Vanessa discovers the ideal NDIS MS support provider in Leora

When Vanessa first joined the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in 2016, she wasn’t sure what to expect. Living with multiple sclerosis (MS) had turned everyday tasks like climbing stairs, running errands or even basic housework into challenges she couldn’t face alone. But with the right support, she discovered how much her life could change.

“I was referred to the NDIS by my neurologist and the MS Society when the NDIS first started. The process was very easy and straightforward,” Vanessa recalls.

But while accessing the NDIS was a smooth process, finding a provider that truly understood her needs took more time.

Multiple sclerosis is a complex and unpredictable lifelong condition that affects the central nervous system, disrupting communication between the brain and the rest of the body.

It’s estimated that over 33,000 Australians are living with MS. Three out of four people  diagnosed with MS are women. Symptoms vary widely, from fatigue and mobility challenges, to vision problems and cognitive changes.

For Vanessa, living with MS has meant adapting to constant change. It’s not just the physical limitations but the way the condition reshapes her day-to-day life.

“There’s no cure for MS, so I focus on maintaining my independence as much as I can,” Vanessa explains. Staying active and keeping a positive outlook have been crucial in her approach, but she recognises the importance of external support.

The NDIS has become a lifeline for Vanessa, as it provides funding and services tailored to individuals with significant disabilities like MS. The NDIS supports everything from in-home care to assistive equipment and therapy, which helps participants maintain as much independence as possible.

Before discovering Leora Healthcare (formerly Afea Care Services), Vanessa struggled to find the right support for her specific needs and preference. Her previous provider fell short of her expectations.

“My previous provider sent me support workers who didn’t meet my requirements at all,” Vanessa shares. The disconnect left her feeling unsupported and unheard.

But everything changed when she joined Leora as a client.

From the beginning, the Leora team worked closely with Vanessa to ensure she was paired with support workers who not only met her practical needs but also understood her personality and preferences. The difference was immediate. Vanessa has happily been with Leora for four years now.

When asked if Leora’s support workers better suited her needs, Vanessa responds with: “Oh yes, 100%. They are so much more aligned with what I require, like my needs and personality. We have so much more in common. Rather than me supporting the support workers, my support workers from Leora are actually supporting me! I’m very, very happy with the team I have now. Absolutely fantastic.”

Vanessa values the thoughtful consideration Leora gave to finding her ideal support team. Her Leora in-home care experience is built on genuine understanding, giving her the confidence and support she needs to feel safe and empowered.

For Vanessa, each day brings its own rhythm. Her support workers arrive early in the morning, ready to lend a hand with whatever she needs.

“They’ll take me out, whether it’s just to the shopping centre just to do some walking around, or to sit by the water just down the road. I always feel safe with their driving too,” she says.

When they’re back home, the team helps with domestic chores, from vacuuming and dusting to folding laundry and preparing meals. “It’s all the little things I can’t do myself anymore,” Vanessa says. “They take care of it all.”

Vanessa also appreciates the personal touch her support workers bring to their time together. “They’re amazing at helping me feel comfortable if I’m feeling anxious, they sort of take my mind off it and we start talking and we can have a bit of a giggle and a joke and things like that. They’re very, very supportive.”

Outside of her time with Leora, Vanessa’s life revolves around her family. Her grandchildren, she says, are her world. “They visit often with their parents, or we’ll go to see them. It’s those moments with them that bring me so much joy.

And then there’s Charlie, her beloved cat and constant companion. “When the support workers go home, Charlie keeps me company. He’s always nearby just watching over me.”

Staying active is a priority for Vanessa. Determined to maintain her independence and mobility level, she works closely with her physiotherapist and regularly practices her exercises with the help of her support workers. Their encouragement keeps her motivated and focused on staying strong.

Vanessa speaks fondly of her support team at Leora, including her Care Coordinator Gillian and Support Coordinator Laurence, who are with her every step of the way. “Any time I need something changed or adjusted, they get onto it straight away. I’ve never had any concerns,” she shares.

Support at Leora is about understanding people, not just their needs. Vanessa’s journey is proof that personalised care can truly make a difference.

Whether it’s helping with the little things or being there when it matters most, we’re here to make sure you feel confident, connected and cared for.

Need a hand with disability or mental health support? Let’s work together. Reach out today to see how Leora Healthcare can make a difference in your life.