For family, friends and other carers

Caring for someone with a chronic illness like MS can be deeply satisfying but also physically and emotionally exhausting.

Given the diversity in disease presentation and progression, people with MS require a broad and diverse range of support that often includes care delivered by family and friends. Recognition, acknowledgement and support for the vital role of carers is a crucial component of maintaining the carer in this role.

People with MS and their carers want useful information and advice, and together must navigate these sectors.

0 %
of people living with MS have someone (unpaid or informal) who is their main source of support*
0 %
of carers provide daily emotional support, rather than physical assistance*
0 %
of carers report that caring has an impact on their emotional wellbeing*
0 %
of carers are paying for health professionals support*
0 %
of carers were employed full time before they started providing care for someone with MS*
0 %
of carers are employed full time while caring for someone with MS*

There are approximately 22,272 MS carers across Australia.

There is great demand to better meet the needs of the those caring for people living with MS. Supporting family, friends and carers of people with MS is one of our key advocacy aims.

*According to a 2019 study commissioned by MS Australia and undertaken by KPMG that surveyed 2,261 people living with MS and 135 family members and carers.

Practical support and information

The state and territory MS organisations provide excellent carer information, such as living with MS, symptom-management, primary carer training, carer camps, in-home and residential respite, how to access equipment, benefits and services, and agency referrals.

State and Territory MS organisations

Australian Government Carer Gateway

The Australian Government Carer Gateway portal has information, resources and links to local support services for carers.

Carers Australia

Carers Australia is the national peak body representing Australia’s unpaid carers, advocating on their behalf to influence policies and services at a national level. It works collaboratively with partners and its member organisations, the Network of state and territory Carers Associations, to deliver a range of essential national carer services. Their website contains many useful links to helpful resources.

Other MS-specific information for MS carers

Our website contains a great deal of practical information regarding symptoms, treatments, wellbeing and lifestyle that carers may find useful in caring for someone with MS. 

For carers of someone who is approaching their end of life, information can make a difference to you and the person needing care. CarerHelp resources can help you to understand what to expect.

CareSearch have launched a new and interactive portal to empower everyone in Australia to make informed palliative care decisions. 

The new CareSearch Portal has evidence-based information resources and tools to support:

If you are the carer of someone who is approaching their end of life, information can make a difference to you and the person needing care. CarerHelp resources can help you to understand what to expect.

Tell us what you think

If you are caring for someone with MS and you feel you need some information, resources, services or support that would help you, please let us know, by email to: info@msaustralia.org.au

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For family, friends and other carers