Compassionate Support as ALS Changes the Way Life Looks
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) can gradually affect movement, communication, swallowing, breathing, and a person’s ability to manage everyday activities. As needs become more complex, families may find themselves providing more hands-on care while trying to understand what support is available.
When ALS advances and the focus of care shifts toward comfort and quality of life, hospice may be an appropriate option for some patients and families.
Angel Palliative Care & Hospice, Inc. provides individualized hospice support for people living with advanced illness while also helping families and caregivers navigate changing needs.
Individualized hospice support as changing needs affect everyday life.
When ALS Begins to Change More Than Movement
ALS affects each person differently. Over time, however, many people experience increasing weakness and may need greater assistance with mobility, communication, eating, or breathing.
Hospice may be considered when ALS has advanced and a person’s overall condition suggests that they may be approaching the end of life.
An ALS diagnosis alone does not determine hospice eligibility. An evaluation considers the person’s overall condition, progression of illness, functional changes, nutritional and respiratory concerns, prognosis, goals of care, and applicable hospice requirements.
If your loved one’s needs have changed significantly, talking with their physician or a hospice team can help you understand whether a hospice evaluation may be appropriate.
Changes Families May Notice as ALS Progresses
Families and caregivers often notice changes in daily abilities as ALS advances. Some changes that may be important to discuss with a healthcare professional include:
These changes do not automatically mean that someone qualifies for hospice. They may be important reasons to speak with the patient’s physician and ask whether a hospice evaluation could provide additional support.
When Everyday Independence Starts to Slip Away
ALS can gradually change how a person moves through the day.
Getting dressed, eating a meal, communicating with family, moving from a bed to a chair, or simply changing position may eventually require significant assistance.
These changes can be difficult for both the patient and the people providing care.
Hospice can offer another layer of support when a patient is eligible and chooses hospice care. The team works with the patient, family, and caregivers to coordinate care around comfort, dignity, and the patient’s individual wishes.
Care That Supports the Person, Not Just the Illness
ALS can affect many areas of a person’s life, which is why hospice care takes a team approach.
Depending on the patient’s needs and individualized plan of care, hospice support may include:
Nursing Care That Stays Connected
RN case management provides ongoing clinical support and helps coordinate the patient’s hospice plan of care. Nurses monitor changes in condition, communicate with the interdisciplinary team, and help patients and caregivers understand changing care needs.
Physician and Medical Director Oversight
Hospice physician and medical director oversight helps guide the patient’s hospice plan of care in collaboration with the interdisciplinary team.
Help With Personal Care
Hospice aides may assist with personal care and activities of daily living according to the patient’s needs and plan of care.
Support for Families Facing Difficult Changes
Medical social workers can help patients and families navigate emotional, social, and practical concerns that may arise as ALS progresses.
Respect for Personal Beliefs
Spiritual care can provide support according to the patient’s and family’s beliefs, values, traditions, and preferences.
Support Through Grief
Bereavement support can help family members and caregivers navigate grief following a patient’s death, according to the hospice’s bereavement program.
When You Need Someone to Call, Day or Night
ALS-related care needs can change unexpectedly, and caregivers may have questions outside regular office hours.
Angel Palliative Care & Hospice, Inc. provides 24/7 on-call hospice support for patients and caregivers, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
The on-call hospice team can help address questions, changes in condition, and concerns that arise between scheduled visits.
Talk With Our Hospice TeamHospice Can Meet Patients Where They Call Home
Hospice does not necessarily require a patient to move to a hospice facility.
When appropriate, hospice services may be provided in:
Our team works with patients, families, caregivers, and facility staff as appropriate to coordinate hospice services.
For someone living with ALS, receiving care in a familiar environment may help preserve a sense of comfort and routine while providing additional support as needs change.
Support With Medications, Equipment, and Supplies
As ALS progresses, patients may need additional resources to support comfort and daily care. Depending on the patient’s needs and individualized plan of care, hospice may include coordination of medications, medical equipment, and supplies.
Medications Related to the Terminal Diagnosis
Medications related to the terminal diagnosis may be provided as part of the hospice plan of care, subject to applicable coverage requirements and the patient’s individual needs.
Hospice-Related Medical Equipment
Appropriate durable medical equipment may be arranged when needed to support comfort, safety, positioning, mobility, and care in the patient’s chosen setting.
Medical Supplies
Medical supplies related to hospice care may be provided according to the patient’s individualized plan of care and applicable coverage requirements.
Understanding Medicare Hospice Coverage for ALS
For people who qualify for the Medicare hospice benefit, Medicare Part A generally covers hospice care related to the terminal illness and related conditions when applicable Medicare hospice requirements are met and the patient elects hospice care.
Covered hospice services may include:
An ALS diagnosis does not automatically establish eligibility for Medicare hospice coverage. Eligibility depends on the patient’s overall condition and applicable hospice requirements.
Our team can help families understand the evaluation and referral process and answer questions about hospice coverage.
You Can Start With a Conversation
You Can Start With a Conversation
Families sometimes hesitate to contact hospice because they are unsure whether their loved one is ready or eligible.
You do not need to determine that on your own.
A physician, family member, caregiver, or other appropriate referral source can contact Angel Palliative Care & Hospice, Inc. to discuss the patient’s condition and request an evaluation.
A conversation can help your family understand the hospice process and the types of support that may be available.
For Physicians and Care Professionals
Physicians and healthcare professionals can contact Angel Palliative Care & Hospice, Inc. when they believe a patient with advanced ALS may benefit from a hospice evaluation.
Our team can discuss the patient’s current condition, care needs, referral process, and appropriate next steps.
Address: 90 South Spruce Ave, Ste O, South San Francisco, CA 94066
Phone: 650-590-2530 | Email: info@apchbayarea.com
