HOW TO HELP
Caring Bridge and ALS Care Connection are helpful ways to keep family and friends updated and to rally them around to help. BUT... The PALS (Person with ALS) and the Caregiver may not have the time or emotional bandwidth to set them up. Offer to help!
Caring Bridge: A free online tool for sharing health updates. It is an easy and ad-free way to communicate health news to family and friends—all in one place.
ALS Care Connection is a service to support caregivers and people facing ALS. It helps to:
Caring Bridge: A free online tool for sharing health updates. It is an easy and ad-free way to communicate health news to family and friends—all in one place.
ALS Care Connection is a service to support caregivers and people facing ALS. It helps to:
- Post updates and information about the PALS.
- Coordinate volunteer activities, including meals, transportation to medical appointments, and other tasks.
- Provide a private space where community members can offer words of support and encouragement.
- Schedule offers to give caregivers a break or to do something special for them.
OFFERING HELP: Instead of asking how you can help, offer concrete ways you can lend a hand. For example:
NOTE: When you are with the PALS or caregiver, take time to listen. Often, they may have some things they'd like to talk about to someone other than their loved one.
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Send notes or cards every now and then -- not only to PALS but to caregiver as well -- to let them know you are thinking of them. There is no right thing to say ... other than to speak from your heart. Simply hearing from you will bring them joy and comfort.
Burnout: The everyday tasks a caregiver does for their loved one are often time-consuming and require a great deal of effort. At the same time, they are dealing with the emotions that go along with seeing their loved one struggle with ALS. Their responsibilities, expectations, and emotions can take a toll on them, and they may find themselves headed down the path of burnout. Learn about burnout and how to recognize the symptoms. Talk with the caregiver if you see signs of burnout. The ALS Association answers these very important questions:
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