Diagnosis ALS: Kay talks about his new everyday life
Kay is 50 years old, originally from Bielefeld and now lives in Osnabrück. His diagnosis: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, or ALS for short. This neurodegenerative disorder causes a progressive loss of muscle strength, especially in the hands. For Kay, this makes everyday life a special challenge because many small and seemingly self-evident activities become obstacles. Since September 2025, Kay has been using the exomotion® hand one GEN2 – a hand orthosis that can support people with non-functional grasp. Kay shares how his life has changed with this support and offers valuable everyday tips for others with similar impairments. This article is about quality of life, agency and how daily life can be shaped through technical aids and smart strategies.
Everyday life with ALS and the Importance of Grasp Function
ALS is a condition that slowly but steadily changes the world of those affected. When Kay received the diagnosis, it was clear to him: He wants to remain independent as long as possible. The disease causes the muscles in the arms and hands to gradually weaken, and movement restrictions increase. The grasp function in particular is a critical issue for many patients: When the hand can no longer grip, many normal actions become impossible. Setting down glasses, lifting groceries, holding items when cooking – these activities require finger dexterity.
For people like Kay, everyday life is a series of new challenges. Fingers can no longer close, the wrist is unstable, and holding objects no longer works. Many patients report having to give up simple tasks, such as carrying a laundry basket or picking up a cushion. This often means a significant withdrawal from everyday life, which affects quality of life and mental health.
Help in Everyday Life: Kay and His Experiences with the exomotion® hand one GEN2
In September 2025, Kay received the exomotion® hand one GEN2 as an aid in a trial fitting and can now do some things himself again: When cooking, he holds packages, he can lift or set down glasses, and feels more independent in everyday life. He particularly emphasizes how important it is to regain these small routines.
His personal highlight with the orthosis:
“Being able to reach out and squeeze my friend’s hand.”
For people with non-functional grasp, these gestures in particular are part of interpersonal communication – they create closeness and connection.
New Perspectives for Everyday Life: Independence Through Targeted Support
Kay’s experiences show how modern aids and structured everyday tips can improve the quality of life for affected patients. The exomotion® hand one GEN2 can make it possible to carry out everyday actions independently and thus preserve a high degree of autonomy. Actively experiencing daily life, taking on activities, and regaining gestures of interpersonal closeness all contribute significantly to well-being. In the long run, the use of such orthoses can help maintain social participation and reduce psychological stress. Everyday life becomes a space for personal development and active living – a new quality of life becomes tangible.
Kay’s message to others affected
Kay wants to encourage other people with similar limitations:
“Never give up!”
His story shows that despite an ALS diagnosis, it is possible – with the use of modern aids like the exomotion® hand one – to regain a measure of independence and quality of life.
Fazit: Gemeinsam Alltag neu gestalten mit der exomotion® hand one
Kay’s story impressively demonstrates how an active, self-determined daily life becomes possible again despite hand paralysis caused by ALS. But Kay is not the only one who is exploring new paths with the exomotion® hand one: Kjeld, Claire, Tatjana, Helmut and Elias also share their personal experiences and the new opportunities this aid opens up for them every day.