ALS Specialty Care
With a collaborative and experienced staff, Lightways provides physical, emotional and spiritual support for patients with ALS through both our Serious Illness Care and Hospice Programs.
Specialty Care for People with ALS
In 2022, 55 people with ALS were in our care. We’ll work together to determine the best care option for you.
With both our Serious Illness Care and ALS programs, it’s important to note:
- Our focus is helping you manage pain and symptoms and providing support
- We come to you. Care is provided in the home
- Our services are covered under Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurances
Lightways ALS Specialty Care team provides health care that can ease pain and other symptoms and side effects from your illness or treatment to help you and your family.
Serious Illness Care Program
The Serious Illness Care Program at Lightways includes:
- Nurse practitioners who work with you and your established providers on pain and symptom management.
- NPs available 24/7 to consult on urgent needs.
- Social workers who help with resources.
- Nurse navigators who are available for phone check-in.
- Grief counselors who support the family as you navigate the ALS diagnosis.
Hospice Care Program
The Hospice Care Program at Lightways includes:
- An RN case manager who leads your team and provides direct nursing care in the home.
- Resources nurses who are available 24/7 to address urgent needs.
- Respiratory therapist.
- CNAs who assist with personal care.
- Social workers who provide support and assure you have all the resources you need.
- Chaplains.
- Grief Counselors.
- Medical Director.
- Integrative therapists including:
– Music Therapy.
– Massage Therapy.
– Aromatherapy. - A child life specialist who works with children impacted by your diagnosis to help them cope and grieve.
- Access to a secure patient-friendly communication tool that lets you ask questions and report symptoms all from your smart phone.
Lightways Serious Illness Care FAQs
What conditions are considered serious illness?
Serious Illness Care is for anyone who has an advanced or life-limiting illness including cancer, dementia, heart and lung diseases like CHF and COPD, end Stage Renal Disease, liver disease, ALS, HIV/AIDS and others.
Will I still see my doctors and be under their care?
Yes, you can still remain under the care of your physicians. We should be considered “another layer of support” for you, helping with care coordination with your healthcare team.
If I accept Serious Illness Care does that mean that I am giving up and stopping treatment?
Patients can continue to receive curative treatment under the care of their physicians. Our role is to support your care by minimizing pain and symptoms. We want to help you feel the best you can while you enjoy the things you love and the people in your life.
Where can I receive care, do I need to come to you or go to my doctor’s office?
We come to you–your home, or if you live in a skilled nursing or assisted living facility.
What type of insurance coverage do I need to have?
Medicare and most insurance companies cover our services.
SERIOUS ILLNESS CARE: ALS Care | Cardiac Care | Serious Illness Care