Care Management Coordinators

The role of care management coordinator includes: 

• Establishing a plan of care with patients, providers, and payers that identifies and continuously reassessing cost-efficient, appropriate levels of care
• Enhancing communication and collaborative relationships with multidisciplinary healthcare team members
• Emphasizing continuity of care, thus reducing or eliminating fragmentation, duplication, and gaps in treatment plan
• Acting as a patient advocate protecting privacy and confidentiality issues
• Providing patient and caregiver education, monitoring of health needs, and coordinating of community resources
• Facilitating patient empowerment and quality of life by promoting educated, independent patient choice on all aspects of care

Home Visits and Virtual Home Visits

Our Care Services staff of ALS-experienced medical professionals can visit you in your home to provide more information about your disease and support your care management. Examples include helping with education about proper timing of treatments such as feeding tubes, fitting of loaner equipment, use of assistive communication devices, conducting a home safety evaluation or simply seeing how you're doing. There is no cost for a home visit or any of the services we provide to persons and families living with ALS. 

Skype Appointments:

We are now offering virtual appointments for patients. Have the conversations you need to, face to face, with our Care Services staff members from the convenience of your own home. All you need is a device equipped with a webcam and Skype, which you can download and use for free at Skype.com. The service is available for a wide range of devices, including computers, tablets/iPads, and SmartPhones.

Disease-Specific Education

The Greater Chicago Chapter has an extensive library of educational materials to support the families we serve. We provide community resources and referrals and have a library of books,and DVDs.

Educational Materials include:

• Introduction to The ALS Association Greater Chicago Chapter booklet
• Care Manuals
• Chapter Care Services Newsletter
• Video Links (DPS, Peg Tube, Cough Assist, etc.)
• Webinars

Resources and Services 

Our Care Services Coordinators have a wealth of knowledge and resources that can help individuals understand ALS from multiple perspectives. They can provide resources that are specifically designed for Persons Living with ALS, family members (including young children) of those living with ALS, Caregivers, Military Veterans living with ALS, Neurologists and other healthcare professionals.

Resources for Persons Living with ALS and Their Families

• Support and Fellowship Groups
• Family Mentor Program
• Children Support Services
• Bereavement Support Referral Services
• Counseling Referral Services

Resources for Caregivers

• Caregiver Support and Fellowship Group
• Care Connection Program
• November National Family Caregiver Month

Resources in Social Services

• Social Security Resources
• Benefits/Links
• SSA/SSI/Disability
• DHS
• Department of Aging for State of Illinois
• Research and Drug Trials

Resources for Military Veterans Living with ALS, Families and Survivors

The ALS Association is working everyday to support people with ALS and their families, including our heroes who have served in the military and who are approximately twice as likely to develop ALS as those who have not served. Visit our Resources for Military Veterans page to learn more about the resources below.

• ALS in the Military White Paper
• PVA
• Military Hospitals
• Support Group at VA
• ALS in the Military Brochure
• DOD ALSARP
• Community Awareness and the Military

Resources for Neurologists

The ALS Association Greater Chicago Chapter works to ensure that neurology professionals are in the know about our organization and the programs and services we offer free of charge to Persons Living with ALS, their families, caregivers and healthcare team. If you are a neurologist, we invite you to visit our Resources for Neurologists page.