ALS Awareness Month is always an emotional challenge.
On the one hand, I am truly grateful for the awareness it brings as the noise usually leads to attention and visibility for a community that is often competing for noise and dollars from many others.
On the other, “awareness” is not necessary as those who have been impacted by this disease frankly do not need a reminder of the devastation and pain it can cause. We miss our loved ones, we tremble when we hear the initials ALS, and our hearts ache when we hear of another newly diagnosed person.
The reason Homewatch CareGivers exists in Lake Norman and Charlotte, NC is ALS.
In the summer of 2012, my younger brother was told by the professionals at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore, MD that he had ALS.
On February 20, 2015, Tony took his last breath.
What is ALS?
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative condition that affects the nerves controlling voluntary muscles. As the disease advances, individuals with ALS—often referred to as Persons with ALS (PALS)—experience increasing difficulty with movement, communication, and daily activities.
While there is no cure, quality care can greatly enhance a person’s comfort, dignity, and overall well-being. In-home care provides personalized support that allows PALS to remain in a familiar environment while receiving the assistance they need.
Some of the care my brother received was exceptional and the caregivers were kind, competent, appropriately trained and reliable. While I cannot bring him back, I can honor his legacy by bringing love and care to those in our Charlotte and Lake Norman communities, including families impacted by ALS.
We do not need to stay stuck in the past to honor those who are no longer here.
The Challenges of ALS
ALS leads to muscle weakness, paralysis, and, eventually, the loss of the ability to speak, eat, and breathe independently. The average life expectancy is 3-5 years.
Some of the most significant challenges faced by people with ALS include:
• Loss of mobility, requiring assistance with transfers and movement
• Difficulty swallowing and eating, necessitating specialized meal preparation
• Trouble communicating as speech becomes impaired
• Dependence on ventilators or other respiratory support in later stages
• Emotional challenges, including anxiety and depression
Managing these challenges requires a specialized, patient and compassionate approach, which is where in-home care becomes invaluable.
How In-Home Care Supports ALS
Assistance with Daily Activities
As ALS progresses, even the simplest tasks become difficult. In-home caregivers provide essential assistance with:
• Bathing, dressing, and personal hygiene
• Meal preparation and feeding assistance, including support for those with swallowing difficulties
• Light housekeeping and ensuring a clean, safe living space
• Medication reminders and coordination with healthcare providers
By offering this support, caregivers help relieve the burden on both PALS and their families, allowing them to focus on quality time together.
Mobility and Safety Support
Since ALS affects muscle function, fall prevention and safe transfers are critical. In-home caregivers assist with:
• Regular re-positioning and turning to prevent pressure sores
• Helping patients move safely within their home
• Providing support with mobility devices, such as wheelchairs and lifts
These measures improve comfort and prevent complications associated with immobility.
Emotional and Social Support
ALS can be isolating, but in-home caregivers provide meaningful companionship for the individual and their family. Whether engaging in conversation, reading together, or assisting with communication devices, caregivers can help both individuals and their families stay connected and engaged.
A client we cared for told us that one of the things he missed the most was “turning the pages of a good book.”
Our caregiver spent time each day reading to this client. While he could not turn the pages himself, the joy he received was clear and powerful. While assistance with basis tasks is crucial, it was in these moments where the client felt most alive and at peace.
We were honored to help make these moments happen.
Perspective.
Flexible, Compassionate Care at Every Stage
ALS care needs evolve over time, requiring adaptable support.
Professional In-home care services can be customized to provide hourly assistance, full-time care, respite care, or even 24/7 support as the disease progresses.
At Homewatch CareGivers of Charlotte and Mooresville, we are committed to providing compassionate, high-quality care for individuals with ALS. For our entire team at Homewatch CareGivers of Charlotte and Mooresville, ALS is close to our hearts as we have lived, we have hurry, and we have worked thru our grief and have chosen to honor our loved ones by moving forward and bringing comfort, joy and peace to others in our community.
While we cannot bring our loved ones back, we can honor their legacy and choose to be a source of strength and comfort to our neighbors.
If you or a loved one needs in-home support, contact one of Charlotte & Lake Norman’s highest rated and most trusted In-home care organizations at 704-503-4660.
Please reach out if you have any questions, need support or someone to listen to, or need some guidance on resources. Each of these websites is informative.
https://www.als.org/support/states/north-carolinaals.org,
https://joemartinalsfoundation.org/
Love to all.