Support Services:
| Individuals living with ALS should register with ALS NS |
| in order to receive services and equipment |
Form Links:
Equipment and Assistive Technology:
Walkers as well as power and manual wheel chairs all provide mobility to those affected by ALS and electric
hospital beds provide comfort to the person with ALS as well as helping the caregiver. These items, as well
as things such as lifts and BiPap machines are all things that a person with ALS will need during the course
of the disease.
Communication support is provided by high-tech speech devices and low-tech letter boards and laser pointers,
giving a 'voice' to those who can no longer speak. ALS is a rapidly progressive disease and individuals can
seldom afford to wait for the equipment they need.
The ALS Society provides equipment, works with families and insurance companies to fund the equipment, and,
when possible, makes up any funding shortfall. The society maintains a pool of equipment so that the right
piece of equipment may be available to those who need it.
Information and Support:
Individuals with ALS and their families are able to access information through the office, by phone, on line
or during home visits. Client Services staff will help clients to navigate the healthcare system. The
ALS Society believes that by sharing the frustrations, fears, and inspirations of individuals and family
members, the significant barriers of isolation and loneliness can be broken. Bringing individuals with ALS
together provides an opportunity for them to help and support each other.
Awareness and Education:
Together with ALS Canada we work hard to build awareness of ALS. Books, videos, websites, and special events
all work to raise both awareness and the dollars needed to continue to provide services and support. The society also
works with medical professionals and caregivers to provide education to healthcare providers through in-services
and workshops, making sure they know about the disease and how to deal with it.
Advocacy:
The ALS Society of Nova Scotia is becoming actively involved in making politicians and decision makers aware of
the unique and challenging demands that ALS places not only on the people living with ALS but also those
people involved in their care. It is through better understanding that we are able to move towards helping
all people with ALS living in Nova Scotia.
Contact:
Jennifer Gardner
Client Services Coordinator
ALS Society of NS
jg@alsns.ca
902 454 3636
Toll free - 866 625 7257
Research:
Although ALS was identified in France 1869, relatively little is truly known about what causes the disease
and where the key to a cure might be found. The ALS Society of Nova Scotia is actively involved in directing
research dollars to The ALS Society of Canada, to help fund cutting edge research to find a cause and cure
for this terrible disease. The funds are primarily raised through special events such as the WALKs for ALS. To find out more, click here...
