I was asked to do an educational program for a local nursing home on the care of the ALS patient. My lung
capacity had gotten too low to allow me to speak loudly and long enough to do this in person, so I offered to make
it a written in-service. The focus is on the care issues presented by ALS patients that nursing home staff may be
less familiar with so the in-service does not cover some aspects of care common in nursing homes, such as tube
feedings.
Corrections or suggestions for improvement would be much appreciated, especially comments from PALs and CALs who
are familiar with the educational needs of nursing home or home caregivers regarding ALS.
If you feel that the information would be of help to any caregivers, feel free to copy it and share it.
To the Staff Instructor
Feel free to use this information in any way you feel it will be helpful. Add, delete, rearrange as needed and
pass it on to anyone else who might find it useful. I started to add goals and objectives but decided my nursing
educator ways are probably getting a bit out-dated. I will leave it to you to add the necessary spit and polish
needed to make this a "real" in-service! Please let me know if there are any clarifications needed, more
specific aspects of ALS you would like covered or if there is any thing else I can do to help.
To the Staff
I apologize in advance to readers who may find this information rather dry and boring. If I were able to deliver
it in person, it would be much less ‘textbook' and a lot more interesting! Unfortunately, ALS has made
speaking to groups difficult for me so you will just have to wade through this without benefit of my charismatic
speaking style, sparkling wit, warmth and bubbly personality! (And doughnuts. I always brought doughnuts!)
To answer any questions on my credentials . . . I am a retired RN. I worked general Med-Surg units, then 5 years
in Critical Care where I began specializing in Neuro and earned Neuro Certification (CNRN). I was diagnosed with ALS
in 1985 at the age of 37. When my hospital opened a Neuro Unit, I was selected for the position of Neuroscience
Educator. In that position, I was able to continue working even after I began using a wheelchair. By 1995 arm
weakness and fatigue made it too difficult to continue and I retired.
I have been incredibly fortunate in that my ALS has progressed very, very slowly, and, unlike most ALS patients,
I have been able to enjoy the years since my retirement. I spend my days at my desk with computer, TV, stereo, and 3
cats to keep me entertained, and a wonderful husband to care for me. My computer has kept me occupied, entertained
and even productive. I play games and create photo album CD's, screen savers, brochures, newsletters, etc., for
family and friends.
Through the Internet, I communicate daily with other ALS patients, keep up on research and treatments and care
issues. I have my own ALS web site ALS From Both Sides which focuses on nursing care, and
on practical solutions for the daily problems of ALS.
If you have any questions about ALS or care of ALS patients, I will be glad to answer if I can, or look for the
answers for you.
Diane Huberty
