ALS & Activities of Daily Living

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Contents

How ALS may affect your daily activities
Tips for maintaining energy
Occupational therapists and physical therapists
Different types of adaptive equipment for:
Eating and drinking
Dressing
Toileting
Bathing
Oral hygiene
Grooming
Recreation
Doors, keys and voice-activated house controls
Braces, splints and slings
Sleeping
Learn more

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Disclaimer Statement: The information in this guide is not medical advice. Talk to your ALS care team before making any decisions about your health or treatment. Together, you and your care team can find a treatment plan that works for you.

Last Reviewed: October 15, 2021

© Les Turner ALS Foundation 2023

ALS & Activities of Daily Living

How ALS may affect your daily activities

While no two people with ALS are alike or will progress the same way, there is a great deal of collective knowledge and wisdom available from your ALS Care Team, people living with ALS and caregivers. Our intention is to provide you with information that you may need today and tomorrow. You may not need some of the devices in this guide.

Reading all the sections at one time can be overwhelming. We highly recommend that you focus on the information that pertains to your present circumstances.

We created this information guide to help you navigate all the changes that may occur due to ALS. In this guide you will find information on devices that can help you complete your daily activities. Daily activities include eating and drinking, dressing, toileting, bathing, oral hygiene, grooming and recreation and sleep. This guide provides tips to make daily living a little easier, if you should need extra help.

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Make a list of the different ways ALS is impacting you. Bring in your list to discuss with your ALS care team.

Tips for maintaining energy

You can help yourself by changing how you perform your daily activities to save energy throughout the day. The following steps will help you learn what you need to do and how you do it.
Routines
Consider what routines are necessary. Decide what you can do and how others can help you during the day. Stop doing unnecessary activities or activities that require a lot of energy. Ask others to help you when necessary.
Timing
Consider the timing or scheduling of your activities. Plan activity periods and rest periods. Pace yourself during the day.
Energy
Consider the best use of your energy. Sit while doing activities like cooking and folding laundry. Keep necessary items close to you to limit the amount of moving you have to do.
Convenient
Place frequently used items in the most convenient place. Place heavier items at counter level or table height. This is especially important in the bathroom and kitchen.
Energy-saving
Purchase energy-saving devices based on recommendations from your ALS care team and other people living with ALS.

“This guide is intended to get your and your family’s heads pointed in the right direction to make every day the best it can be.

Focusing on the mental and emotional aspects of the diagnosis which are the first challenge to be met, followed by an array of products and services available, as necessary.”

– Bob, a person living with ALS

Occupational therapists and physical therapists

Occupational therapist
Occupational therapist
  • Recommends adaptations, and devices for getting through your daily routine
  • Provides education, training and possible financial resources for assistive devices
  • Offers ways that you can continue to participate in activities that you enjoy
Physical therapist
Physical therapist
  • Evaluates your strength, balance and coordination
  • Introduces exercises, if appropriate
  • Assesses your home for safety, adaptations and equipment needs
  • Recommends adaptive mobility equipment.
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To learn more about ALS & Mobility, visit lesturnerals.org/mobility

You may need a written prescription from your doctor for evaluation and treatment from therapists. Check with your insurance company for information about insurance coverage.

Different types of adaptive equipment

The following sections include examples of assistive devices that can help you with everyday activities. This list is incomplete and by no means exhaustive. Talk with your ALS care team for information on where to purchase of equipment that would be helpful to you.
Aids for Eating and Drinking
Built-up handles

Built-up handles
Use foam tubing or wash-cloths on lightweight eating utensils for decreased grip.

Universal cuff
Universal cuff
Voice-activated programs

EaZyHold Silicone
Adaptive Aids

Offset spoon

Offset spoon or fork that can be angled right or left

Clear plastic, clip-on
Clear plastic, clip-on plate-guard
Small pliers

Small pliers
to open water bottles and jar openers

A non-slip disc; or Dycem

A non-slip disc; or Dycem,
a gel pad used to stabilize plates and cups on the table

Long rigid or flexible straws

Long rigid or flexible straws

Nutrition
To learn more about ALS & Nutrition, visit lesturnerals.org/nutrition
Straw holder clip

Straw holder clip

Sports drink container with a straw
Sports drink container with a straw
Food thickener

Food thickener
(Thick-It, Thick & Easy)

Nosey cup

Nosey cup
provides space for the nose, allowing you to tilt the cup for drinking without bending the neck or tilting the head

Flexi-Mug and cup holder
Flexi-Mug and cup holder
Voice-activated programs

Large handled cup
for hot and cold liquids

This allows four fingers to fit through the handle to increase stability.

Aids for Dressing
Velcro closures

Velcro closures
for clothing and shoes

Clothes with fewer closures
Clothes with fewer closures;
knit shirts and pull-on pants
Voice-activated programs

Elastic thread
for cuff buttons, elastic cuff links

Stretchy shoelaces

Stretchy shoelaces

Long-handled shoehorn
Long-handled shoehorn
Small pliers

Fleece socks
for cold legs and feet

Slip-on or adaptive shoes

Slip-on or adaptive shoes

Adaptive clothing
Adaptive clothing
Pocket dresser

Pocket dresser

Buttonhook/zipper pull combination tool

Buttonhook/zipper pull
combination tool

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Choose comfortable clothing with elastic, easy to take off and on.

“I tend to think more in terms of systems, rather than individual devices. It was a combination of button hook, clip on suspenders and metal rings that allowed me to manage my pants” – Rob, a person living with ALS

For more information talk with others living with ALS and their caregivers to learn what has worked for them.

Aids for Toileting
Velcro closures
Wet wipes for toileting
Toilet attachments for cleansing

Toilet attachments for cleansing, such as portable handheld bidet or bidet washlet

Toilet buddy wiping aid
Toilet buddy wiping aid or a designated pair of tongs
Urinals and bedpans
Urinals and bedpans
A raised toilet seat

A raised toilet seat
fits snugly inside the rim of the toilet on most toilets. It can be removed easily when other family members use the toilet.

Place a standard commode over the toilet

Place a standard
commode over the toilet

to provide a raised seat and armrests. You can use a portable commode with a bucket in place of a toilet. This will decrease the distance you have to move to reach the toilet as it can be located to a place near you.

A shower commode chair on wheels

A shower commode
chair on wheels

 can be rolled over the toilet. This will provide a raised seat and armrests. It can alsobe used in the shower.

Talk to your ALS care team and get training before using some of these items for your and your caregiver’s safety.

Aids for Bathing
Detached hand-held shower head
Detached hand-held shower head
Pump shampoo/liquid soap

Pump shampoo/liquid soap
dispenser instead of a squeeze bottle

Wall-mount soap dispenser
Wall-mount soap dispenser
Shampoo tray 

Shampoo tray 
for hair washing out of the shower

Long-handled sponge
Long-handled sponge
Long-handled hair washer
Long-handled hair washer
A shower commode chair

A shower commode chair
on wheels with brakes or wheel locks. Some commode chairs have tilt seats with headrests, reclining backs, or straight backs.

Tub transfer benches

Tub transfer benches
are set up across the side of the tub. The benches can be plastic or padded. They must be used with tubs that do not have shower doors. Keep in mind the size of your bathroom when buying a bench.

A shower chair

A shower chair
is a small seat that can be placed inside the tub. It can be used with tubs that have sliding glass doors. A shower chair can be used only if the patient can step into the tub.

Grab bars

Grab bars
should be securely fastened on the shower wall for safety and support when getting in and out of the tub. Suction cup grab bars are available, but not recommended because they are less stable. 

Tub rail

Tub rail
attach to the side of the tub for stability while climbing in and out of the bathtub, approximately 12 inches to 15 inches high.

Nutrition
To learn more about home modifications, visit: lesturnerals.org/homemodifications
Aids for Oral Hygiene
Foam tubing

Foam tubing 
on your toothbrush handle

Toothpaste dispenser
A counter top toothpaste dispenser
Disposable Dentips

Disposable Dentips
 for mouth cleaning

Electric toothbrush

Electric toothbrush
 with a rotary brush

Electric flosser

Electric flosser
 and rinser (Waterpik)

Electric tongue cleaner
Electric tongue cleaner
Electric flosser
You may find it hard to blow your nose, keep your mouth clean, or remove extra saliva. These problems can lead to trouble with breathing. To learn more visit, lesturnerals.org/breathing
Aids for Grooming
Countertop hair dryer
Countertop hair dryer holder stand
Movable standing hair dryer holder
Movable standing hair dryer holder
Foam tubing 

Foam tubing 
on handles of comb and brush

Large-handled, lightweight comb and brush
Large-handled, lightweight comb and brush
Long-handled comb and brush
Long-handled comb and brush
Nail brush with

Nail brush with suction cups
 to stick on the table or counter

Nail clippers

Nail clippers
on stabilizing platform or board

Nail file holder
Nail file holder
Foam tubing

Foam tubing
on the handle of a razor

Electric shaver
Electric shaver
Aids for Recreation
Adjustable-height tilt-top over-the-bed table or chair
Adjustable-height tilt-top over-the-bed table or chair
Video games and computer games 

Video games and computer games
 
played with adaptive controls

Electronic books and audiobooks
Electronic books and audiobooks
Page-turners

Page-turners
for physical books

Wide grip pen or pen with a grip
Wide grip pen or pen with a grip
Cardholders
Cardholders
Book holders
Book holders
Rubber fingertips

Rubber fingertips
for help in turning pages in books and magazines

Spring-loaded scissors
Spring-loaded scissors
Prism glasses

Prism glasses
for watching TV in a reclined position or when lying flat

Hand and wrist braces

Hand and wrist braces
to support fishing rods

Bowling ball ramps

Bowling ball ramps
for standing or seated bowling

Water walker

Water walker
for independent pool fun

Beach wheelchair

Beach wheelchair
to be able to enjoy the sun and san

Communication
Learn more about devices for computer use, in home communication and telephone and monitor aids visit, lesturnerals.org/communication
Doors, keys and voice-activated house controls
Voice-activated house controls

Voice-activated house controls
(Google Home, Alexa, etc.) paired with smart items such as doorbells, light bulbs, outlets, and kitchen appliances.

Touch light switches
Touch light switches
Offset hinges

Offset hinges
for doors that widen the doorway without reconstruction

Keyholder
Keyholder
Changing doorknobs

Changing doorknobs
 to lever handles or using lever adapters over knobs

Hand Keyper

Hand Keyper
(key holder, tab lifter, letter opener, magnet, nail file

Braces, splints and slings

Neck braces, splints and slings are used to support or straighten weak areas of the body. Using these supportive devices can decrease pain and the chances of contractures.
An orthotist is a healthcare professional who makes and fits braces and splints (orthoses). Some orthoses require prescription from your physician. Contact your insurance company before making an appointment.
Brace
For more information on mobility aids and to learn more about the benefit of leg braces visit, lesturnerals.org/mobility
Types of neck orthoses include:
Buddy Pillow
A buddy pillow is a travel pillow with a fleece cover for neck support when sitting. Microbead filled pillows stay cooler and can be used many different ways. Memory foam filled pillows provide more support, but may not be as comfortable.
Buddy Pillow
A soft cervical collar is an affordable neck orthosis. You can buy it at your local drug store or any medical supply house. The collar may restrict swallowing if too snug. It is not covered by insurance.
Other neck supports are available. Please discuss this with your ALS care team for more information.
Splints and slings for arm and hand weakness
Shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand orthoses can be used to prevent contractures and pain. They also promote the use of arms and hands. Orthoses and other supports must be evaluated by your ALS care team. Arm and hand orthoses include:
Resting hand splint
A resting hand splint, can be helpful. It is used to support weak wrist and hand muscles during the day or at night.
Slings
Slings for severely weak arms will support shoulder joints and decrease the risk of partially dislocating your shoulder.
balloon brace
A balloon brace, which is a carrot shaped inflatable brace that fits in the palm of your hand to prevent contractures.
Posture support
Posture support
Trunk supports are used to support weak muscles, improve posture, and relieve muscle pain from strained muscles. Special cushions and other aids are available help you to relieve your discomfort. Using trunk support may help with speaking and breathing. Please talk to your ALS care team to learn more.

Sleeping

Hospital beds and mattresses can help in positioning your body. This helps to prevent pressure-related problems like skin breakdown. Hospital beds require a letter of medical necessity from your doctor in order to be covered by insurance. There are different ways to modify you own bed. Talk with your ALS care team about ways to make sleeping more comfortable.
Hospital Beds
Manual frame
Manual frame: The mattress height can be set at a low or high position. Manual cranks are used to change the position of the head and foot sections
Semi-electric frame
Semi-electric frame: The height can be set at a low or high position. A power switch raises the head and foot positions.
Full electric frame
Full electric frame: A power switch adjusts the bed frame height to make transferring easier. You can also adjust the head and foot positions of the bed. Full electric frame does not mean a full-size bed.
Side rails
Side rails: Full-length or half-length side rails give you leverage to turn yourself from side to side. Half-length rails make it easier to transfer to and from the bed.
Modifying your own bed
Electric bed frames are available if you want to recline or sit up in bed, but don’t want to buy a hospital bed. You can purchase them at most mattress stores. You can also purchase side rails and other accessories for the bed you already own.
Do I need pressure-relief pads or mattresses?
Pressure relief is important in preventing pressure sores. Pressure relief means moving your body when sitting or lying down to allow your blood to move throughout your body. Specialized mattresses and cushions are available to use at home. They are not necessary if a caregiver can help you change position.
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If you cannot move to relieve pressure on yourself, it is important that someone or a device help you relieve pressure.

Talk to your ALS care team to learn more about pressure relief and how to prevent skin break down

Artificial sheepskin
Artificial sheepskin can be used under the fitted sheet. Use on top of the sheet allows more air circulation. It is washable and more buoyant than egg-crate foam.
Roho mattress
Roho mattress is available as a low-profile or high-profile air mattress. It can be a sectional (three sections for a hospital bed) or a full-length bed mattress. A prescription and a letter of medical necessity are required.
An alternating pressure mattress
An alternating pressure mattress is used under the sheet. It works with an electric compressor to raise and lower pockets of air under the body area. A prescription and letter of medical necessity are required.
Temperfoam mattress
Temperfoam mattress, a gel foam mattress or pad provides maximum pressure relief. It is heavy once in place and needs a prescription and letter of medical necessity.
Therm-a-Rest air mattress
Therm-a-Rest air mattress provides insulation and pressure padding. A nylon cover allows easier movement in bed when the mattress is placed under the sheet.
A low air-loss mattress
A low air-loss mattress moves air from one side of the mattress to the other to reduce pressure on the body. A prescription and a letter of medical necessity are needed for insurance coverage.

Learn more

The Les Turner ALS Foundation exists to guide you to answers, support you and your loved ones and advance scientific research. To learn more about living with ALS visit, lesturnerals.org/resources.
ALS Learning Series
ALS Learning Series
Our online ALS Learning Series aims to empower the ALS community through the latest information and insights. Educational webinars and interactive Q&A’s covering a diverse array of topics, from nutrition to respiratory care, are offered monthly featuring members of the Foundation’s Support Services team, our Lois Insolia ALS Clinic at Northwestern Medicine and other national ALS experts. To learn more about ALS care and research, visit: alslearningseries.org.
My ALS Communication Passport to Quality Care
My ALS Communication Passport to Quality Care
My ALS Communication Passport to Quality Care was created to make your life easier. You will be able to share health information and care preferences with caregivers. You have a lot of information to keep track of, and this tool will help you do that. To find out more, visit: lesturnerals.org/passport.
Support Groups
Support Groups
We facilitate support groups to provide people living with ALS, their caregivers and family the opportunity to share their experiences, give encouragement and help each other navigate their journey with ALS. To find out more, visit: lesturnerals.org/support-groups.

Theses resources are made possible by a generous donation from the Gilbert & Jacqueline Fern Foundation and other donors to the Foundation.

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