MS Plus Carers Program

If you’re a family member or friend supporting a loved one living with a neurological condition, we’re here for you!

We know a neurological condition can have a significant impact on the lives of family members and friends. We also know that carers are often the unsung heroes in the management of multiple sclerosis (MS). So how can you find time to care for yourself?

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.

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.

If your loved one has recently received a multiple sclerosis diagnosis, it’s normal to feel scared and confused. You want to support the person through their diagnosis, but it can be difficult to know what to do or say.

We have developed a three-part publication to help family members and friends to understand the challenges they may face and the strategies they can use to help.

We also regularly host live webinars with information for family, friends and carers.

You can access our past webinar recordings, along with additional podcasts, news articles and videos in our Resources Hub. Simply filter by topic to find the right information for you.

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 peer support in the following ways:

• face-to-face groups
• one-on-one over the phone
• Telegroups
• Telelinks
• closed Facebook groups.

We have dedicated peer support groups for MS carers. To find out more visit our Peer Support page.

Our 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 [email protected].

If you need a translator, find out more about how you can access the national Translating and Interpreting Service. You can also find out more about the Plus Connect team and how they can help.

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.

Below are some external organisations providing additional resources to help you get the support you need.

• Carers ACT
• Carers NSW
• Carers Tasmania
• Carers Victoria
• Caring Kids
• Brainwave