Insider's guide to daily living with ALS

Some steps to take that may help you move forward with confidence after an ALS diagnosis include educating yourself on both the disease and treatment options, putting together your care and support team, weighing your financial options, and looking at the variety of resources available to you, among others.

There can be a lot of variation in the order in which ALS symptoms appear and how quickly the disease progresses. However, as ALS advances and makes it more difficult to perform daily activities, patients go through several stages of progression.

In the 13 years since her husband, Todd, was diagnosed with ALS, Kristin Neva has learned a few things as his primary caregiver. Every journey is different, she says, but support and help are crucial, as is finding ways to recharge.

Assistive equipment and adaptive devices for people with ALS can help make life more manageable and comfortable. These include aids for eating and drinking, getting dressed, bathing, using the toilet, grooming, and for recreation and mobility.

Navigating life with ALS has an impact not only on physical well-being but the mental health of both patients and caregivers. Therapy, medications, and emotional support groups and forums, among other strategies, can help ease the symptoms of depression or anxiety.

It's easy to feel isolated when dealing with a chronic disease like ALS, but help and support is available. For those who may need a little extra guidance or reassurance, we’ve compiled a variety of tips and advice from our ALS community that you may find useful.