Caregiver Awareness of ALS Complications
May is ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) Awareness Month. As a caregiver it is import to be learn more about this condition. ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, causing muscle control loss. ALS usually starts slowly with muscle twitching and weakness in a limb, or maybe slurred speech. Eventually, ALS takes away the ability to control any of the muscles needed to move, speak, eat, and breathe.
If you are the caregiver of a parent who has ALS, you should have a team assembled to assist you in taking care of your parent as different complications from this dreadful disease start to affect how you parent manages many bodily functions we take for granted.
Some of the primary complications that ALS can cause are:
Speaking issues
Most patients who have ALS will develop speaking issues as they lose control of those muscles. Your parent’s speech may be slurred, or he may not be able to create certain sounds anymore. As a caregiver, you want to be able to communicate with your parent so you can know how to help and support him. Look for assistive devices that can help him communicate. It can be as simple as a piece of paper and pen, or you can look at getting an electronic device such as an iPad to type out his requests if he is able to still type. Basic sign language could be another way for your parent to communicate with you or any caregiver.
Eating problems
As the muscles used to swallow and chew become damaged and unable to be controlled, your parent might face the risk of becoming dehydrated or malnourished as fears of choking stop him from trying to eat. He will also run a higher risk of developing pneumonia if he eats using his mouth because food and liquid may make its way into the lungs. As a caregiver, you can work with a nutritionist to determine the best way to get your parent the nutrients and hydration he needs. At some point, a feeding tube may be considered to eliminate the risks and dangers that come with mouth feeding and drinking.
Mental health struggles
Some patients with ALS, develop problems with memory, decision-making and managing emotions. Having a mental health professional on your team to determine how to help with any of these complications will help you make the best choice for your parent.
Breathing concerns
As ALS progresses, it usually paralyzes the muscles used to breath. Your parent may need to start getting a CPAP machine to help his breathing at night. It’s very similar to what someone who has sleep apnea wears. As it continues to worsen, he might progress to needing a tracheostomy, which is a surgery that creates a hole at the front of the neck leading to the windpipe, for full-time use of a respirator that inflates and deflates his lungs.
As you make each decision for your parent as their caregiver, remember to keep yourself in mind as well if you are the primary caregiver, and especially if you are the only caregiver. It will be important for you to take care of yourself and your parent as you navigate these waters together.
If you or an aging loved-one is considering Caregiver Services in Warner Robins GA please contact the caring staff at Angels of Mercy Private Homecare Services, Inc. today at 478-745-5111.
Angels of Mercy Private Homecare has been providing in-home care services since 2002 throughout the Macon and Middle Georgia Area.
Angels of Mercy Private Homecare Services provides in-home care that improves the lives of the clients. Our services help them maintain the highest possible level of independent living. We provide In-home private duty care and care management services for seniors throughout the Middle Georgia area.
Our CNA (certified nursing aides), caregiver, and companion services allow our clients to age in the place where they feel most comfortable and secure - at home. Combine our Home Care Services, with our Geriatric Care Management component, and we provide the most comprehensive assistance for the Middle Georgia areas seniors.
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