The ALS Association Massachusetts Chapter provides a number of services to patients and their loved ones, including:

ALS Resource Guide
Each family is provided with a free comprehensive ALS Resource Guide. The guide was developed to provide families with information regarding health, social, legal and financial issues. It can also assist families in locating services, programs and products.

Support Group Meetings
Support groups for patients and caregivers are excellent forums for sharing information and receiving emotional support. They include speakers who focus on all aspects of the disease. They are not “group therapy” sessions. There is no psychological jargon or probing into one’s personal life. Two qualified professionals, including social workers, nurses and psychologists, lead each group.

Telephone Consultation & Referral
Telephone consultations are available to patients and caregivers through the Chapter’s toll-free lines. Callers speak with a knowledgeable person who understands what it means to cope with ALS. Each call is handled in a personal way and with confidentiality. The Chapter also refers callers to various resources depending on the caller’s needs. Patient Line: 1-800-258-3323.

Case Management Consultations
Joyce Stroud ALS Case Management Fund
Consultations may be done via the telephone, in our Resource Center in Dedham, or in your home. Professionals will educate patients and family members about disease management, will link families to appropriate resources, will help them negotiate the complex system of health, social, legal and financial services, and help them evaluate their needs and options.

The Mel Kornbliet Memorial Equipment Loan Program
Durable medical equipment is provided at no cost to patients. Equipment includes such items as wheelchairs (manual and electric), commodes, hoyer lifts and walkers. If you would like to donate equipment or volunteer for this program, please let us know.

Newly Diagnosed Patients and Family Meetings
Newly diagnosed patients, along with their families, meet at our Resource Center to discuss their concerns and needs and to learn more about the disease. Appointments are available Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Peter and Terry Wise Resource Center
The Chapter provides materials to patients, caregivers and professionals on a loan-out basis. Books, videos and articles cover such topics as symptom management, legal and financial issues, diet and nutrition, insurance coverage and psychological issues.

Augmentative Communication Equipment Program
Augmentative communication equipment such as links and lightwriters are provided to patients on a loan-out basis. Evaluation and training can be arranged.

Paul Tamburello Respite Program
Funding for short-term respite is provided by the Massachusetts Chapter to relieve family caregivers. The respite program may provide some funding for home health care (nurses and aides), a short stay in a nursing home or rehabilitation hospital or an adult day health program. Priority will be given to patients with the greatest need as the program is subject to available funding.

Children’s Program
The Children’s Fund can provide partial financial assistance to ALS patients who have children. The fund will cover such programs as daycare, preschool, after school community programs, summer camp and mental health counseling.

"Living With ALS" Symposium
This annual free conference brings together leading researchers and expert practitioners who focus on research updates and disease management. There is ample time to ask questions of the panelists.

Grief and Bereavement
Families are supported via telephone, written correspondence and home visits. Families are referred to appropriate grief groups.

Curt & Shonda Schilling ALS Clinic
Each clinic visit will offer the patient and designated family members the opportunity to meet and be evaluated by a neurologist, a nurse practitioner, a physical therapist, an occupational therapist, a speech and swallowing therapist, a respiratory therapist, a nutritionist, a social worker, a vendor of durable medical equipment, and a representative of The ALS Association Massachusetts Chapter.