, in the legs. At times, they may even trip or stumble. Some even notice they have problems speaking or difficulty swallowing. Other signs and symptoms that a person already needs ALS care include:<\/p>\n

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