Patient and Family Services

The Wisconsin Chapter offers a full range of services to guide and assist you as you learn more about ALS. Below you will find a brief description of the services, please click on the links to obtain more information.  Our staff is here Monday through Friday to answer any questions you may have. Please don't hesitate to call or e-mail us for more information.  We are here to help.

Chapter Patient Services Line:  414-817-1541

Wisconsin Chapter Patient Services Staff:

Lori Banker-Horner LPN                  
Patient Services Director               
lori@alsawi.org 

Robin Stanczyk RN
Patient Services Coordinator
robin@alsawi.org

Jane Kowalsky 
Social Worker
jane@alsawi.org

                              
The Wisconsin Chapter Patient Services Staff assist individuals with ALS, their families and their caregivers learn about the disease, locate and connect with resources in the community and cope with changes occurring in their lives. The Patient Services Staff is also available for educational inservices to area health care agencies and facilities.  


ALS Support Groups

The Chapter reaches out to individuals with ALS, their families and their caregivers through monthly support group meetings for both individuals with ALS, families and caregivers.  

The support group meetings are upbeat gatherings that focus on coping with ALS and its challenges and providing information and resources to meet those challenges.  Speakers discuss topics ranging from nutrition to issues with respiratory and swallowing.  The meetings provide a supportive environment where tears, smiles and laughter are all part of the sharing.   For specific information on support group days/times/locations please click here. 

Equipment Loan Program

The Chapter maintains an inventory of gently used durable medical equipment and assistive devices that are available for loan to registered Chapter Members at no cost.  Equipment ranges from a bath seat to a power wheelchair.  (To view a general listing of equipment available click here)


Communication Devices

The Chapter maintains an inventory of augmentative/alternative communication devices ranging from low tech/communication boards to computerized devices with synthesized speech.  The devices are loaned through the Chapter in partnership with area Speech Therapists who work directly with individuals with ALS and  provide evaluations and training on the devices.  For more information on Communication Devices or if you need information or assistance in getting an evaluation for a communication device, please contact the Chapter Patient Services Line at 414-817-1541 or lori@alsawi.org


ALS Certified Clinic

The ALS Clinic at Froedtert Hospital and the Medical College of WI is the 26th ALSA Certified Center in the country, providing neurological diagnostics and imaging, as well as access to the services of a team of highly trained health care professionals specializing in ALS.  Under the medical direction of Dr. Paul Barkhaus, the ALS Clinic Team consists of a Nurse Clinic Coordinator, Social Worker, Dietitian, Speech/Swallow Specialist, Physical Therapist, Occupational Therapist, Respiratory Therapist, Chaplain and ALS Patient Services Staff.  For more information regarding the ALS Clinic, please call Chapter Patient Services at 414-817-1541 or lori@alsawi.org


Special Programs

The Chapter Patient Services Staff is continually looking at ways to reach out and provide support to the patients and families they serve.  One of the ways this is done is providing special educational programs.  The Chapter organizes an annual ALS Patient Care and Research Symposium which is held each May to provide information on patient care and services as well as updates in the research area.  Special keynote speakers are invited to share the most up to date information with our Chapter members.  If you would like to be on the mailing and email lists for this special event, please contact Chapter Patient Services at 414-817-1541 or lori@alsawi.org


Grant Programs

In the beginning of 2009, the Chapter unveiled 2 new Grant Programs available to individuals diagnosed with ALS.  
The Flex Grant Program provides individuals the opportunity to apply for two $500.00 grants per year to use towards costs associated with home and vehicle modifications, assistive devices, communication devices and other approved costs.  
The Transportation Grant Program provides individuals the opportunity to apply for 4 $250.00 grants per year to use towards transportation costs related to clinic/medical visits, special chapter programs and other approved costs.  

The Grant Applications are available on this website in pdf form.   Please contact Chapter Patient Services at 414-817-1541 or email lori@alsawi.org  if you have any questions related to the Grant Program.  The Transportation Grant Program provides individuals the opportunity to apply for 4 $250.00 grants per year to use towards transportation costs related to clinic/medical visits, special chapter programs and other approved costs.   Please contact Chapter Patient Services at 414-817-1541 or lori@alsawi.org  if you have any questions.