When people are diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), it’s overwhelming for both patients and their loved ones because it does not discriminate and can strike at any time.
This terminal disease is neurologically-based, attacking and then destroying nerve cells in both the spinal cord and brain.
People with ALS are stricken with progressively worsening symptoms as they lose the ability to walk and move, swallow, speak, and eventually breathe.
It’s a terrible disease; my heart goes out to those with ALS and their families. Source: pixabay.comWhile approximately 5000 Americans are diagnosed annually with ALS and most die within five years or less, a small number of the 30,000+ Americans who’ve been diagnosed manage to survive beyond 10 years. However, as this non-discriminatory disease progresses, it causes a myriad of disabling physical and psychological issues and requires significant, sometimes exhausting, care.
While no treatments exist that are approved by the FDA to slow the progression of the disease, patients require medications and various therapies in an effort to try to manage symptoms during their decline. As a result, significant challenges exist for patients and their caregivers.
Patients and caregivers, your bravery and care are inspirational. Source: pixabay.comIt is extremely difficult to not only pay for but also to find comprehensive treatment care facilities in one central location. Yet, the benefits of receiving care from one comprehensive treatment facility is invaluable; it saves families both time and money, which helps to relieve emotional stress.
The convenience of comprehensive treatment facilities means that patients, their loved ones, and caregivers can spend more time focusing on other things that are important to them vs. focusing on the ramifications of the disease.
Some of the types of care required for ALS patients and loved ones include:
- Medication
- Speech, physical, occupational, and psychological therapies
- Nutrition
I only hope that in the near future, more treatment facilities will partner with insurance companies and healthcare professionals to build comprehensive care facilities to support the ALS community.
This initiative would facilitate improved quality of patient care and would also benefit healthcare professionals alike.
If you or your loved one has been diagnosed with ALS, please know that I am thinking of you and will continue my efforts to help spread awareness. If you have a moment, would you kindly reply and tell me about the care you’ve received? Do you have suggestions for creating comprehensive treatment facilities?
