A place that feels like home: helping Beth reclaim confidence and mobility

From her first day visiting MS Plus’ Hobart Wellbeing Centre, Beth has felt at home.

“The space is so bright, light, airy and well equipped and all of the staff are so friendly and welcoming,” she says.

“There are little things, like the fact that you can park on site. People think that going to a place in town is going to be difficult with parking, which is obviously a problem if you're not very mobile, but they’ve made it so easy to get to and access.”

Beth was diagnosed with MS in 2007 and has a long-standing goal to improve her core strength to reduce pressure on her legs and maintain her mobility as much as possible.

She was at a bit of a loss when her previous exercise physiologist retired, until Beth was encouraged to visit MS Plus and the Hobart Wellbeing Centre, which offers a neuro friendly gym and a range of tailored services under one roof.

“I had kind of held out about getting in touch with MS Plus, because I’ve spent the last 15 years or so trying to keep the fact I had MS under the radar because I was working and I didn’t want anybody to think I wasn’t up to my day job,” she explains.

“I’m so glad I got over that, because I have found a fantastic exercise physiologist who I see twice a week and who gives me the right amount of encouragement, friendship, motivation and challenge.”

Having other professionals on site, including NDIS experts, has led to some unexpected positive outcomes.

“I discovered that the person who pays my NDIS bills and the person who signed me up to the NDIS in the first place all work in the same location. They all seem to be really interested in my case, and care about me.

“One of the first things was that a physio was brought in to watch me walk. They suggested I might benefit from a leg brace, as my current device appeared to be ineffective. My EP encouraged me to investigate it further with a referral to an orthotist and everyone worked together,” says Beth.

“One person was writing reports, the physio was adding his two cents worth, and the person who manages accounts was helping too. Between the whole team, they got me organised to get a leg brace which has been revolutionary for me.

“It was what whole-of-person care, the way the different members of the care team worked together to get me the best possible outcome. I felt really well supported and looked after.”

Beth highly recommends the Hobart Wellbeing Centre to other people with MS, to help them manage their health and wellbeing.

“What I’ve really enjoyed is that my program is adjusted to meet my capabilities, so if I can’t do something, my exercise physiologist will try it from a different angle in my opinion her knowledge is incredible.

“She will always find a solution to get the right outcome for me.”