Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis – often referred to as ALS or “Lou Gehrig’s Disease” after the famous New York Yankees baseball player who was first diagnosed with the disease – affects the nerves cells controlling voluntary muscle movement. It is characterized by progressive muscle weakness that results in paralysis.
The initial symptoms of ALS can be quite varied. One person may experience regular tripping, while another person may have trouble lifting; a third person’s early symptom may be slurred speech.
For most, muscle weakness is a hallmark symptom of the disease. It occurs in approximately 60% of patients and can cause tiredness, lack of energy and overall fatigue. There are a few things you can do to make everyday tasks easier for those coping with muscle weakness caused by ALS.
Tips for helping someone with Lou Gehrig’s Disease:
- Sew fabric loops inside pants and undergarments to make pulling them on and off much simpler.
- Chose garments that are roomy and open in the front. This eliminates the need to raise arms over head.
- Place grip splints on the patient’s hand and forearm so they have more grip strength to turn lids and doorknobs
- Use soft foam built-up utensils provide an easy grasp for eating meals and snacks.
- Place shower chairs and handheld showerheads in bathtubs/showers so patients can continue bathing themselves
There are more great ways to help someone with Lou Gehrig’s disease on the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s website. You may also wish to take take advantage of local, state and federal programs that support and assist caregivers of individuals with ALS. Financial support is available through some state and local agencies, while non-profit and other community agencies can offer information and support. The ALS Association – San Diego Chapter and UC San Diego ALS Center are organizations that San Diego Hospice works closely with to make sure those helping someone with Lou Gehrig’s disease have resources and support they need to care for their loved ones.
THE ABOVE ARE USEFUL HINTS – SOME OF THEM UTILIZED BY ME AS I AM COPING WITH ALS WITH ZERO LEG FUNCTION AND NOW LIMITED ARM FUNCTION.
I HAVE USED SATIN SHEETS AND SATIN PAJAMAS. WHEN WE TRAVEL AND SATIN SHEETS ARE NOT AVAILABLE WE USE A SATIN/RAYON QUILTED BEDSPREAD AND SATIN DRAWSHEET. I GIVES ME SOME MOBILITY DURING THE NIGHT AND MAKES EVERYTHING EASIER FOR THE CAREGIVER.
FOR CLOTHING I PREFER POLYESTER. I SHOP IN THE MATERNITY DEPARTMENT. STYLES ARE MORE YOUTHFUL AND LOOSE.”BUCK AND BUCK” “CATO” ARE GOOD SITES FOR WHEELCHAIR CLOTHES.
You have a typo: Place grip splints on the patient’s hand and foreman so they have more grip strength to turn lids and doorknobs.
Should read ‘forearm’.
Thanks Sarah for the heads-up on the typo!
Hilde, thanks for sharing your experiences and suggestions. Considerations about clothing for those in wheelchairs is very important in terms of comfort and ease. And I can certainly appreciate that your suggestions are not only for the benefit for those living with ALS, but also for their caregivers. Thank you!
thanks alot for the advice. my grandfather has this and i want to help him