Hello Stacy – – I applaud you for taking on the caregiving responsibilities for your father. You are right, that every person with ALS follows a different journey. Your goal to “stay one step ahead” is admirable but with ALS, it is difficult to take a systematic approach. Symptoms vary widely as well as pace of progression. Plus, your father’s age, general health and existing conditions at time of diagnosis all affect the course of the disease.
Blood clots “may or may not” be common. I have never experienced them and I’m in my 9th year. Although, patients who are sedentary or bed-bound may have more risk of developing them.
My advice is to be a “generalist” – – have a good understanding of what ALS is, and, the possible directions it can go. Develop a good relationship with your ALS Assoc. coordinator; they will be very helpful. Attend a caregiver support group: ask questions, meet others you can email or call.
https://alsnewstoday.com/what-is-als/
https://alsnewstoday.com/als-symptoms/
And finally, do post your question here in the ALS Forum. There are many caregivers here and we can support and learn from each other. You are not alone. 🙂