Patient Services

The Greater New York Chapter is committed to enhancing those living with ALS quality of life through the programs we offer to individuals and families affected by ALS. We understand the value of those with the disease being able to communicate, function safely in their home, and travel to ALS Clinics for comprehensive evaluation and treatment. Our programs are designed to meet these essential care needs as well as the emotional needs of those in our community and caregivers.

Our *free, community based care provides:

Support groups: Our support groups are designed to meet the special needs of ALS family caregivers. We offer groups for those living with ALS as well as caregivers. Many of these groups are also virtual. Find your local support group here.

Home Visits and Assessments: Our staff can work with you on home modifications and patient education programs.

Home Assessments: Sometimes permanent home modifications need to be made. Our staff can review your home with you. Common modifications include a ramp to get in and out of the home, lifts to get up and down steps, and a roll-in shower. Click here for more information.

Home Visits with Social Worker and/or Nurse: Our trained and certified staff can assist in education and monitoring of feeding tube placements, evaluation, supportive counseling and end-of-life planning. Click here for more information.

Equipment Loan Programs: Our loan closet offers a range of equipment to ALS families.

Durable Medical Equipment: Lift devices, wheelchairs, and hospital beds are just a few of the items that may be available. Click here for more information.

Assistive Technology: Communication devices such as tablets, track balls and a head mouse can make a significant difference to the family caregiver as well as the ALS patient. Click here for more information.

Environmental Control - For pALS, turning on a lamp, changing the temperature of a room or turning the channel on the TV can become difficult or impossible. But, there are many products on the market that make performing these activities possible for PALS. Click here for more information.

*Multi-Disciplinary ALS Clinic centers: Our (collaborative) multidisciplinary clinics provide a coordinated program of medical treatment, rehabilitation techniques and psychological support in a warm and compassionate environment. Comprehensive assessments, diagnostic and follow-up tests, education and treatment are individualized for each patient. Click here for more information.

Transportation: Transportation to one of our collaborative clinics will be provided free of charge though the Harold and Ruth Lopatin Transportation Program. For qualifications and more information click here.

Newly Diagnosed: Receiving a diagnosis of ALS is challenging and overwhelming. There is so much to know, a great deal to consider, and typically a host of questions. The ALS Association is dedicated to providing you and your family and friends the information, support and resources you need to effectively live with ALS. Please contact our Intake & Support Manager Christine Dunn at (212) 720-3044 or dunn@als-ny.org for answers to questions you may have.

Respite Program: Respite care simply means an interval of rest or relief. Respite care gives you, the family caregiver, an opportunity to take a much-needed break from the daily care that you provide for your loved one. The Greater New York Chapter respite program provides financial reimbursement up to $1,000 to enable families to have some respite time to get much needed rest, attend events or engage in an activity or program which refreshes the spirit. Click here for more information.