Robert (he/his) is a 47-year-old with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), on disability from his job. He lives with his partner and their children, ages 8 and 10. He’s recently had a feeding tube placed and uses a BiPap machine to help him breathe. He often has leg spasms. He worries about how to talk with his children about his health, and what the road ahead looks like for all of them.

The palliative care team works with Robert to better understand his hopes, worries, and priorities. They treat his leg spasms, and Robert feels less anxious and sleeps better. They partner with his ALS doctors to prepare him and his partner for his future care, including home-based services. The palliative care social worker helps Robert sensitively communicate with his children at their pace.

Meet our partners:
ALS Clinic – Margaret Ayo Owegi, DO
Movement Disorders Clinic – Anindita Deb, MD

Learn more about the UMass Chan ALS Clinic and Research Center