Trina-
My dad can still speak though not always so clearly. It depends on how fatigued he is. My dad is about 10 minutes away, 15 minutes with traffic and this does make it so much easier. My son is 10 and is frustrated with losing out on doing certain things because I am busy with my Dad and also is a bit scared about it all, though he doesn't know about ALS, just that grandpa's body is "wearing out". We are still thinking assisted living though I am planning to get an evaluation on whether or not Dad can stay where he is with help. And yes, I have taken over doctor's discussions but it is these darned visiting nurse, PT, dieticians people that refuse to call me and keep calling my Dad. I am learning that there are good days and bad days and to cherish the good ones and put the bad ones off to the side. It is not easy.