If you’re a family member or friend supporting a loved one living with multiple sclerosis (MS) or another neurological condition, we’re here for you! Neurological conditions can have a significant impact on the lives of family members and friends and carers are often the unsung heroes in the management of multiple sclerosis (MS).
We offer a range of services to support you on your journey, including educational resources, peer support groups, phone support and respite. We’ve also included our top three tips below to help you to take care of you.
- Say yes to help: don’t be shy about accepting help from family, friends and neighbours. Let people feel good about supporting you, they often want to help.
- Take a break: make sure you are taking breaks from caregiving, so you have time for you and a chance to refresh your energy.
- Maintain social connections: catching up with family and friends can help combat isolation and loneliness. You could also consider joining a peer support group.
Carers, Family & Friends Toolkit
Our toolkit offers information and practical tips for different parts of your journey supporting someone living with multiple sclerosis.
MS Carers Strategy
MS Plus is excited to launch our new Carers Strategy. We have identified a set of common needs and developed strategies to meet these needs based on research with more than 250 people who support someone living with MS.
Supporting a partner, family member or friend living with MS can be incredibly meaningful and rewarding. We also understand it can be challenging at times and impact your ability to achieve your own goals and live well.
That's why we're committed to providing you with the ongoing support you need at every stage of your journey as you support your loved one living with MS.
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Plus Peer Support
Peer support is the act of connecting with others who are in a similar situation. By drawing on your own experience, you can share stories and feelings with people who ‘just get it’, providing each other with friendship and understanding. Our trained peer support volunteers are people with experience of living with multiple sclerosis or caring for someone who is. We offer:
- Face-to-face groups
- One-on-one over the phone
- Telegroups
- Telelinks
- Closed Facebook groups
- Dedicated peer support groups for carers
Plus Connect
Our MS Plus Connect team is ready to connect and share meaningful advice and practical tools to help you care for your loved one. You don’t need an appointment. Reach out to our friendly team today, we can help you with:
- Empathetic support for every step of your journey
- Expert answers to your questions about multiple sclerosis
- Referral to the services you need including respite
- Information on peer support programs
You can contact our team for free by phone or email from Monday to Friday between 8 am to 6 pm.
- Phone 1800 042 138
- Email connect@msplus.org.au
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Plus Navigate
The Plus Navigate Series Friends and Family is designed for people who support someone with MS. You’ll learn about the condition, understand the supports available, cover practical tips to support someone with MS and discuss strategies for taking care of yourself
Learn more about Plus Navigate
Plus Respite
Based in Watsonia in Victoria, our respite service gives you the restorative break you need to recharge. Our caring and experienced team will be there to make sure your loved one’s stay is as comfortable as possible. Our respite service provides:
- A professional and friendly team who care for your loved one 24/7
- High quality equipment, such as ceiling hoists and shower commodes
- Meals prepared for your loved one in a private kitchen
- Spacious living room with TV and Wi-Fi.
Respite is an NDIS funded service. To find out more visit our short-term accommodation page.
Additional resources
Below are some external organisations providing additional resources to help you get the support you need.