Overcoming Upper Body
Weakness Challenges

Workshop Companion Reference

Practical Knowledge Sharing for Overcoming
the Daily Challenges of Living with ALS

By ALS Caregivers for ALS Caregivers

Overview

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Introduction

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ALSCaregivers.org

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Who We Are

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Upper Body Weakness Workshop

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We are not experts. We are not vendors.
We are a community of current or previous care givers who have experienced this disease personally and have battled ALS 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We had to “learn on the job”. We immersed ourselves in all available information resources and in people networks seeking practical solutions to help us manage daily living challenges.

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THIS BOOK WILL BENEFIT: Those who attended the "hands on" workshop & want a quick refresher of the key take aways or those who were unable to attend but would still like to benefit from the demonstrations.

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THIS BOOK INCLUDES:

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The Purpose of This Workshop

To provide an opportunity for ALS caregivers to become acquainted with tools, or concepts that many have not previously been exposed to. Additionally, to enable everyone facing ALS to more quickly gain tangible and practical ideas to overcome everyday challenges.

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● Neck & Hand Weakness
● Independent Dressing Challenges
● Personal Hygiene Challenges
● Drinking and Eating Challenges
● Phone & Computer Use
● Wheelchair Controls
● Available Resources

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Press the 'Home' button on any page to come back here

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To view the video in full-size, click on the video and select this icon. Allow 30 seconds for the video to load

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What Is Included In This Booklet

Video's of demonstrations provided by caregivers covering common challenging upper body weakness scenarios along with the equipment and techniques to overcome them. For more detailed guidance on overcoming upper body weakness challenges refer to the Overcoming Upper Body Weakness Challenges Booklet. Last revision 1/20/23

If you have learnings to share or would like to join our efforts, email learnings@ALSCaregivers.org

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To print the book, select this icon

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ALSCaregivers.org

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Who We Are

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We are not experts. We are not vendors.
We are a community of current or previous care givers who have experienced this disease personally and have battled ALS 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We had to “learn on the job”. We immersed ourselves in all available information resources and in people networks seeking practical solutions to help us manage daily living challenges.

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The Purpose of This Workshop

To provide an opportunity for ALS caregivers to become acquainted with tools, or concepts that many have not previously been exposed to. Additionally, to enable everyone facing ALS to more quickly gain tangible and practical ideas to overcome everyday challenges.

Loading...

What Is Included In This Booklet

Video's of demonstrations provided by caregivers covering common challenging upper body weakness scenarios along with the equipment and techniques to overcome them. For more detailed guidance on overcoming upper body weakness challenges refer to the Overcoming Upper Body Weakness Challenges Booklet. Last revision 1/20/23

If you have learnings to share or would like to join our efforts, email learnings@ALSCaregivers.org

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Overcoming Neck & Hand Weakness

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ALSCaregivers.org

Neck & Hand Weakness Scenarios / Demos

Equipment Used During the Demonstrations

Video: Workshop Scenario - I Can't Keep My Head Lifted

◼ Edema glove
◼ Rolyan resting split, Reaqer, Saebostretch
◼ Aspen collar, BAC neck brace,
◼ Headmaster collar, soft foam neck brace
◼ Savant Head Rest
◼ Thumb splint
◼ Dorsal wrist split
◼ Power Chair Arm Pads
◼ Power Chair Head Mounts
◼ Twist Bendable or Travel Neck Pillow
◼ Purewave pada cordless handheld massage
◼ Moist Heat wraps, microwavable neck wraps
◼ Shoulder & Neck heating pads

For more detailed guidance on overcoming upper body challenges refer to the
Overcoming Upper Body Challenges Booklet.

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ALSCaregivers.org

Neck & Hand Weakness Scenarios / Demos

Video: Workshop Scenario - I Can't Keep My Head Lifted

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Video: Workshop Scenario - Neck Support Alternatives

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Overcoming Neck & Hand Weakness (Continued)

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ALSCaregivers.org

Neck & Hand Weakness Scenarios / Demos (Continued)

Neck & Hand Weakness Scenarios / Demos (Continued)

Video: Workshop Scenario - Head Stabilizer on Wheelchair

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Video: Workshop Scenario - Dangling Arms

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ALSCaregivers.org

Neck & Hand Weakness Scenarios / Demos (Continued)

Video: Workshop Scenario - My Fingers Are Curling In

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Independent Dressing Challenges

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ALSCaregivers.org

Independent Dressing Scenarios / Demos (Continued)

Equipment Used During the Demonstrations

Video: Scenario -
I Want To Dress Myself
(Sock Aid & Miracle Dressing Aid Tool)

◼ Adaptive Clothing
◼ Adaptive Jewelry
◼ Button hook / zipper pull assist tool
◼ Clip and pull dressing aids
◼ Miracle dressing aid
◼ Dressing sticks
◼ Shoe Horns
◼ Sock aids

For more detailed guidance on overcoming upper body weakness challenges refer to the
Overcoming Upper Body Weakness Challenges Booklet.

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