For Maria, MS Plus’ long-term supported accommodation in Beverly Hills, NSW is more than just a place to live — it’s a place where she feels safe, supported, and truly at home.
Maria has been part of the MS Plus supported accommodation community since 2008 and has lived at the Beverly Hills residence for the past five years.
“This is a lovely place to live,” she says. “I am one of five residents living here. Badri is a wonderful manager, all of the staff are fantastic, and I feel very safe and supported in the house.”
Her days are enriched by regular physiotherapy sessions with Ashley, who visits each week from the Lidcombe Wellbeing Centre to provide treatment in the comfort of Maria’s home.
“I find the sessions very helpful, particularly with my spasticity and spasms,” Maria explains.
Maria’s journey with MS began in 1998, when she was working at an electrical trades union company in the city. By 2001, her symptoms had progressed to the point where boarding the train to work was no longer possible, and she made the decision to retire. “My right leg was dragging and making it difficult to walk,” she recalls.
Despite the challenges, Maria maintains a strong sense of connection to her past. “I’m still close friends with my old manager who hired me in 1996 — she often comes to visit me, along with my brother and other friends. I feel like I have a great community around me here.”
That sense of community is something Maria treasures deeply — especially the companionship of her husband, Mark, who also lives with MS and shares the Beverly Hills residence with her.
“We actually met when we were both living in the old Lidcombe accommodation,” she says. “We both moved here to Beverly Hills and I had the opportunity to choose my bedroom and colour.”
Mark brings an extra touch of creativity and warmth to their home. “He loves to paint and often creates artwork for staff and the other residents to enjoy,” Maria says. “He knows my favourite colours are lavender, purple, pink and blue, so he’ll often make me art in those shades for my room. It’s lovely having my partner live with me — it’s great to have the company. He helps me out all the time.”
The location of the residence also holds special meaning for Maria. “Beverly Hills is a great location for me, as I was born and raised not far from here, in Canterbury. So to me, this area feels like home and brings back a lot of lovely memories.”
She also enjoys the independence that comes with being close to local amenities. “I have easy access to shops and the train station, and I love window shopping locally and catching the train into the city.”
Through the support of MS Plus, Maria is able to live with dignity, independence, and joy — surrounded by caring staff, a close-knit community, and the comforts of home.
Find out more about long or short term supported accommodation.
Pictured: Maria and her husband Mark on an outing to Sydney