ALS Support Services |
|
|
The ALS community is strong. Caring professionals, organizations, and individuals can help guide you and your family through the journey. You do not have to figure everything out on your own.
Reach out and ask questions. Everything is voluntary and most services are free. |
|
Nationwide Support Services
ALS clinics across the United States have teams of multidisciplinary professionals who support and guide ALS patients throughout the progression of the disease. ALS clinics may be stand-alone clinics, or they may be housed within the neurology departments of public or private hospitals, universities, or the VA.
The ALS Association funds research and advocates for public policy changes on a national level. On a local level, chapters across the country provide free support services such as loaning out equipment, coordinating support groups, and sponsoring clinics.
The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) provides support services for families affected by muscular dystrophy, ALS, and related diseases. MDA has ALS Care Centers, an equipment-loan program, ALS-specific support groups, and educational materials.
I AM ALS Navigator is a free service that connects you over the phone or online with a person who can answer your logistical questions, connect you to resources, and provide emotional support.
The ALS Society of Canada is Canada’s leading ALS support organization. Its website includes a manual for people living with ALS and booklets for helping children and teens cope.
The ALS Association funds research and advocates for public policy changes on a national level. On a local level, chapters across the country provide free support services such as loaning out equipment, coordinating support groups, and sponsoring clinics.
The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) provides support services for families affected by muscular dystrophy, ALS, and related diseases. MDA has ALS Care Centers, an equipment-loan program, ALS-specific support groups, and educational materials.
I AM ALS Navigator is a free service that connects you over the phone or online with a person who can answer your logistical questions, connect you to resources, and provide emotional support.
The ALS Society of Canada is Canada’s leading ALS support organization. Its website includes a manual for people living with ALS and booklets for helping children and teens cope.
Regional ALS Organizations
ALS in the Heartland is an organization that provides support to families in Nebraska and western Iowa that have been affected by ALS. Founded in 2006, ALS in the Heartland provides a respite care grant program, an equipment loan program, and a team of volunteers who can help with chores, errands, and yard work. People with ALS are paired with a social worker who can offer emotional support, answer questions, advocate on their behalf, and connect them to local resources.
ALS of Michigan is a nonprofit organization that has supported people with ALS and their families in the state of Michigan since 1978. ALS of Michigan offers home visits, equipment loans, support groups, respite care, counseling, education, workshops, and more. It also has a dedicated Augmentative and Alternative Communication Center.
Compassionate Care ALS (CCALS) is a Massachusetts-based nonprofit organization that supports people with ALS, their families, health professionals, and communities. CCALS loans equipment and wheelchair-accessible vans, provides assistance with Medicare and Medicaid, coordinates in-home medical services, offers emotional support, hosts workshops, and has a retreat center.
The Joe Martin ALS Foundation is a North Carolina-based organization that provides many support services at no cost, including caregiver training, 3-6 hours of in-home care per week, home assessments, wheelchair-accessible transportation to appointments and events, support groups and workshops, a camp for children whose lives have been affected by ALS, and a network of volunteers who can help families with meals, errands, and home projects.
The Les Turner ALS Foundation is an independent organization that provides a local community of support for families affected by ALS in the Chicago area. Founded in 1977, the Les Turner ALS Foundation conducts research, operates an ALS clinic, and provides extensive support services, including individualized care, support groups, equipment loans, education, events, and grants.
MAC Angels is a nonprofit organization that provides support services to families affected by ALS in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. MAC Angels offers home visits, loaner equipment, transportation to clinic visits, support groups, emotional support, and help navigating the healthcare system.
ALS of Michigan is a nonprofit organization that has supported people with ALS and their families in the state of Michigan since 1978. ALS of Michigan offers home visits, equipment loans, support groups, respite care, counseling, education, workshops, and more. It also has a dedicated Augmentative and Alternative Communication Center.
Compassionate Care ALS (CCALS) is a Massachusetts-based nonprofit organization that supports people with ALS, their families, health professionals, and communities. CCALS loans equipment and wheelchair-accessible vans, provides assistance with Medicare and Medicaid, coordinates in-home medical services, offers emotional support, hosts workshops, and has a retreat center.
The Joe Martin ALS Foundation is a North Carolina-based organization that provides many support services at no cost, including caregiver training, 3-6 hours of in-home care per week, home assessments, wheelchair-accessible transportation to appointments and events, support groups and workshops, a camp for children whose lives have been affected by ALS, and a network of volunteers who can help families with meals, errands, and home projects.
The Les Turner ALS Foundation is an independent organization that provides a local community of support for families affected by ALS in the Chicago area. Founded in 1977, the Les Turner ALS Foundation conducts research, operates an ALS clinic, and provides extensive support services, including individualized care, support groups, equipment loans, education, events, and grants.
MAC Angels is a nonprofit organization that provides support services to families affected by ALS in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. MAC Angels offers home visits, loaner equipment, transportation to clinic visits, support groups, emotional support, and help navigating the healthcare system.
Veterans Organizations
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provides extensive service-connected benefits for military veterans with ALS.
The Paralyzed Veterans of America is a veterans services organization with local chapters around the country that can explain your benefits, guide you through the application process, submit your paperwork, and be your liaison to the VA.
The American Legion is a veterans service not-for-profit organization that can help veterans and families understand and apply for benefits.
See our full Resource List for more helpful organizations, websites, and services.
The Paralyzed Veterans of America is a veterans services organization with local chapters around the country that can explain your benefits, guide you through the application process, submit your paperwork, and be your liaison to the VA.
The American Legion is a veterans service not-for-profit organization that can help veterans and families understand and apply for benefits.
See our full Resource List for more helpful organizations, websites, and services.
