Elderly Adults and ALS
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is more commonly known as ALS or Lou Gehrig’s Disease and most often develops later in a person’s life. When aging adults are diagnosed with ALS, it means numerous changes to their lives. Many seniors with ALS want to continue to live at home, so with a dedicated family caregiver and plenty of support, elderly adults can enjoy comfortable and familiar surroundings as they battle this progressive disease.
Homecare in Englewood CO: Elderly Adults and ALS
What is ALS?
ALS affects the motor neurons, causing a person to lose control of various muscles over time. It destroys the nerves that control the muscles, and they weaken to the point of total paralysis. The disease is progressive over the years, and to date, there is no cure. The disease usually manifests in adults between the ages of 40 and 70. With treatment for symptoms and to slow down the progression, adults with ALS can expect to live for three to ten years before respiratory failure. In some small but interesting cases, ALS stops progressing but does not reverse, leading to a long life as in the case of physicist Stephen Hawking.
Symptoms of ALS in Elderly Adults
The earliest symptoms of ALS in seniors center on muscle spasms, weakness, and problems with swallowing and speaking. Because these symptoms are also similar to many other age-related diseases and conditions, it can be hard for family caregivers to identify them as something else. Over time, symptoms progress to muscle cramps, slurred speech, respiratory problems and reduced use of limbs. In late stages, seniors must use a ventilator to breathe and they are almost totally paralyzed.
Treating ALS in Elderly Adults
There is no cure for ALS, but seniors can work with numerous specialists to treat some of the symptoms and learn to adapt to the changes in their bodies. Certain medications can help with some of the muscle issues and breathing problems. Seniors can work with physical and occupational therapists, respiratory therapists and doctors to work around symptoms like speech problems and muscle issues in the early stages of ALS. Certain medication may help seniors with ALS slow progression.
Caring for Seniors with ALS
As the senior’s health declines, they will need full-time care. Family caregivers can do a lot to help elderly loved ones with ALS and assistive devices like wheelchairs and walkers give them the means to get around. Family caregivers also need to look into hiring home care providers to help with round-the-clock coverage for the aging adult.
With home care providers, seniors with ALS can stay longer in their homes. Home care providers can assist with everything from bathing and dressing to grooming and meal preparation. Light housekeeping and laundry are also daily duties that a home care provider can help with. Companionship and social interaction are important to seniors with ALS and home care providers can be there to give the elderly adults some company.
Getting a diagnosis of ALS means a lot of challenges are ahead, but when seniors have an excellent support group of family caregivers, home care providers, doctors, nurses, and therapists, they can look forward to a finer quality of life in the years to come.
To learn more about the benefits of having Homecare in Englewood, CO, and schedule a free consultation, contact AA HealthSystem at (720) 863-1006 today. Provide your aging parent with the care and support they need through personalized in-home care services.
Our core mission is to help senior individuals continue to lead full, healthy, and active lifestyles, by providing them with the highest quality non-medical in-home care. In order to accomplish this goal, we are constantly innovating; from equipping our Caregivers with the most up-to-date knowledge of diagnosis-specific care processes to creating personalized diagnosis-specific diet plans in conjunction with our certified dietitian.
We bring an unmatched level of customer service to the industry, provide free in-home consultations, have no minimum hourly requirement in the number of services employed, and created AA HealthSystem’s Guarantee, which states that a qualified Caregiver will be at your home within three hours of your initial request.
Our Mission and Vision
Mission Statement
To be the industry leader, providing the highest quality non-medical home care, while giving back to the community.
Vision
Our Vision is to be admired for our people, passion, and performance.
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