Comprehensive Programs and Services
for ALS Patients in Georgia

Upon receiving a diagnosis of ALS, we encourage the patient (or a family member) to contact us (call 404-636-9909 or toll-free 888-636-9940), or speak with one of our Patient Service Providers who attend ALS clinics at Emory University and the Medical College of Georgia ALS Clinic. By registering with ALSA of GA, we are able to respond to the needs of ALS patients through the following comprehensive programs and services:

Home Visit and Patient Consultation Program
This program sends nurses and other specialists into the home to provide critical assistance and guidance.  Most home visits are focused on the newly diagnosed, so that an assessment of their home can provide on-going information helpful to choosing appropriate equipment and other services throughout the progression of the disease.  In addition, home visits are provided to those who become unable to travel because of the physical deterioration of ALS.  Regular consultations by phone and during clinical assessments and seminars enable our staff to monitor each patient’s needs and to provide education, training on the use of equipment, and to supportive counseling around care decisions and end-of-life planning.

Equipment Loan Program
ALSA of GA Provides specialized assistive medical equipment and augmentative communication devices when insurance and other programs cannot fund items needed. Assistive medical equipment and communication devices are items that increase patient mobility and help them maintain a degree of independence as they lose muscle control. These items are costly and are loaned as available, or when funding enables the Association to purchase new inventory.

Respite Care Program 
ALS places extreme physical, emotional and financial burdens on patients and their families. The Georgia Chapter provides ALS respite care services throughout Georgia. The Respite Care Program helps relieve stress and caregiver burnout by providing temporary relief. Limited financial assistance is provided for families who qualify for this program. The program pays for substitute medical care so that the primary caregiver can have time off for errands, business, recreation or rest. As patients move into the final stages of the disease, this is often the only time that caregivers feel comfortable leaving their loved ones.

Children and Family Counseling Program
Offers critical support to children who experience emotional difficulties related to seeing a parent progress through ALS. Counseling provides a forum for family discussion and opportunities to increase meaningful family experiences.

Referrals
Often patients need the names of local resources that can help them. If they were diagnosed in a distant city, they need to know who can help them with the on-going care that they will need. Sometimes, they need information on related issues, such as contractors who can build wheelchair ramps. Other times they need to know details about equipment to obtain, or the latest news on insurance coverage. ALSA of GA is a phone call away with this type of information.

Coordination of Efforts
ALSA of GA is a cohesive link between healthcare providers, patients, caregivers, and others who have resources to help ALS patients. When people are more aware of the efforts of others, the sharing of knowledge and resources can produce great results!

Information
Patients who are newly diagnosed are often in a state of shock. Usually they need time to absorb the impact of their diagnosis and then they want basic information provided again. At this time ALSA of GA is ready for them. Information is also available for family members and friends, who have not been directly informed by physicians and specialists in ALS.

Education and Outreach
A cornerstone of ALSA of GA’s mission is to increase ALS education and awareness within the ALS community, medical field, and the general public.   ALSA of GA’s education programs seek to raise consciousness about ALS in order to ensure that more people understand the disease and the special needs of ALS patients. The general education of the public about ALS and the needs of those who care for patients is an important goal of ALSA of GA. The needs of ALS patients are critical to everyone. Why? Because these mentally vibrant patients can eloquently describe their reactions to health care that will better prepare all of us as we look to a future of aging Americans. Our awareness of the responses of ALS patients can help us know how we would want to be cared for in times of great physical need, or how we would want a loved one to be treated.  ALSA of GA provides in-service training to healthcare workers, including home health agencies, hospices, nursing homes, and local neurology practices and other organizations that are in need of ALS education.

Volunteer Support
*Visiting Volunteer: Patients with ALS can request to be matched with a volunteer in their community to help with a variety of tasks.  Volunteers and patients will meet at least monthly, but will stay in touch with phone calls and emails.  Volunteers can assist with:  personal care, entertainment, housekeeping/errands, companionship and support.  Volunteers are not allowed to do physical care, lifting, transferring, etc.

*Ramp Program: Patients having mobility issues can contact the ALS Association of Georgia to support on the design, supplies and volunteers needed to build the ramp.

*Patient Match:  ALS patients can request to be matched with a veteran patient (a diagnosis of more than one year) to reduce the anxiety and isolation associated with the ALS journey.  The matches are based on geographic area, diagnosis, age and family situation.  These partnerships will provide support, encouragement and experience. 

*Share the Care:  This program is designed for both the patient and primary caregiver to assist with the daily tasks associated with caring for an ALS patient.  The Association will train individuals in your life to better care for the ALS patient and their family.  Utilizing this system, will reduce the need to seek assistance and increase the resources available to help.