What is ALS and Why is it Called Lou Gehrig’s Disease?
ALS stands for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, which is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects the nerves and spinal cord. This generative disorder prevents muscles from receiving proper nourishment and atrophy or waste away.
As the neurons are affected, voluntary muscle movement is lost leading to difficulty standing and walking. As the disease progresses, the ability to eat, speak, move breathe ate affected becoming more and more difficult over time.
ALS become widely known when Lou Gehrig, a first baseman for the New York Yankees voluntarily removed himself from the lineup on May 2, 1939, when his performance deteriorated on the field due to ALS.
Lou Gehrig’s nickname was “The Iron Horse” due to his durability and batting strength but ALS is an incurable and progressive disease that ended his baseball career when he was only 36 years old. He was elected into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1939 and passed away two years after his retirement from the sport.
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) become commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease in his honor.
In-Home Care for Lou Gehrig’s Disease / ALS Patients
Elderly and Seniors with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, display the following progressive symptoms due to nerve and muscle atrophy:
- Muscle Weakness
- Muscle Cramps
- Muscle Stiffness
- Dysarthria (Difficulty Speaking, Slurred Speech)
- Dysphagia (Difficulty Swallowing)
- Dyspnea (Breathing Difficulties)
- Incontinence
Eventually, as the disease progresses, paralysis occurs.
Growing older already makes some activities of daily living (ADL) difficult but ALS greatly affects an elderly or senior person’s ability to bathe and dress themselves, maintain their home, and prepare meals. Errands such as shopping or getting to doctor’s appointments become very tiring and stressful events.
In-Home Care Services from an experienced and compassionate caregiver, home health aide, nurse aide, or personal care attendant have a profound impact on their quality of life, comfort, and overall health.
Our reliable and affordable caregivers can help with:
- All Activities of Daily Living
- Bathing and Personal Hygiene Assistance
- Incontinence Care / Toiletry Assistance
- Medication Reminders
- Mobility Assistance
- Physical Therapy and Range of Motion Exercises
- Errand Assistance
- Companionship
- Meal Preparation
- Speech Therapy Exercises
- Safety Supervision
- Pain Management
- After Surgery / Post-Acute Care
- Care for Dialysis Clients
- Hospice Caregiver Assistance
- Depression
Compassionate Hospice and Palliative Care for Elders with Lou Gehrig’s Disease
A-1 Home Care Agency provides compassionate and experienced in-home care hospice and palliative care for elderly and senior individuals with advanced Lou Gehrig’s Disease.
Our ALS caregivers are available for 24-Hour Live-In Care or Hourly Care and are experienced with end-of-life supportive services.
We carefully screen all Nurse Aides, Caregivers, Home Health Aides, and Personal Care Attendants before matching them with your loved one.
All Care Providers Must:
- Be State Registered
- Have a Minimum of 2 Years of Experience
- Test Negative for Covid-19
- LiveScan Background Check
- DMV Driving Record Check
- Sex Offender Database Check
- Tuberculosis Test
- CPR and 1st Aid Certification
- Completed State Required Training
- Malpractice / Liability Insurance
- Interview with A-1 Home Care Agency Staff
Long-Term Care Insurance for ALS In-Home Care
A-1 Home Care Agency is a State Licensed, Bonded, and Insured non-medical homecare agency that has been a care provider in Orange County, Los Angeles County, and San Gabriel Valley since 1991. We are approved by many Long Term Care Insurance Companies, Health Saving Accounts (HSAs), and Medicare / Medi-Cal.
There is a program from the VA called Aid and Attendance Pension Benefit Program for War Time Veterans and their spouse. If approved, this program helps pay for Veteran’s home care needs. To see if your loved one qualifies, click here and fill out the form to start the application process.
Please CALL today for more information on how A-1 Home Care Agency can help you!
Los Angeles (562) 929-8400
Orange County (949) 650-3800
San Gabriel Valley (877) 929-8499
