Helping you do the things that matter most
Every person’s experience with MS is different and so is the support you need. Our Occupational Therapists take the time to understand your unique situation, goals and day-to-day life, then work with you to build the practical skills, strategies and supports that help you stay as independent as possible so you can do the things that matter most to you. That might mean finding the right equipment, adapting your home, developing strategies for managing fatigue or discovering new ways to approach the everyday. We’ll help you work out what makes the most difference for you.
What to expect
When you connect with our OT team, your Occupational Therapist will arrange to meet with you at home or at our Kilkenny Services Centre if you live locally. For people living in regional South Australia or the Northern Territory, OT appointemnts are availble via telehealth.
In an initial appointment, your OT will discuss and assess how MS and your symptoms impact your day-to-day life, other important areas of your life and what your goals are. From there, your OT will suggest strategies, equipment, home modifications and more that will work towards achieving your goals.
In an initial appointment, your OT will discuss and assess how MS and your symptoms impact your day-to-day life, other important areas of your life and what your goals are. From there, your OT will suggest strategies, equipment, home modifications and more that will work towards achieving your goals.
How can our Occupational Therapists help you?
Our Occupational Therapists can help you manage changes in function, energy levels, mobility and daily activities at every stage of your MS journey. Support may include:
Functional Capacity Assessments
A Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA) provides a detailed, holistic picture of how MS is affecting your ability to carry out everyday tasks and access your home environment. Our OTs prepare comprehensive FCA reports that meet the requirements of the NDIS and other funding bodies. These reports can help identify the areas where further support could benefit you most and justify changes in funding or funding applications.
Living independently
Feeling safe and comfortable at home makes a real difference. Our OTs carry out home assessments and can prescribe modifications - such as ramps, grab rails and more - to reduce hazards and help you move around with confidence. For people who need a higher level of support, we also carry out accommodation assessments including Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) and Supported Independent Living (SIL) assessments to identify living arrangements that fit your needs. The goal is a lifestyle that genuinely suits you.
Assistive technology (equipment)
The right piece of equipment can open up possibilities that might otherwise feel out of reach. Our OTs assess your individual goals and circumstances, then identify and prescribe assistive technology to match. This could be from adapted kitchen tools and electric recliners through to height-adjustable beds, wheelchairs and transfer aids. Every recommendation is made with your independence and participation at the centre.
Symptom management
We understand that MS can impact you in a number of different ways. Our OTs work alongside you to develop practical, personalised strategies, recommend assistive technology, and provide solutions that support your daily life and wellbeing. Key areas we commonly support include:
Fatigue management
Fatigue is often one of the most challenging and debilitating symptoms for people living with MS. Our OTs can assess your daily routines, help you track energy levels throughout the day, and develop tailored strategies to reduce fatigue. These may include pacing techniques, energy conservation methods, and activity planning to support your participation in meaningful daily activities.Thermoregulation management
MS can affect how your body regulates temperature, leading to discomfort from feeling too hot or too cold. Our OTs can help you better understand your individual triggers and explore practical strategies, environmental adjustments, and assistive products to help maintain comfort and manage temperature changes.Hand therapy
MS can impact strength, coordination, and dexterity in your arms and hands. Our OTs assess how these changes affect your function and provide targeted exercises, adaptive techniques, and equipment recommendations to support your independence in everyday tasks.Cognition
MS can affect the way you think, plan and remember things, in ways that aren't always visible but can have a significant impact on daily life. Our OTs offer a personalised cognition service, looking at the lifestyle factors that influence how you function day to day, developing targeted strategies to support improvement in both immediate tasks and longer-term goals.Opportunities to connect and learn
We run online occupational therapy workshops throughout the year. It offers a chance for you to build practical skills and connect with others navigating similar experiences. Topics include:
- Fatigue management
- Low cost assistive technology
- Thermoregulation
- Sensory regulation
- Cognition
Who we support
We support people living with MS who may be experiencing challenges with:
- Fatigue and energy management
- Mobility
- Memory and concentration
- Daily routines and personal care
- Home accessibility and safety
- Work and study participation
- Equipment and assistive technology needs
- Maintaining independence at home and in the community
Whether you have been recently diagnosed or have been living with MS for many years, our Occupational Therapists can provide support tailored to your changing needs and goals.
Why choose MS Society SA & NT?
Our Occupational Therapists understand the unique and changing nature of MS. As part of a multidisciplinary team, we work closely with other MS specialists and support services to provide coordinated, person-centred care that supports your long-term goals and wellbeing. We also understand the importance of flexible support, with telehealth and community-based services helping improve access to care across metropolitan and regional areas.
Frequently asked questions
Who can access OT services?
Our Occupational Therapy services are for people living with multiple sclerosis (MS) in South Australia and the Northern Territory. Whether you've recently been diagnosed or have been living with MS for many years, our OTs have the specialist experience to support you at whatever stage you're at.
Services are currently available through home visits in SA, the Kilkenny Services Centre or via telehealth.
What happens at my first OT appointment?
Your first appointment is about getting to know you properly. Your OT will ask about your day-to-day life, how MS is impacting your life and what you'd most like to be able to do. From there, they'll start building a clear picture of where support could help and develop a plan that's genuinely tailored to your situation.
Is occupational therapy suitable for people living with MS?
Yes. Our OTs specialise in working with people living with MS and understand how unpredictable and individual the condition can be. Whether your MS is relapsing-remitting, progressive or somewhere in between, OT can help you maintain your function, adapt to change and keep living as independently as possible.
Where can I access OT services?
Our OT services are currently available across South Australia and the Northern Territory. For those living in Adelaide, you can meet your OT at home, come in to our Kilkenny Services Centre or connect via telehealth - whichever works best for you. If you live in regional SA or NT, OT appintments are available via telehealth.
How do I pay for OT services?
There are a number of ways to fund your OT services. Options include:
- National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
- Support at Home (formerly Home Care Packages)
- Chronic Disease Management Plans (CDMP)
- Private health insurance or self-funded payment
How can OT support my NDIS plan?
Our OTs can prepare a Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA) to support your plan review. If you do not already have an NDIS plan, our OTs can work with our PTs to provide a NDIS eligibility report to support your application.
How long does OT support last?
It depends entirely on your goals and your situation. Some people work with an OT for a focused period to reach a specific outcome, others benefit from longer-term support as their needs shift over time. Your OT will talk through what makes sense for you and adjust the plan as you go.
Get in touch
To find out more about our services, please complete the form below and we will be in contact with you as soon as possible.
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