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What to consider after you are diagnosed with ALS
After the initial shock of hearing a diagnoses such as ALS, there are many things for a pALS and their loved ones to consider. Although living a longer life is now more common with ALS, we all will eventually pass on. Now, if you haven’t already done so, may be a good time to:
Review your healthcare plan and your wishes for medical care. Do you want Hospice? Are there specific things you do or don’t want such as feeding tubes, breathing assistance, etc. Have you signed a do-not-resuscitate order or advance directives?
Have you planned for your financial affairs? Do you have a loved one who is knowledgeable about where to find important papers and what your wishes are? Is your will revised and up to date? Do you have life insurance and is the information current?
Have you consider final preparations such as:
Do you want to write letters or make videos for your loved ones? Are there special items that you wish to give to special people?
Have you planned for your service including burial plot or cremation? Do you a minister, priest or other spiritual advisor?
At what point do you/did you make these decisions? What kind of support or help do/did you need?
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