ALS Clinic
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Overview
The Ottawa Hospital Rehabilitation Centre (TOHRC) ALS Program is designed to support people living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
ALS is a progressive condition that affects the nerve cells controlling voluntary muscles, leading to gradual muscle weakness. The disease can affect different muscles in different people, including those used for walking, speaking, swallowing and breathing.
While there is no cure for ALS, our team works closely with patients and caregivers to help maintain independence, manage symptoms and plan for future care. With the right support, people with ALS can continue to make informed decisions and maintain a good quality of life.
Services
Our team works with patients and caregivers to help patients stay as independent as possible in all areas of daily life, including:
Mobility
Including walking, transfers, positioning, driving and related issues of environmental accessibility.
Self-care
Including personal care, activities of daily living and caring for a home.
Psychosocial status
Including emotional health and spiritual well-being.
Communication
Including speaking and writing.
Nutrition
Including healthy eating and special needs.
Breathing
Including assessing and monitoring lung functions and lung hygiene, as well as respiratory support.
A key part of care is regularly checking for signs that the disease may be changing. ALS often progresses quickly, so it’s important to plan ahead rather than wait for problems to develop. Using a special risk tool, our team works with each patient to spot changes early and take action before a crisis. With the right equipment, prevention strategies, education and home adjustments, people with ALS can continue to enjoy a good quality of life.
Champlain District ALS Integrated Care Pathway
An integrated care pathway (ICP) is a multidisciplinary outline of anticipated care. The ALS Integrated Care Pathway for the Champlain District tool presents an overview of the progression of ALS and identifies potential problems that might arise for the client and caregiver as the disease advances. It also offers a list of local resources that can be accessed to support clients with ALS at different stages of the disease. This anticipatory approach to care benefits clients and families by serving as a planning guide for service providers in securing appropriate resources and supports.
Team
The core team of the Neuromuscular Care Stream includes:
- Physiatrists.
- Physical therapists.
- Speech-language pathologists.
- Clinical dietitian.
- Respiratory therapists.
- Nurse coordinators.
- Occupational therapist.
- Social workers.
- Spiritual care practitioners.
The core team works closely with:
- Medical specialists.
- Orthotists.
- Psychologists.
- Rehabilitation engineers.
- The ALS Society.
- Community Care Access Centres.
- Community palliative care programs.
Referrals and assessment
All new patients and patients who have not been seen in the previous 12 months must be referred to the program by a doctor. Once referred, all patients undergo an assessment by a physiatrist (a doctor who specializes in rehabilitation). Priority is given to problems that the patient wants to address first. All new patients and patients who have not been seen in the previous 12 months must be referred to the program by a doctor. Once referred, all patients undergo an assessment by a physiatrist. Priority is given to problems that the patient wants to address first.
Contact us
The Ottawa Hospital Rehabilitation Centre, Outpatient Department
613-737-7350 ext. 7521
505 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M2
Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.