Support
MND Advisors and Support Coordinators
Living with motor neurone disease (MND) brings unique challenges, from managing daily tasks to navigating complex care systems. For Victorians with MND, a dedicated MND Advisor/Support Coordinator can be a vital partner in accessing the services, resources, and support needed to improve their quality of life and maintain independence.
What is an MND Advisor/Support Coordinator?
MND Advisors/Support Coordinators meet with newly diagnosed people and their families to provide information about the disease, offer advice and support, and make an initial assessment of their specific service and support needs. Ongoing support and advice are provided to meet the person’s changing circumstances.
Each MND Advisor works in a defined geographical area which enables them to develop an expert understanding of the services in their region. MND Advisors help to navigate the service system for people living with MND to ensure that they are linked to services that will meet their needs. They are assisted in their role by volunteers who follow up with and provide additional services to clients as required.
MND Advisors also advocate on behalf of people living with MND and provide information, training and advice to agencies and government departments to ensure that the best possible care and support is available.
Key Benefits of an MND Advisor/Support Coordinator:
An MND Advisor provides expert guidance to help you access essential resources, including:
- Personalised care planning: Tailoring care plans to meet your needs and circumstances, considering all aspects of daily living and future planning.
- Family and carer education: Equipping loved ones with the knowledge and skills to provide effective care, including information on disease progression and available resources.
- Assistive technology: Helping secure equipment and home modifications that can enhance mobility and independence.
- Emotional support: Connecting you with registered providers for ongoing allied health support, our in-house counselling service, and support groups.
How do MND Advisors/Support Coordinators help?
For those with MND, having a trusted advisor can reduce the complexities of managing care. Here’s how these roles support you:
- Both roles help coordinate essential services, making it easier to receive the care you need without managing multiple providers on your own.
- Whether under the NDIS or Commonwealth Aged Care, Advisors guide you through each option, ensuring you access all available resources.
- By handling the logistics of your care, an MND Advisor / Support Coordinator gives you and your loved ones more time and energy to focus on what matters most.
Support for people under the age of 65
MND Advisors are able to support those eligible for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) to enter the scheme and guide them through the planning process. People with MND, who have an approved plan with a provision for support coordination, may elect for their MND Advisor to provide support coordination, ensuring the continued service of their MND Advisor once they commence as a participant in the NDIS. In addition to their role as an MND Advisor, MND Advisor / Support Coordinators can also assist with ongoing advocacy to the NDIS and provide support to activate and manage your NDIS plan, including assistance with establishing appropriate home and community supports as funded by the plan.
Support for people 65 and older
MND Advisor can support those eligible to access services via My Aged Care including entry level services under the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP), Support at Home (SaH) funding and Residential Aged Care.
For more information, please head to MND Victoria's My Aged Care webpage or visit the My Aged Care website.
Meet Riley and his MND Advisor and Support Coordinator, Elsa.
Access our support services
MND Victoria provides a range of services across the state to support people with MND, their carers, family, friends and health professionals.
Services are provided through the Support Services (SS) team at no direct cost to the person with MND.
More information
For further information about the NDIS including eligibility criteria, please see the NDIS website.
The MND Advisor/Support Coordinator Service is delivered by qualified professionals who have knowledge of MND, the NDIS and extensive experience in the community services sector.
MND Advisor and Support Coordinator FAQs
An MND Advisor provides custom support to people diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) and their families. They offer information about the disease, assist with navigating local services, and conduct an initial assessment of each client’s support needs. MND Advisors also provide ongoing support, adapting to the client’s changing circumstances.
An MND Support Coordinator helps people eligible for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) to understand and use their NDIS plan effectively. They can assist with accessing support services, activating the NDIS plan, and setting up essential home and community support funded by the NDIS.
Yes, people with MND who have an approved NDIS plan that includes support coordination can elect for their MND Advisor to continue as their Support Coordinator. This continuity of support ensures a smoother transition and consistent assistance as they move into NDIS services.
To connect with an MND Advisor / Support Coordinator, contact MND Victoria’s Support Services Team. They will guide you through the next steps, assess your situation, and help determine the best services to meet your needs.