'When I’m home, it’s always playing on my wife’s mind if I am safe, so when she found Lidcombe Home respite, it was a no brainer.'

Learning that Lidcombe Home exists was a huge weight off the shoulders of Nathan’s loved ones.

'My wife discovered it because she’s gone away with the kids, and I can’t fly. She did the homework and tried to find a place that I could come to. When I’m staying home, it’s always playing on my wife’s mind wondering if I am safe, so when she found this place and knew I was going to be safe here it was a no brainer.'

Nathan, who has multiple sclerosis (MS), recently spent five weeks at Lidcombe Home – MS Plus’ brand new, hotel-style supported independent living facility in Sydney’s west, close to public transport and Westfield Parramatta.

'It’s been a fantastic experience – the facility, the staff and having easy access to MS doctors, physios and other professionals has been really good,' he says.

Lidcombe Home, which provides short-term respite and longer-term living, features fully furnished apartments and is staffed seven days a week including overnight.

Located next door to the Lidcombe Wellbeing Centre, residents have easy access to its therapy areas, gym, sensory garden and specialist services including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, employment support and NDIS support coordination and plan management.

'I’ve been able to do a lot of physio since I’ve been here, and all of the staff from the cleaners that come in and keep the place clean all the time to the managers look out for you and are there when you need them,' says Nathan.

The facility has been built with accessibility as the priority, with features including accessible beds and height-adjustable kitchen workbenches. Each apartment has an ensuite and a separate bathroom for guests.

'All of the doors are automatic and there’s no handles, which is really good for somebody like me who has low fine motor skills,' says Nathan.

'It’s a beautiful place, it has been great having a fully-equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and oven, air-conditioning and an intercom buzzer system, it’s super modern.'

Nathan has previously engaged with MS Plus’ peer support groups, and has found his experiencing connecting with others who have MS beneficial to his own journey.

'I meet with a few other guys online once a month and have gotten to know them which has been really helpful. I actually met one of the people here, because she works here, and I was so happy to put a face to a name.

'I’m a very positive person and I always say, "I have MS, MS doesn’t have me." I will do everything I can until the day I can’t, and Lidcombe Home has been such a great experience in giving me the support I need while living independently.'

When Nathan thinks about his time at Lidcombe Home, he says with a laugh 'the only fault is that I have to leave!'.

Lidcombe Home has no waitlists. To enquire, call 1800 042 138 or email home@msplus.org.au