How to Help Someone With Lou Gehrig's Disease
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease, affects about 30,000 Americans, with 15 new cases being diagnosed every day. If you know someone who has been diagnosed with ALS, your support and encouragement can be crucial to his well-being and quality of life.
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Instructions
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Care for the Caregiver
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Educate yourself. You will be better equipped to help someone with Lou Gehrig's disease if you understand what he is going through. The more you know about the disease, the more beneficial your help will be.
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Build a support group. Whether it is comprised of family members, friends or co-workers, you and your loved one will need help and encouragement from others.
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Take a break. You will not be an effective caregiver for someone with ALS if you deplete all of your resources. Ask members of your support group for help to allow you time to rest and renew your strength.
Care for the Patient
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Engage the patient in range of motion exercises. Helping her exercise all of her muscles will help to preserve and increase her strength and flexibility.
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Massage his sore back, legs and arms. Simple massage can help alleviate the pain that is often associated with Lou Gehrig's Disease.
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Plan an easy-to-eat diet. Some individuals with ALS have difficulty chewing and swallowing their food. To help her gain the nutrition she needs, cook soft food and puree it, if necessary.
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Talk. Individuals with ALS often are depressed and worried. Allowing them to talk about their experience and their feelings will help them to better cope with the pain and frustration that accompanies their illness.
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Tips & Warnings
Lou Gehrig's Disease is not contagious. You can help your loved one without worrying about contracting the disease yourself.
Before taking over and doing something for someone with ALS, ask if they want help. The more the patient can care for himself, the better his quality of life will be.
