Community Groups

Community-Based Groups

A wide range of home and community-based services are available to patients with ALS, their families, and caregivers.
To determine which services are available locally, contact the:

Local health department
Local hospitals
Local United Way Agency
Local ALSA chapter or support group
Local MDA office or clinic
County office

Services that may be offered include:

Transportation services by volunteer drivers or by bus, taxi, or specially equipped vans
Legal assistance
Financial advice
Assistance with filing insurance claims
Respite care
Hospice and home care services

Home Health Services

May include Meals on Wheels, visiting homemaker, electronic emergency response systems, financial assistance, legal aid, and transportation.

Mental Health Services

State Department of Social Services
State Department of Health
State Department on Aging and Insurance
Area Agencies on the Aging (if over 65)

Transportation Services

In many areas, various organizations provide transportation for those unable to obtain transportation on their own.

MDA Clinics/ALSA Care Centers

Some ALSA clinical care centers and MDA clinics offer a transportation service to patients or may be able to put individuals in touch with other transportation providers. These centers provide information about services, policies, and procedures.

Community-Based Services

Transportation services may be available to ALS patients through city or county agencies, local hospitals, or volunteer organizations. Senior citizens may be able to find transportation services through community-based programs for the aging. For example, Eldercare locator, a service of the Area Agencies on the Aging, can help ALS patients over the age of 65 find transportation assistance. Other examples of transportation service providers are county Para-Transit programs, First Call for Help, Red Cross Wheels, Life Line, and Dial-A-Ride.

Private Services

Private transportation services are available to assist individuals with special needs. Check the Yellow Pages for local providers and adaptations for special needs.

Pharmacy

Information about medications
Medication delivery
Assistive devices
Referrals
Reimbursement information

Important Safety Information

You should not take Rilutek if you are allergic to any of its ingredients.
Call your doctor if you have a fever while taking Rilutek.
Rilutek may cause you to feel dizzy, light-headed, or sleepy. If you experience any of these, you should NOT drive a vehicle or use machinery.
If you miss or skip a dose of Rilutek, do not take any extra tablets to make up for those you missed, but take your prescribed dose at the next regularly scheduled time.
When taking Rilutek, avoid drinking excessive amounts of alcohol; alcohol may contribute to compromising liver function and may be associated with an increased risk of liver problems.
The most common side effects of Rilutek are weakness, nausea, lung function decrease*, a mild liver disorder that is typically temporary, runny nose and headache. If any side effects become troublesome, contact your doctor.
Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all other medicines you are taking, including nonprescription products and vitamins. If you have questions, please talk to your doctor.