Carers Can Project

Caring for someone with MND is a journey that influences both the carer and the person living with MND. Self-care is essential, not indulgent. It’s about recharging so you can continue to provide the best support. 

The "Taking Care of the Carer" video and information booklet covers the following information regarding self-care and reducing carer burnout risk: 

• Discussing the invaluable role carers play 
• Strategies to help reduce the risk of carer burnout: 
  • Practice self-awareness 
  • Create an imperfect plan 
  • Identify a support network
  • Create boundaries
• The importance of utilising paid caring services 
• Seeking professional mental health support

Learn more about the Counselling Service offered at MND Victoria.

If you'd like to provide feedback about these videos, please fill out our survey. 

Fatigue can be a challenge for some people living with MND. It’s important to remember that everyone’s experience is unique, and it can vary greatly from person to person. 

The "Managing Fatigue" video covers the following information regarding fatigue management: 

• Why someone with MND may have fatigue 
• The difference between fatigue and tiredness 
• Simple strategies to try in the beginning to help manage the fatigue, such as:
  • Making small changes to daily routines 
  • Ensuring the person living with MND is eating enough protein and energy 
  • Strategies to promote sleep
• The importance of reaching out to the healthcare team early and what strategies they can suggest

The accompanying information booklet also explores MND related fatigue and provides practical tips and strategies to help manage energy levels and simplify daily tasks. 

If you'd like to provide feedback about these videos, please fill out our survey.

Comfort in bed is highly individualised and may change over time for those living with MND. Challenges such as reduced mobility, unsuitable bedding, and communication difficulties can affect rest, but there are many practical strategies to help. From adjusting pillows and temperature to upgrading mattresses and using supportive equipment, small changes can make a big difference. 

The "Managing Comfort In Bed" video covers the following information: 

• Why getting comfortable in bed can be difficult with MND 
• Simple strategies to try in the beginning 
• The importance of checking in with the healthcare team early and the strategies they can provide (including equipment options)

The information booklet also provides details on comfort in bed strategies to promote comfort and outlines when to seek professional support.

If you'd like to provide feedback about these videos, please fill out our survey.

Communication changes are unique to each person living with MND and may evolve over time, impacting speech and social interactions. These challenges can affect relationships and participation in daily activities, but there are strategies to help. 

The "Communication Changes" video and booklet covers the following information regarding changes to communication:

• Why someone with MND may experience changes to their communication abilities
• Simple strategies to try in the beginning to help manage communication changes
• Low-cost communication aids available to assist with communication
• The importance of checking in with the healthcare team to discuss options and support communication changes
• The importance of organising an Advance Care Plan early

If you'd like to provide feedback about these videos, please fill out our survey. 

Eating difficulties in MND can arise for many different reasons and may impact appetite, swallowing, and overall nutrition. Early signs - like prolonged chewing or coughing during meals - highlight the need for proactive management. 

The "Managing Eating & Swallowing Changes" video and booklet covers the following information regarding changes to communication:

• Why someone with MND may experience changes to their eating and swallowing abilities
• Early signs and symptoms to look out for, which may indicate changes to eating and swallowing abilities
• What aspiration is and how to reduce the risk of it
• Simple strategies to try in the beginning to help manage eating and swallowing changes 
• The importance of checking in with the healthcare team early and the strategies they can provide

If you'd like to provide feedback about these videos, please fill out our survey.