Local Care Services

We are making some changes to our monthly support groups that we hope you will love. Keep an eye out for monthly emails with the Zoom links to join each group. All groups continue to be held virtually via Zoom, however, we are working on hosting the meet and greets both in person and virtually. Stay tuned for updates!

Monthly Meet and Greet
3rd Saturday of each month from 10:30 am - 12:30 pm
This group will be an open conversation platform for you to connect with others in Northern Ohio who are also affected by ALS. This meeting will be hosted by one of our Northern Ohio Care Services Coordinators. Please, reach out to your care services coordinator if you need a meeting link.

Monthly Caregiver Support
2nd Tuesday of each month from 12:00 - 1:00 pm
This meeting is open to caregivers who have a loved one living with ALS in Northern Ohio. Attending a caregiver meeting enables family members to exchange ideas and strategies, discuss difficult topics or gain a sense of community by being a part of a group of others who are also caring for a loved one with ALS. Please, reach out to your care services coordinator if you need a meeting link. 

Monthly Regional Webinar
Dates vary based on expert availability
This is a monthly educational series that is hosted by the regional ALS Association making it available to people across several states. Each month we will hear from an expert in the field on an ALS related topic. You can see recordings of past webinars on YouTube using this link: YouTube Webinar Series Playlist

Monthly Association Care Services Webinar
3rd Monday of each month at 2:00 pm
This is a monthly educational webinar hosted by the ALS Association. It is open to anyone across the US affected by ALS. These webinars focus on daily life with ALS. View archived webinars and register for upcoming webinars using the following link: Care Services Webinars

Zoom strongly recommends using your computer audio rather than dialing in. Please use dial in only if a computer connection is not available.

Please note that all meeting dates are subject to change. If you have any questions or concerns about meetings, please reach out to one of our Northern Ohio Care Services Coordinators:

Care Services

We offer a full range of services to guide and assist you as you learn more about ALS. Download our Chapter Services Brochure for information on programs for patients, families, caregivers and allied health professionals. Our staff is here Monday through Friday to answer any questions you may have. Please don't hesitate to call, text, or e-mail us for more information.

Find Your Care Service Coordinator

Image
Care Services Coordinators Regional Territory Map

ALS Care Grant Programs

CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE NEW GRANT APPLICATION FORM 

The ALS Grant Application will allow requests for financial support for:

  1. Hired care and respite services (provider must NOT be a resident of the home)  
  2. Home and vehicle modifications 
  3. Medical equipment, medications, and copay/co-insurance/out-of-pocket costs  
  4. Access to ALS specialty care/clinic, physician, allied health professionals and clinical trials 

Funding for the ALS Grant is limited to a maximum of $2000 per year per client. Grants are provided based on availability of funds. There is no guarantee, entitlement, and no promise/entitlement of funding. Grant funding is not provided in return for any services, reviews, or participation in awareness, public policy, or volunteer role(s).  

The ALS Association Grant assists with the care and needs of those living with ALS/MND. The ALS Association assumes no responsibility or liability for any direct or indirect services, products, or client care or for the care arrangement and/or business relationships between the person living with ALS/MND (including their loved ones) and their selected product or service provider. The ALS Association assumes no fiscal responsibility beyond the approved grant amount.

Equipment Loan Closet

The Chapter's Equipment Loan Closet makes used and donated medical equipment available to persons living with ALS. A confirmation of diagnosis may be requested before loans can be approved. Interested families can contact the Chapter's loan closet manager, Josh Mansfield, at josh.mansfield@als.org or 216-306-0286 or call the office at 216-592-2572.

Please note: equipment availability is subject to change frequently. Except where noted below, all loans remain the property of the Chapter and must be returned when no longer used.

Some items may need approval or recommendation from a specialized therapist such as a physical therapist, occupational therapist, respiratory therapist, speech pathologist or nutritionist.

The ALS Office Storage Area

In most cases, items must be picked up and returned to the office. Items must be clean and sanitized before accepted into the loan closet. Delivery is sometimes available for larger items, however, it can take several weeks to arrange. 

Manual Wheelchairs: styles and sizes vary, and may range from transport models to standard models to large, non-folding custom seating with tilt/recline

Power Wheelchairs:  styles and sizes vary and subject to change. NOTE: All power wheelchair loans require a seat evaluation by a licensed OT, PT, seating specialist or ATP. If you do not have insurance, the Chapter can provide assistance with the cost of an evaluation.

The Association helps clients who are uninsured or under-insured or those who are awaiting insurance funding and delivery of their own custom power wheelchair. Therefore, the following wheelchairs are the most in demand for persons with ALS:

Complex, high-end power wheelchairs with power backrest tilt/recline and power elevating legs with rehab seating. Makes and models include Pride Quantum (Q6 edge or similar) Permobil (M300 or 600 or C series or similar). Donations of  wheelchairs must be 2 to 3 years of age, in good working condition with working batteries and all working parts.

Power scooters: styles and sizes vary and subject to change

Rollator style walkers: (rollators are walker with a seat and hand brakes) styles and sizes vary

Bedside Commode and Roll in Shower Chairs: limited quantity.  (these cannot be returned to the loan closet once used)

Bed cane/handle to provide a grab bar to turn in bed or to aid in standing

Suction, BiPAP and cough assist machines

ITEMS NOT ACCEPTED

Hospital beds

Hoyer lifts (portable lifts may be accepted if space is available)

Lift chairs/recliners/LaZBoy

Power wheelchairs not in working order (accepted chairs must have working batteries, motor, tires, etc)

Used commodes and shower chairs

Enteral formula (for feeding tubes), Ensure, Boost, and other formulas

Food thickeners 

Gauze pads and feeding tube supplies

Incontinence products: blue pads, disposable underwear, Depends and Poise pads

Supplies for suction and cough assist machines

Clothing and linen

As an alternative for items not accepted in our loan closet, we recommend MedWish InternationalServices for Independent LivingHoly Family Hospice, or your local nursing or hospice facility.

Print Friendly and PDF