Program has seen a 2400 percent census increase over last seven years

The ALS Association estimates the number of people living with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) in the United States to be more than 30,000. This number fluctuates daily because every 90 minutes, someone is diagnosed with or dies from ALS. Ninety percent of cases occur with no family history, and the onset is usually between the ages of 40 and 70.

According to Lisa Heiy, director of Serious Illness Care at Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care, the number of patients with ALS the organization cared for increased 2400 percent from 2016 to 2023.

“Lightways has seen dramatic increases in both the serious illness and hospice care program for people with ALS,” Heiy said. “We are able to create personalized care programs for each patient and their families to help them navigate this disease today, and as needs change in the future.”

While there is no cure for ALS, Serious Illness Care at Lightways, also known as palliative care, can help improve the quality of life and manage symptoms for the patient, as well as educate families about the different stages of the disease. ALS is a degenerative disease that challenges an individual’s ability to control his/her body. Routine tasks such as bathing, eating, and dressing become difficult and as the disease progresses, so does speaking, eating, and breathing which can cause immense physical discomfort and emotional pain.

“Our Serious Illness Care team is specially trained to assist ALS patients and their families,” said Heiy. “Our team helps enhance communication with a family’s doctors about goals and future advanced care plans, including mechanical ventilation, artificial feeding, and hydration. At every stage, our Serious Illness Care program clears the way for a patient and his/her loved ones, together, to enjoy the best possible quality of life.”

Heiy also said the Serious Illness Care program helps families make the transition to hospice care when they feel ongoing treatment is no longer helping.

“It is all about the continuity of care,” she said. “This can be a scary and emotional time for a patient and his/her family. The prognosis can change daily. Our Serious Illness Care team is here to help provide reassurance about the quality of care to families and ensure the patient is as comfortable as possible.”

In addition, Heiy said the Serious Illness Care team will work in partnership with a patient’s neurologist and multidisciplinary team to manage symptoms and assist with the coordination of care.

“This team specializes in managing the symptoms and stress of serious illness and is also well-versed in navigating the complex health care system. We provide an extra layer of support and ensure whatever can be well-controlled, will be well-controlled.”

For more information about care for ALS patients at Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care, visit the website: lightways.org/als-care/ or call 815.740.4104.

All Vietnam Veterans are invited to attend a Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans celebration Wednesday, April 3 at the Wesley Center at United Methodist Church, 118 W. Jackson Street in Morris. The celebration will be organized by Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care’s We Honor Veterans program.

The celebration will include a buffet lunch for a Vietnam veteran and one guest, a service recognition pinning, a free gift and a musical performance from Lightways’ music therapists. Attendees can also learn about Lightways and Serious Illness Care’s services for veterans.

Registration for this event is required by March 30. The event is free for veterans with one guest. For more information, contact Laureen at 815-740-4104, ext. 257.

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Medicare and most insurance companies cover serious illness care through Lightways

A Joliet hospice provides more than just hospice care

Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care in Joliet – formerly known as Joliet Area Community Hospice – also has a serious illness care program for people with advanced, chronic or life-limiting illnesses.

Lisa Heiy, director of Lightways’ serious illness care, said the independent nonprofit renamed its palliative care program to serious illness care at the time of its rebranding in 2021 to clearly describe the program and its services.

“Not many people really understood the term ‘palliative care’,” Heiy said. “It’s basically symptom management. If we have a patient diagnosed with cancer, we don’t treat the cancer. We treat the symptoms.”

Heiy said Lightways had 1,037 adults in its serious illness care program in 2023. Medicare and most insurance companies cover serious illness care through Lightways, according to the Lightways website.

Lightways cares for patients with a variety of serious illnesses. These include cancer, cardiac diseases — such as congestive heart failure — chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), dementia, end-stage renal disease, liver disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and HIV/AIDS, according to Heiy and the Lightways website.

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