For some people with ALS, changes in thinking and behavior are quite significant and severe such that these people are challenged to make informed decisions about their care and activities and require others to act on their behalf.
Being a family caregiver, while a fulfilling role, can consume a great deal of physical, mental and emotional energy. Consequently, respite care is very important because it gives family caregivers of persons with ALS an opportunity to create a plan of care for themselves; something a caregiver often overlooks.
Being a caregiver of someone with ALS is a very important role. It usually involves a number of tasks that can be very time consuming, and can require a great deal of effort. If we do not learn to recognize that certain tasks and expectations can take their toll on us, regardless of what role(s) we play in life, we may find ourselves headed down the path of burnout.
As ALS progresses, daily routines frequently change for people with ALS and their caregivers. Activities, those that were once automatic, may require either extra time and/or physical help. Oral care is one routine that can be easily forgotten.
A brochure to assist people living with ALS understand their speech difficulties and to describe solutions and resources available to help them communicate.