Everyday Life With ALS: A Practical Guide

If you have ALS, or care for someone who does, this practical guide will answer many of your questions about equipment, therapies and accessibility that arise over the course of the disease.

Chapter 1 - Equipment for Daily Living

Not long ago, there were few solutions to the many problems and challenges that ALS poses. Fortunately, that situation is changing.

New techniques and new products are continually emerging that make it increasingly possible for people with ALS to adapt to the disease, to pursue their interests, and to continue to live rich and rewarding lives.

In this practical guide, you’ll find advice and information that address needs ranging from those of a person with ALS who is ambulatory and mostly independent to those of a person who needs extensive assistance.

The guide offers in Chapter 1 a broad sample of practical assistive devices that compensate for weakness and fatigue and are available to help you accomplish a range of daily activities – from eating meals to talking on the telephone.

Spotlight on Clothing and Dressing Hints Look for items with Velcro closures or snaps rather than buttons, or consider altering your existing clothing with these closures. Homemade zipper pulls can be made by tying on a piece of cloth or attaching a circular key ring, piece of fishing line, or other object. Rub the lead from a pencil on the teeth of a sticky zipper to make it easier to pull. Slip-on shoes are easiest for dressing, and those with Velcro closures avoid laces. Spiral, “no-tie” shoelaces just need to be twisted once or twice and allow you to secure a shoe without having to tie a knot. Elastic shoelaces look like regular laces except for the elastic “give.” The elasticity will allow you to slip shoes on or off more easily. Long-handled shoe horns are helpful for slipping on shoes without having to bend down as far. Sock aids prevent you from having to bend down to slip on socks. One version holds the open sock at the end of a U-shaped device that has long rope handles. Another consists of a wire or plastic frame that holds socks or stockings in place for the foot to be slipped into. Caregivers can place socks on these aids in advance for the next dressing time. Whenever possible, sit while dressing so you can safely rest as needed. If one side of the body is weaker, it takes less effort to dress this side first. For example, put the weaker arm into the shirtsleeve first, the stronger arm next.