Services & Support
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MS Society SA & NT offer a range of services and support to people living with multiple sclerosis. Our aim is to empower you to live well with services tailored to your individual needs and goals. If you are interested in any of our services, you can contact our MS Assist line for more information or to arrange an appointment with our specialist staff.
Our MS nurses provide specialist information, education and support about treatments and symptom management as well as key strategies for maintaining a brain-healthy lifestyle for people at all stages of their MS journey.
MS nurses can provide expert information and advice on:
- understanding MS
- managing new or existing symptoms
- education and training on available treatments and their administration
- adjusting to a new diagnosis
- navigating the healthcare system
- health and wellbeing counselling.
A consultation with our specialist MS physiotherapists will provide you with advice and strategies to manage MS symptoms such as weakness, fatigue, heat sensitivity, imbalance, spasticity and dizziness. We will help you to improve strength, balance and increase mobility to maintain independence with MS.
Our physiotherapy programs include:
- individualised assessment and symptom management programs
- MS relapse rehabilitation
- gait and mobility assessment
- home exercise prescription
- strength and conditioning exercise groups
- balance and falls prevention programs
- online exercise classes
- water-based exercise groups.
Our Occupational Therapists specialise in MS symptom management and education in strategies to manage fatigue, sleep hygiene and temperature sensitivity. We work with you to understand your strengths and needs so you can continue to participate in your meaningful daily activities and to support overall wellbeing such as taking care of yourself, enjoying hobbies and socialising.
As a registered NDIS provider, we can provide assessments and funding applications for equipment, technology and home modifications to support independence and safety, both at home and in the community. For all other funding streams, please contact us to find out how we can help.
Our Social Support team are here to help you understand, apply for and implement services and supports including NDIS, My Aged Care, Disability Support Pension, Housing SA, and grant applications. We can also refer you to other services and supports to suit your needs.
There are a number of in-person and online MS Peer Support groups across Adelaide, regional South Australia and Darwin offering support and connection for people living with MS, and their families and carers. Joining a support group is a great way to learn about MS, share experiences and make new friends.
Local MS Peer Support groups
Our MS Peer Support groups usually get together informally over coffee or a meal. The frequency of meetings is dependent on the group, but many of our support groups meet monthly. Some support groups gather to discuss specific multiple sclerosis issues and others get together for activities such as tennis and crafts. We have set up private Facebook or E-mail support groups so that people affected by MS have 24/7 peer support at their fingertips. Our online communities provide emotional support based on mutual understanding and respect.
If you are interested in starting a new MS Peer Support group, you can contact our MS Assist line on 1800 812 311 or email msassist@ms.asn.auÂ
There are a range of groups, including:
Special Interest groups:
- Workers, Adelaide CBD
- Craft Group, Ironbank
- OMS, Kensington and Hackham
- Tennis Group, Grange
- Writing, Gawler (being created, taking EOI)
- Young people with MS (being created, taking EOI)
Active Peer Support Groups in:
- Darwin
- Barossa
- Goolwa
- Inner Southern suburbs
- Kidman Park
- Modbury/Hillcrest
- Mount Barker
- Mount Gambier
- Naracoorte
- Port Lincoln (being created)
- Port Pirie
- Riverland
My Society
A Facebook group for people living with MS in South Australia and Northern Territory.
Family & friends
A Facebook group for people caring for a family member living with MS in South Australia.
Phone
1800 812 311
msassist@ms.asn.au
MS organisations across Australia have worked together informally for many years, pooling the money they raise for MS research into finding the cause, better treatments and hopefully one day, a cure. The first Australian medical research grant for multiple sclerosis (MS) was in Sydney in 1963 and since then, many Australian researchers have made significant contributions to the wealth of knowledge fostering greater understanding about MS.
In 2002, moves were made to increase the amount of money going into research and to strategically coordinate the efforts to find the cause of MS, to look at ways of preventing and better treating MS, and ultimately find a cure. This led to the establishment of MS Research Australia in 2004. The State MS organisations contribute significant funds to MSRA to support the ongoing National MS research efforts.
Visit the MS Research Australia website to find out more about the specific research projects being undertaken on a national level.
The MS Society offers free services to help you apply for the NDIS and prepare for your NDIS planning meetings to ensure your NDIS plan covers the supports and services you need to live well and achieve your goals.
Support Coordination is an NDIS funded capacity building support which can help you make the most of your NDIS funds. Our Support Coordinators can help you use your NDIS plan and access the supports and services you need to achieve your goals.
Our Support Coordination services include:
- providing information on the different services available
- connecting you with suitable NDIS registered service providers
- creating a budget for your NDIS funds
- helping you prepare for annual plan reviews
- liaising and negotiating with service providers if any issues arise.
Bladder and bowel concerns are a common symptom of MS, which is why we have a specialist Continence Nurse to help you better manage or even improve your symptoms.
Our Continence Nurse can provide:
- continence assessments
- bladder ultrasounds, if needed to better understand symptoms
- helpful management tips
- product advice and samples
- travel ideas
- catheter care and advice.