UPDATE ON MSWA

UPDATE ON MSWA FACILITIES SANDRA WALLACE, MSWA MANAGER STRATEGIC SUPPORTS Here is a brief update on the progress of our expanding facilities and development of new and existing sites at MSWA. WILSON – the full refurbishment was completed at the end of July. We had five months of construction and building and at times it was very dusty and noisy. The result is a fresh, open look and feel that is lovely to be in! There has been some movement of staff to new office locations within Wilson, to promote efficiency and enable larger teams to be centrally located. We have gained a larger physio gym, new massage rooms and 36 extra desk spaces. Members returned to their outreach programs from 31 July. It is good to see them back here once again. The whole site has taken on a fresh new look and somehow everything looks bigger, and it all matches! Please feel free to visit us and have a look. KELMSCOTT – The fit-out of new premises in Kelmscott is well under way, we expect to be open for business by mid-September. These premises will offer office space for meetings and consultations, counselling, and physiotherapy. Parking is easy as it is situated in a group of shops, at 2938 Albany Highway, Kelmscott. If this may be of benefit to you, please speak with your therapist for details and the relevant program times. BUTLER – construction is making very steady progress and already is at lock-up. This site will be completed at the end of the year and opening early 2019. The large services hub is really taking shape and the high support accommodation units will benefit from separate communal spaces for entertainment and dining. ALBANY – great news, we have a site under offer, and are awaiting the outcome. It is a long process, but we will provide details when possible to do so. This will include both high support units and a service hub. BUSSELTON – ongoing negotiations; delays have gone beyond our control but should be resolved soon. SHENTON PARK – we are awaiting the Governments allocation of the title before we can progress but we will be building high support accommodation units on this site. PRESSURE MAPPING EMMA CLIFFORD, MSWA OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST The Occupational Therapy department will soon have a pressure mapping system to supplement services provided for seating and positioning for those using wheelchairs. The highly sensitive mat allows the therapist to accurately identify areas of the body that may be at risk of developing pressure injuries when seated in a wheelchair or recliner. The mat is placed on the seating surface and, when the individual sits, a real time image of pressure distribution is displayed on a screen allowing the therapist to identify areas of increased pressure. This assessment allows the occupational therapist to do the following; • Identify the need to review the current seating surface • Select or eliminate different seating surfaces during trials based on individual need and the outcome of pressure mapping • Justify the need for different seating surfaces and provide an accurate measure for funding bodies to consider when applying for funding of equipment • Discuss with the individual their own risk of pressure injury and develop a plan together • Record reliable data to develop an effective pressure management plan if required If this is something you would like to access, please speak with your allocated Occupational Therapist or contact the department on 9365 4888. This valuable addition to our equipment has been made possible through our MSWA fundraising efforts. Thank you! 24 | MSWA BULLETIN SPRING 2018

EMPLOYMENT AND MS SUE SHAPLAND, GENERAL MANAGER MEMBER AND SERVICES Being employed has benefits beyond just purely financial – it can improve quality of life, provide social interaction and give us a sense of purpose. Over the years MS studies showed that people with multiple sclerosis (MS) were much more likely to fall out of employment than people with other chronic conditions and the general population. The financial impact of reduced employment for people with MS places a substantial burden on individuals, families and the wider community. A paper published from the Australian MS Longitudinal Study in 2013 provided insight into the causes for loss of employment; it wasn’t just about accessibility or unsupportive employers, but poor symptom management was shown to have a real impact of staying in the workplace. Hidden symptoms such as fatigue and urinary problems were likely to have a negative impact on staying in the workplace. Recent Australian research has shown that more effective disease-modifying therapies are associated with increases in the amount of work, work attendance and work productivity. At MSWA we provide information and individual support for our Members regarding many aspects that can impact on them remaining in the workplace, reducing hours or re-entering the workforce after a break. Our Health Education Officer arranges evening information sessions with guest speakers from Maurice and Blackburn, speaking about disclosure of your MS, your workplace rights and how to access your superannuation insurance policies if you need to exit the workplace due to your MS. Other issues regarding income and benefits can be discussed with our social welfare team. Depending on what funding you have available for services, our OTs can refer you to Job Access for a workplace assessment to improve your workspace and provide advice on any adjustments, aids or equipment that may be of benefit, or direct you to services that can look at these issues for you. Job Access are also able to advise on and organise Government funding to support workplace modifications and the purchase of equipment that may be required. Funded OT services can also provide advice on accessing disability employment support agencies, who are funded to assist people to return to the workplace and /or re-train. Our MS nursing team can support you with effective symptom management strategies and information and advice about your MS. We can also link you with expert providers. There are so many supports available and the MSWA team is here – we are just a phone call away – 9365 4840 or email us at Get-in-touch@mswa.org.au YOUNG DAD’S JOURNEY WITH MS Life was carefree and easy for Matt Nichols, a healthy young man who worked in a glass factory with the world at his feet. But in 2007, after telling his doctor he had been experiencing fatigue and dizziness at work, Matt was stunned to learn he had multiple sclerosis (MS). “When my doctor confirmed my diagnosis, I didn’t know what to think. I found it very confusing. Someone suggested I call MSWA and they were fantastic. Their nurses helped me understand the condition and since then, I’ve felt very supported.” Matt said. Now 44 years of age, life is starting to look up for Matt. He currently works as a cleaner four nights a week and cares for his six-year-old daughter, Willow. Willow is his continuous source of inspiration. “She’s full of positive energy and always there to give me a hug when I need it. I’m hoping that one day, I won’t need my crutches, so I can hold her hand while walking down the street.” Over the last 11 years, Matt has faced other symptoms such as fatigue, memory lapses and heat intolerance. It was his struggle with heat that prompted his move to Busselton in 2014. “Moving has had a really positive effect. You wouldn’t think that between Perth and Busselton there would be much of a difference climate wise, but just those few degrees make a big difference for me.” MSWA’s presence in the South West region has had a huge impact on his life and has supported him throughout his MS journey. Matt accesses physiotherapy, massage and counselling at MSWA’s local facility. “MSWA have been there for me every step of the way. I’m currently using crutches to get around, so having one facility catering to all my needs, means it will be easier to access my vital services under the one roof.” MSWA BULLETIN SPRING 2018 | 25