A diagnosis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, profoundly impacts patients and their loved ones. ALS is a progressive neurological disorder that gradually impairs muscle function, leading to significant physical challenges. As the disease advances, specialized hospice care becomes essential to provide comfort, dignity, and comprehensive support. At All Compassionate Care Hospice, we are committed to delivering compassionate hospice care tailored to the unique needs of ALS patients and their families, ensuring quality of life during this difficult journey.
While ALS has no cure, hospice care focuses on symptom relief, emotional support, and maintaining dignity and comfort.
Deciding when to begin hospice care can be difficult. Hospice care may be appropriate when:
Early enrollment in hospice care can improve symptom management, reduce hospitalizations, and provide families with emotional and practical support.
Hospice eligibility for ALS is generally based on clinical guidelines that indicate advanced disease progression. Patients typically qualify if they meet several of the following criteria:
Rapid neurological decline over the past 12 months, such as worsening muscle weakness or loss of speech
Respiratory impairment, including shortness of breath at rest or need for ventilatory support like BiPAP
Nutritional challenges, such as difficulty swallowing leading to weight loss, or a decision to forgo artificial feeding
Loss of independence in performing activities of daily living (ADLs) such as dressing, bathing, or feeding oneself
Presence of severe complications, including recurrent aspiration pneumonia, infected pressure ulcers (stage 3 or 4), or frequent infections like urinary tract infections or sepsis
Our experienced hospice team works closely with your healthcare providers to assess these factors and ensure timely access to hospice care.
Our comprehensive hospice care program for ALS patients is designed to address the complex and evolving needs of each individual. Services include:
We deliver hospice care wherever the patient feels most comfortable, including:
Our flexible and patient-centered approach ensures continuity of care and personalized attention regardless of location.
Choosing hospice care for ALS offers numerous benefits, including:
If you or a loved one is living with ALS and considering hospice care, contact All Compassionate Care Hospice, today. We are here to answer your questions, assess eligibility, and provide compassionate, expert care tailored to your family’s needs.
