Services provided

In support of the education, resource and support needs of ALS patients and family caregivers, The ALS Association offers the following programs and services through its network of chapters, support groups, certified clinical centers and the National Office.

The Exchange e-newsletter
The ALS Association’s Care Services electronic newsletter, The Exchange, is published monthly.  The Exchange covers a broad range of subjects including stories about the lives of ALS patients, Q&A with medical professionals, tips on daily living and communication, and webinar announcements.
Sign up to receive The Exchange

Printed educational materials about:

• ALS and its effects on motor function
• What to expect as the disease progresses
• Living with ALS - coping and symptom management including mobility, speech, swallowing, and breathing problems
• How to care for a person with ALS at home including physical care, nutrition and emotional issues
• Medications for ALS and symptom management
• Research progress
• A suggested reading list that includes a number of books for and about ALS patients and their family caregivers covering a wide variety of specific topics from The ALS Association's FYI Information Index
  Visit The ALS Association's library

Support groups:

• Many support groups are designed to meet the special needs of ALS family caregivers.
• Other support groups devote a portion of the meeting time to meet with family caregivers separate from the persons with ALS.
• Support group programs include speakers and resources specifically designed for family caregivers.
• Support groups provide networking opportunities for family caregivers to meet one another and offer each other mutual support and practical problem solving strategies.
  Find your local support group

Equipment Loan Programs:

• Most ALS Association chapters loan a range of equipment to ALS families. Equipment such as a lift device, wheelchair or communication device can make a significant difference to the family caregiver as well as the ALS patient.

Respite Programs:

• Many ALS Association chapters offer respite programs to provide family caregivers time away from the home and their responsibilities. Caregivers can use the time - from a few hours to a full day or more - to take care of personal matters, catch up with family and friends and have a chance for rest and relaxation.
  Find your local chapter

Affiliations:
The ALS Association is affiliated and works closely with the following groups:

• National Family Caregivers Association
• National Alliance for Caregiving
• Family Caregiver Alliance