Our Patient Services are administered by Jennifer Druke, M.A. and Jenny Claxton, LVN and, there is never a charge for PALS and their families.

“As the Director of Patient Services, I am dedicated to the support of ALS patients, caregivers and their families. I want you to know you are not alone. There is help and hope. Much can be done to manage symptoms and help individuals with ALS live more productively and independently.”
Jennifer Druke, MA,
Director of Patient Services

Hear what some of our PALS have to say.

Home visits and Case Management
Our professional staff specializes in ALS care. We will visit with PALS (Persons with ALS) and their caregivers in their home to evaluate the patient’s current condition and offer practical ideas for sustaining their quality of life. We provide information on how to navigate the process to obtain insurance and healthcare benefits.

Support Group
The Orange County Chapter currently has one general support group held monthly.  This support group is open to PALS (persons with ALS), their families, caregivers and friends. Speakers on relevant topics are combined with time for attendees to discuss questions, problems and new information. This group is held the second Monday of each month at HealthSouth Tustin Rehabilitation Hospital.

Equipment Loan Program
The Chapter maintains a loan program that consists primarily of used and donated equipment. There is no charge for the loan of equipment. Items generally available include:

• Walkers
• Canes
• Wheelchairs
• Grab bars
• Bed side commodes
• Adaptive utensils
• Seat cushions
• Shower chairs

Additional items available based on supply. Consider contacting the chapter before purchasing any equipment. If you would like to inquire about available items or if you are interested in making an equipment donation, please contact Jennifer Druke, Director of Patient Services at 714/ 285-1088.

Augmentative Communication Devices
Many individuals with ALS experience a reduction in speech clarity and/or an inability to speak as a result of weakness of the muscles involved in speaking. Difficulty with or an inability to speak does not have to result in the loss of communication. Many devices are available to assist with communication. These devices range from low-tech communication boards to complex computer systems that can be operated with minimal movement.

Many insurance providers will cover at least a portion of the cost of a communication device. Most insurance programs require an assessment by a Speech Language Pathologist and/or additional staff from a technology center. Technology centers typically provide an interdisciplinary team and offer a full range of services including evaluation, recommendation, equipment setup, training, custom equipment modification and follow-up. The Center for Applied Rehabilitation Technology (CART) is located in Downey and may be contacted toll-free at 877/ RANCHO-1.

The Chapter’s Augmentative Communication Loan Program offers communication devices for loan to individuals without insurance coverage or who are awaiting insurance approval. The type of equipment loaned is based on each person's needs and the availability of equipment.

Professional In-Service Presentations
The Patient Services Department is actively involved in the education of community healthcare professionals on issues of clinical management of ALS. In-services are routinely provided to groups such as hospice, home health care providers, nursing homes, doctors and other professionals. To request an in-service presentation contact Jennifer Druke, Director of Patient Services, at 714/ 285-1088.

Respite Care for Caregivers
The ALS Association, Orange County Chapter is pleased to announce the commencement of the Paul U. Johnson Respite Program beginning in April 2004. We are aware that ALS impacts more than just the individual who has ALS. It is a family disease. In many cases family members are the sole care providers of their loved ones with ALS.

Through the respite program we hope to provide short-term rest or relief to caregivers of ALS patients in Orange County and members of the Orange County Chapter residing outside of the county. Grants will be awarded to eligible families for the payment of in-home respite care through a qualified agency. To obtain an application or to request more information contact Jennifer Druke, Director of Patient Services, at 714/ 285-1088.

Newsletter and Resource Library
The quarterly newsletter Reaching Out is published for PALS, friends
and members of The ALSA-OCC as well as healthcare professionals. The Extra is published monthly for the latest news on research, advocacy and local events. The Resource Library is available by contacting the Patient Services staff at 714/ 285-1088.

 

Children’s Program The Chapter has resources for how to discuss ALS with children and an annual event open to children in families affected by ALS.