Louis’ story of choosing love, dignity and independence

Louis has lived with multiple sclerosis for nearly three decades. At 54 years old, his condition has progressed to the point where he now uses a motorised wheelchair. But for Louis, his diagnosis has never defined him. What matters most is preserving the love he shares with his wife and son.

“I was insistent that my wife remains my wife and not my carer,” Louis says simply.

As his needs grew, caring at home became harder. His wife works full-time in a demanding role, and even with his son’s help, daily life was becoming too heavy. “I had to move out to ensure that my marriage stays intact,” he reflects.

Louis now lives at an Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) residence at Gadsden in West Melbourne. From the moment he moved in, he knew it was the right decision.

“Gadsden in particular is a fantastic location,” he explains. “It’s across the road from a major train station. I’m two stops away from the centre of Melbourne, six stops away from home. There’s a Metro supermarket literally downstairs so I can do my shopping daily if I need to.”

But more important than convenience is the security of knowing that support is always there. “The support team here are incredible,” Louis says. “What’s most important is the 24/7 assistance provided by an on-site support worker. If I need anything, there’s someone just a phone call away.”

He recalls one afternoon when he needed a hand preparing lunch. “I just buzzed the support worker and they came down, helped me prepare lunch, plated it up, and it was easy.”

At home, that kind of support was harder to access. “My wife may not have been available to assist me,” Louis shares. “Living apart during the week gives both myself and my wife that flexibility.”

The SDA’s design has also opened up possibilities for independence. “Because it is designed for people with wheelchairs, it gives me greater access to things like the kitchen. So I can actually help the support worker who’s helping me. It’s knowing that there’s someone in reach that gives me the security to be on my own. It is empowerment. It is an opportunity to regain my agency and regain my independence.”

One of Louis’ future goals is to start cooking again. “Leora gave me a cookbook as a housewarming present, with 200 plus recipes. So what I’d like is to actually assist in cooking, being part of the kitchen, making my own beautiful meals.”

The change has not only given Louis independence. It has also brought him and his wife closer.

“I miss my wife, and my wife misses me,” he says, sharing that their weekends tend to be more loving, as opposed to being overly tired and needing her space.

That renewed closeness, Louis says, is the biggest difference in their relationship since his move.

Looking back on his decision, Louis has no doubts. “I feel very lucky to have found the Gadsden, and in particular with Leora, the team and the support they provide. I feel very privileged.”

Checkout the Gadsden SDA by Liverty Housing:

Louis’ journey shows that the right support can protect relationships and restore independence. It reminds us that independence and love can go hand in hand.

If you or someone you care about is exploring multiple sclerosis support and finding a new home, we’d love to walk alongside you too!

Contact our team today for more information and to arrange a virtual tour.