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The services and programs offered by
LGDA are critical to persons with ALS and are not available from any
other source in our region. These services, when added to the fine
medical practices and businesses of our community, offer the ALS patient
a fully integrated and comprehensive care program.
PATIENT AND CAREGIVER SUPPORT
GROUP
The
Support Group provides a caring and compassionate environment that
fosters emotional support and personal interaction among patients,
caregivers, and health care professionals. A wealth of information
is shared at each month’s meeting and includes guest speaker presentations
to ensure our members receive the very latest information. Group members
learn they are not alone nor are they without help or hope. Meetings
are held the third Thursday of every month from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00
p.m. Please
contact Vicki or Jim Watkins
at (941) 496-4057 if you would like to attend our next meeting.
CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP
This
Support Group is directed at meeting the specific needs of the caregivers
that are often overlooked in coping with the stresses caused by this
disease. Meetings are held the
first Wednesday of each month from 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Please contact Vicki Watkins
at (941) 496-4057 if you would to attend.
RESOURCE AND SERVICES DIRECTORY
To aid our members,
LGDA has compiled a directory of physicians and service providers that
are of most interest to ALS patients and their caregivers. The
directory is intended to be used as a handy resource guide by those
that are new to our area and those needing various services for the
first time. Please click here or on the
link at left to access the Directory.
HAROLD L. WILDE LOAN CLOSET
The LGDA maintains a
loaner closet of items available to people with ALS including durable
medical equipment such as walkers and electric wheel chairs, as well
as sophisticated communication devices and BiPap machines. These items
are loaned out to people who have no insurance coverage or funds to
buy them. Please contact Vicki
Watkins at (941) 496-4057.
ALS REFERENCE AND VIDEO LIBRARY
To help meet the
information needs of our Support Group members, LGDA maintains an
active book and video reference library. The materials cover such
areas as inspirational stories, coping skills, symptom management,
caregiving, legal and financial guides, general health and medical
texts, as well as newsletters from prominent regional and national ALS
organizations and centers. Books and videos are available at the
support group meetings. Please click here
or on the link at left for a listing of our books/videos.
RESPITE CARE
LGDA provides
limited funding for respite care of critically ill patients who could
not otherwise afford it. Along with the creation of a separate
caregivers support group which will be designed to meet their unique
needs, we plan to expand our respite care program by making this
invaluable service available to more patients and their caregivers.
Designed to provide temporary relief to the primary caregiver of the
ALS patient, the program seeks to relieve stress and caregiver burnout
by providing "time off" to the caregiver for necessary
business and other activities. The LGDA will provide grants to needy caregivers to pay for a home health agency, certified nursing
assistant, or a home health aid to provide respite care.
HOME VISITATION PROGRAM
Several of our Group
members can no longer attend Support Group meeting due to the advanced
stage of their disease. Their need for information, support and social
contact is more important than ever. We will assign teams of
volunteers and health care professionals to visit patients at their
home, to assess their needs, and to ensure they are taking full
advantage of LGDA and other community services.
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