Patient & Family Services
Our Chapter offers a full range of services to guide and assist you as you learn more about ALS. Here you will find pertinent information for patients, caregivers, family members, friends and healthcare workers. Our staff is here Monday through Friday to answer any questions you may have. Please don't hesitate to call or e-mail us for more information click here
Specific Services Provided by the Indiana Chapter Include:
I.U. ALS Center at Wishard Health Services
(ALS Mult-Disciplinary Clinic)
The goal of the multi-disciplinary clinic is to provide a convenient and supportive environment for patients and families to receive professional medical evaluation and social services. The clinic provides access to numerous medical disciplines and is solely dedicated to the evaluation and treatment of those diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Appointments at the clinic are scheduled on Tuesdays of each month at Regenstrief Health Clinic in Indianapolis. The clinic director is Dr. Robert Pascuzzi, Neurologist, and his team of professionals, including a Dr. of PM&R, a Registered Nurse, a Respiratory Therapist, a Speech Therapist, an Occupational Therapist, a Dietician, Physical Therapists, an Orthotist and an Equipment Specialist. A licensed ALS Patient Services Coordinator is also available to addresses the social service needs of the families.
The I.U. ALS Center at Wishard Health Services is proud to carry the ALSA certification as a Center of Excellence, one of just a couple dozen in the US. Our clinic was certified by The ALS Association in June, 2005. For more information about the ALS Multi-Disciplinary Clinic and other patient programs please contact the Indiana Chapter.
ALS Resource Guide for Indiana
The resource guide published by the Indiana Chapter addresses many of the medical, emotional and practical needs of ALS patients in Indiana. The first half of the book contains general ALS information as well as various suggested therapies that are helpful to ALS patients. The second half is a directory of programs and services in Indiana that can provide assistance to ALS patients, families and their caregivers. One printed book per family is available free of charge. An electronic copy (large 3MB document) of the January, 2005, edition may be downloaded by clicking here.
Monthly Support Meetings
Monthly support meetings are held in various regions of the state. Topics are a balance of educational/informational and social/emotional issues. Support Group meetings are currently offered in Alexandria, Indianapolis, Evansville, Richmond and Warsaw, in addition to a monthly Survivor's Care Group in Evansville.
"Living with ALS" Manuals
The ALS Association is delighted to offer its set of six "Living With ALS" manuals on the national web site. With the color artwork and the same layout and look as the hard copy version, the web-based set of informational manuals can be read online or printed. First provided in 1997, the set of "Living With ALS" manuals fast became the most valuable single informational resource for the ALS community.
The manuals have been updated and are designed to be read in the order that is most helpful and meaningful to the person with ALS and their family - based on the individual's symptoms. The manuals include:
- Manual #1 What's It All About?
- Manual #2 Coping With Change
- Manual #3 Managing Your Symptoms and Treatment
- Manual #4 Functioning When Your Mobility Is Affected
- Manual #5 Adjusting to Swallowing and Speaking Difficulties
- Manual #6 Adapting to Breathing Problems
Equipment Loan Closet
Donated and recycled durable medical equipment is available for loan to ALS patients, based on medical and financial need, and is free of charge. We gratefully accept donations of quality medical goods to maintain our loan closet inventory.
Caregiver Support Retreats
A day is scheduled every spring in each of our regional service areas to address the unique emotional, physical and spiritual needs of ALS caregivers.
Annual ALS Update & Holiday Reception
Our chapter hosts a pre-holiday reception for the statewide ALS community which also provides a platform to learn about and discuss current trends in ALS treatment and research. Featured keynote speaker is Dr. Robert Pascuzzi.
Advocacy and Support Services
Experienced patient-services coordinators provide referral information, emotional and social support services for our clients throughout the state. In addition, the Indiana Chapter actively participates in advocacy and awareness efforts, sending representatives to National ALS Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill each May.
The 2007 ALS Advocay Day on Capitol Hill will be held on Wednesday, May 16th, 2007.
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The ALS Association Indiana Chapter
