Answering Your ALS Questions with Sue Walsh, RN, MSN, ACNS-BC

Each month, a member of the Chapter’s experienced care team answers questions about ALS and their role in supporting ALS families.

 

How has your work as a nurse evolved since you began serving ALS patients at Hershey Medical Center over 25 years ago?

When we started the ALS clinic it was the first multidisciplinary clinic in the medical center and a novel way of providing care. At the time we were one of 9 available ALS clinics in the country. Now multidisciplinary care is the gold standard in ALS care.

December is a time for holiday celebrations. What tips do you have for people with ALS and their caregivers as they approach the holidays with family? How can we make travel and our homes safer and more accommodating for our loved ones with ALS?

Holidays are a time of celebration and time together. Helping family make sure the person with ALS can access the home of loved one makes sure they are included in the holiday fun. Portable suitcase ramps that can be easily set up and taken down are inexpensive and provide access.

The new mission of ALS United Mid-Atlantic is to “Unite and Empower the ALS Community.” How can we ensure that people with ALS and their caregivers are empowered as we head into the new year?

There is strength and power in a community gathered around a common experience and cause. The New Year brings new beginnings and resolutions. As the New Year approaches, make a resolution to participate in one ALS event. It may be a Resource group, a Fund-Raising event, a Walk or the Holiday party. All of these can show you that you are not alone and that there is support and strength in the many people who Unity and Empower each other.