The Chapter provides a wide range of services for people with ALS, their caregivers, families, and friends, as well as professional health care providers throughout our service area.
Patient Services Include:
Home Visits
Our professional services staff visit people with ALS in their homes to offer emotional support, determine service and equipment needs, and provide valuable information and assistance.
Support Groups
Monthly support groups are offered to our patients and their family members. Our groups provide an opportunity for those affected by ALS to discuss issues and feelings, exchange information and provide support to one another.
Information and Educational Materials
The Chicago ALS Reporter quarterly newsletter carries stories of people living with ALS, provides information about our Chapter and information about ALS, and offers the latest on research and drug trials. We have a list of community resources and referrals, an online library of educational materials, and a free library of books, videos and DVDs.
We also have a Patient Services Coordinator available at our Chapter to answer any additional questions you may have.
The Medical Equipment Program
The Medical Equipment Program offers the evaluation of patients’ needs for an appropriate piece of medical equipment. We have a loan pool of specific medical equipment items that are available for those who lack health insurance, have limited coverage, or are experiencing a delay in getting a particular item. Please contact Nicole Sammartino, M.S., Patient Services Coordinator for additional information at 312-932-0000.
Transportation Grant Program
The Transportation Grant Program assists patients and caregivers with transportation services in our coverage area of Illinois. As ALS progresses and a person is no longer able to drive, transportation becomes a vital part of their well being. This program helps to reduce expenses associated with transportation. To learn more about the program and eligibility requirements, please click here. For a Transportation Grant Application, please click here.
The ALS Clinic at The University of Illinois
In August of 2007 we began a partnership with Dr. Julie Rowin from University of Illinois at Chicago to create a monthly ALS Clinic. As a result of forming this partnership, we are reaching more of the ALS population, increasing awareness about ALS, and providing a variety of services needed by those living with ALS.
The ALS Clinic functions from a multidisciplinary approach whereby the patient not only has an opportunity to discuss their medical needs with a neurologist, but with a comprehensive team of medical professionals that are well versed in ALS. The multidisciplinary clinic team includes a neurologist, physical therapist, occupational therapist, speech and language therapist, respiratory therapist, dietitian, social worker, coordinating nurse, and chapter staff. The clinic team provides care plans and helps patients in the management of their disease.
This multidisciplinary approach allows the patient to see a team of medical professionals all in one day within about a two hour timeframe. This eliminates the need for making many different appointments with various medical professionals. Most patients attend the ALS Clinic once every 3 months, but depending upon the progression of their illness, a patient may be required to attend the clinic more frequently.
The ALS Clinic at The University of Chicago
In May of 2009 we began a partnership with Dr. Raymond Roos from The University of Chicago to create a monthly ALS Clinic. As a result of forming this partnership, we are reaching more of the ALS population, increasing awareness about ALS, and providing a variety of services needed by those living with ALS.
The partnership will give patients access to The University of Chicago Medical Center’s comprehensive team of medical professionals well versed in ALS. The University of Chicago Medical Center’s clinic is one of the longest running, interdisciplinary clinics in the United States, having been in existence for 25 years.
The University of Chicago Medical Center treatment team includes Dr. Roos and fellow neurologists Betty Soliven, MD, and Kourosh Rezania, MD; Ewa Chelmicka-Schorr, MD, an expert in childhood neuromuscular diseases; Joumana Fawaz-Baroody, RN; and an orthotist who is an expert in bracing, walking assists and wheelchairs. As needed, consultations will be available from The University of Chicago Medical Center cardiologists, orthopedic surgeons, pulmonologists, dietitians and geneticists.
Patients will also have the opportunity to participate in multi-center clinical trials. Most patients attend the ALS Clinic once every three months, although some may need to attend more frequently depending upon the progression of their illness.
For additional information about our Patient Services Program, please contact Nicole Sammartino, M.S., Patient Services Coordinator at 312-932-0000 or email her at Nicole@alsachicago.org.
