News & Stories
Care Services Digest – February 2024
Caring for someone living with ALS is hard work. ALS Northwest offers a variety of opportunities for caregivers to connect with professionals and one another. Whether it’s through a monthly support group, caregiver workshop, mentor support session, or conversation with a care coordinator, it’s important that caregivers know they are not alone, and that help is available.
SAVE THE DATE: April 6th, 2024 – ALS Caregiving 101
ALS Caregivers will learn the basics, share their own experience, and ask the experts! The Caregiving 101 program includes virtual video training, Q&A sessions with ALS specialists, and peer-to-peer conversations designed to help family caregivers proactively manage the care of a person with ALS.
These training sessions allow caregivers to learn from other ALS caregivers who often have years of lived experience. Family caregivers learn the practical skills they need to safely operate unfamiliar tools and equipment such as Ambu Bags, patient lifts, and feeding tubes. At the same time, they receive the resources they need to practice self- care, cope with burnout, and explore in-home and respite care options. Some examples of topics include Pulmonology and Respiratory Health, Speech and Communication, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Nursing and Nutrition.
Find more information and upcoming Caregiving 101 programs on our calendar, and reach out to Susan Pennock with questions: Susan.Pennock@alsnorthwest.org.
Need a Helping Hand? – Helping Hands Volunteer Program
Through this program, we match trained volunteers with families impacted by ALS. Volunteers can help with all sorts of tasks including pet care, yard work, errands, companionship, and hobbies. Reach out to Volunteer Coordinator Annie Teer with any questions: Annie.Teer@alsnorthwest.org or 503-501-4804. Learn more about our volunteer programs.
Mentor Support Program
Caregivers are matched with a mentor who has “been there” through our mentor support program. New or current caregivers will be connected with a former caregiver who has already lost a loved one that can share experiences and support. Your mentor may not have all the answers, but they can undoubtedly relate to the challenges of supporting a person diagnosed with ALS. Reach out to Volunteer coordinator Annie Teer with any questions at annie.teer@alsnorthwest.org or 503-501-4804.
Family Caregiver Support Groups
Support groups offer family caregivers the opportunity to meet and connect with others who are also caring for a person with ALS, in a safe and open environment. These groups are only open to family caregivers, and touch on topics ranging from practical tools and equipment to self-care. Groups are available in person and virtually. To learn more or join a group today, reach out to us at careservices@alsnorthwest.org.
To discuss any of these options and more, don’t ever hesitate to reach out to your ALS Northwest local Care Coordinator, or contact us at careservices@alsnorthwest.org.