The Cornflower - Spring 2024 Edition

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LIVING WITH MND - ROB’S STORY

WALK TO DEFEAT MND SUNNY COAST

WEB DOMAIN NAME CHANGE

As part of MND Queensland’s strategy is to be known as the ‘go-to’ support organisation for Motor Neurone Disease in the State, and increase visibility and awareness, we’ve made a slight change to our internet and email domain.

We’ve updated our website and email domain to mndqld.org.au to be better known as MND Queensland.

While Motor Neurone Disease Association of Queensland Inc. is still our official incorporated name, we’re more commonly known simply as ‘MND Queensland’ so we thought it was time for a change. This way we align ourselves better with what our community know us as. MND Queensland is also one of our registered business names.

Further, we’ve also updated our Facebook and LinkedIn handles to MNDQLD to further align with our domain name change.

So don’t be alarmed if you get an email from someone with an @mndqld.org.au address, as it’s legitimate, and please update your favourites links to:

www.mndqld.org.au www.facebook.com/MNDQLD www.linkedin.com/company/mndqld

CONTACT & SOCIAL MEDIA

MND Queensland

ABN: 75 990 922 939

Phone: 1800 777 175 or 07 3372 9004

Email: info@mndqld.org.au

Web: www.mndqld.org.au

Street: 1/89 Factory Road, OXLEY QLD 4075

Post: PO Box 470, INALA QLD 4077

Facebook: www.facebook.com/MNDQLD

Instagram: @mndqld

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/mndqld

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@mndqld

MEET MiNDY - OUR NEW VAN

MND Queensland was fortunate enough to receive a grant from the Gambling Community Benefit Fund to purchase a Hyundai Staria van to add to our vehicle pool.

Being mobile and responsive is imporant for us so that we can deliver services when and where our clients need them. The new van will allow our allied health team to take out smaller pieces of equipment during client visits.

We held a competition to name the new van. Congratulations to Robyn C for choosing our baby’s name, MiNDY!

Give us a wave if you see MiNDY and the MND Queensland team on the road.

If you read my article in the last newsletter, you’ll be aware that we were awaiting this year’s State budget with bated breath following a huge letter writing campaign from our community. We had genuine reason to be optimistic that, for the first time, the budget would contain some much-needed funds for MND Queensland. This optimism grew from the positive conversations we’d had with many Government MP’s and the public show of support from a couple of key Ministers and the icing on the cake was my invitation to the confidential budget briefing.

I arrived at the Queensland Parliament on the day the budget was released, full of hope and with a very different version of this article being written in my mind. We were going to be able to do so much more for Queenslanders impacted by MND, it was a genuinely exciting time! So, imagine my devastation, and if I’m being really honest – outrage - when there was no mention of MND Queensland in the announcement. I rifled through the budget papers becoming increasingly desperate and incredulous but there was nothing to be found. Numerous phone conversations with people in the Department of Health and the offices of some other supportive MP’s, led to the confirmation I had been dreading. Not a penny of recurrent funding had been allocated to MND Queensland!

The disbelief lasted for days, only to be replaced by a strong sense of guilt. I feel that I owe every member of our MND community an apology. I said in my last column that we’d given it our all, and we came up short. And for that, I’m genuinely sorry.

This disappointment was followed just days later by the news that FightMND had declined the grant applications we submitted as part of their commitment to funding care. These applications were to fund the purchase of equipment to loan to people with MND and to fund our Allied Health Services for Queenslanders over 65, not eligible for the NDIS. Both are very much needed, and I know they would have been highly valued by our community, but again we didn’t get a penny!

BUT if there is one thing that the MND community has taught me, it is that we ‘never give up’. And so, we will not let these setbacks get us down. We get straight back up and we keep fighting. We continue to have ‘hope’ and we continue to work hard for the outcomes that our community deserves.

It helped that I had the privilege of attending our annual MND Tribute night soon after those events. And anybody that has ever attended that event will know that you can’t help but feel buoyed by the strength of people impacted by MND. It was such a touching occasion and a timely reminder that I could not waste a moment feeling sorry or guilty and instead needed to revisit the strategy and keep calling, loudly, for the attention from the State Government that our community deserves.

And in the meantime, we will continue to focus on supporting our community in every way we can. We can’t do it without your ongoing support though, so I have two asks.

1. If you are a person with MND that is funded by the NDIS please consider using MND Queensland to provide your services. Not only are we the only organisation providing direct services exclusively to people with MNDs, and as a result our MND experience is unrivalled, we are also the only organisation who invest funds received from delivering these services straight back into the MND community.

2. If you wish to support Queenslanders living with MND now, please donate directly to MND Queensland. If you want your donations to go to research, we respect that. Finding a cure is the ultimate goal. Any funds donated to us for the purposes of research will and should go to research. However, MND Queensland is dedicated to providing care to those Queenslanders living with MND right now and into the future. This is our area of expertise and we know those people need our help! If you want to help too, you can do so by attending our events, donating directly to our cause or getting your workplaces involved in supporting the organisation.

Thank you. I very much hope that I will have more positive news to share with you in my next newsletter!

MND Queensland is proud to be the only organisation in Queensland with a dedicated team of MND Advisors and Support Coordinators who work solely with people living with Motor Neurone Disease (MND). We understand that MND is a rare disease, and many healthcare professionals and support coordinators may not have extensive experience in navigating its challenges.

No-Wrong-Door to Expert Support

Our MND Advisors provide a “no-wrong-door” service, meaning anyone in Queensland impacted by MND can call us, regardless of age, location, or funding situation. We’re here to answer your questions and connect you with the support you need, free of charge.

Examples of How We Can Help:

• Need a hairdresser who can visit your home to manage your hair while using a wheelchair?

• Experiencing difficulty swallowing – what does it mean and what can you do?

• Considering genetic testing?

• Unsure how to talk to your children about your MND diagnosis?

Our Advisors are here for all your MND-related concerns.

Highly Trained and Connected MND Experts

Each MND Advisor undergoes extensive and ongoing training in MND, ensuring a deep understanding of the disease, its challenges, and the available support services. They have strong connections with MND clinics, service providers across Queensland, and access to comprehensive resources to share with you. Additionally, our Advisors collaborate with our internal allied health team and equipment hire service, guaranteeing exceptional care and support.

Navigating Funding and Government Programs

MND Advisors are experts in helping you identify and access government funding and support programs. We can assess your eligibility, connect you with the relevant agencies, gather necessary documentation, and even complete applications on your behalf if needed. Our team has a comprehensive understanding of My Aged Care, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), and disability support pensions, making the complex process easier for you.

NDIS Support Coordination

MND Advisors also act as NDIS Support Coordinators. This means they can help

you implement and monitor your NDIS plan, ensuring it provides the best support for your needs while meeting NDIS requirements. This includes identifying suitable support options like allied health and personal care services, connecting you with providers, and coordinating your care team. They offer support via phone, email, text, or in-person meetings, depending on your preference. Additionally, they work behind the scenes to ensure your plan runs smoothly, monitoring your budget, hosting case conferences, managing concerns with your support team, and liaising with the NDIS to address funding shortfalls.

We Are Here for You, Wherever You Are in Queensland

Our team of MND Advisors and Support Coordinators are located across Queensland, including Cairns, Townsville, Sunshine Coast, Toowoomba, Brisbane, and the Gold Coast. We offer both face-to-face and remote support options.

Contact Us Today

If you have any questions or require assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Call us on 1800 777 175 or email us at info@mndaq.org. au. MND Queensland is here to be your trusted support network on your MND journey.

Pictured: Our MND Advisors and Support Coordinators Shelley, Simone and Jason along with some of the people we support.

At MND Queensland, we believe that every life is a unique story worth telling. Our Life Stories Program is a testament to this belief, offering individuals living with MND the opportunity to share their personal journeys, experiences, and memories. The program - run entirely by our dedicated volunteers - enables clients to reflect on their lives. It is not just about preserving words, it’s about capturing the essence of a life lived and leaving a meaningful legacy for loved ones.

The Life Stories Program has a profound impact on everyone involved. For our clients, it provides a sense of purpose and fulfilment, allowing them to reflect on their lives and share their stories in their own words. It captures the essence of who they are and the experiences that have shaped them. This process can be deeply therapeutic, offering comfort and connection during challenging times.

For families, the Life Stories Program is a priceless gift. It creates a lasting tribute to their loved one, a treasured keepsake, preserving memories that can be cherished for generations. The stories recorded through this program become a source of comfort and inspiration, a reminder of the love and legacy left behind.

For our Volunteers - who are the heart of the Life Stories Program - volunteering is a deeply rewarding experience. By helping to craft these life stories, they are not only supporting individuals by capturing their legacies but also building meaningful relationships and connections with the people they assist.

Every story told through the Life Stories Program

is a testament to the resilience, courage, and uniqueness of our clients. It’s a celebration of life, a tribute to individual journeys, and a gift to future generations.

If you’re interested in learning more about the Life Stories Program, please visit our website www.mndqld.org.au/page/103/life-stories and fill out the referral form or contact our Volunteer Manager, Onolina by calling 07 3372 9004 or emailing volunteer@mndqld.org.au. We would be happy to provide more information on how you can participate or volunteer in this meaningful initiative.

Everyone’s life story is special – let us help you to share yours.

Pictured (L-R): Volunteers Sally & Liz in training for Life Stories
Pictured (L-R): Life Stories volunteer Margaret capturing Sue’s story,
Pictured (L-R): Marie & Mike with Life Stories volunteer Harrison

LIVING WITH MND - ROB’S STORY

Rob is a 55-year-old MND Warrior who lives in Springfield with his wife Sue. Together, they have a blended family of six children (with one still living at home) and eight grandchildren. They met 25 years ago while they were both working at the University of Queensland (UQ) where Rob worked in IT. Years later, as their personal circumstances changed, they became a couple. Sue still works at UQ, but Rob has had to retire due to his MND diagnosis.

Twitching in his left bicep in September 2022 was Rob’s initial symptom, but like many men, he ignored it. Then around a month later he experienced it again while visiting his GP. The doctor thought it was a little strange and referred him to a neurologist. Rob told us, ‘I was a little bewildered why I was seeing a neurologist just for a twitch!’

It was just before Christmas that Rob saw his neurologist who initially thought that there may have been a nerve caught in Rob’s neck. More tests were ordered but with a warning from the neurologist that ‘Most importantly, if these tests come back negative, you must go and see another neurologist.’

His results were back in mid-January, and he was referred to another neurologist who assessed Rob and looked at the previous test results. After scribbling some notes, the neurologist turned to Rob and Sue and said, ‘I think that you have MND.’

‘We both sat there unable to say anything. I had done some Dr Googling before the appointment, so we knew what that was and most importantly, what that meant.’ Rob said of his reaction to the news.

The neurologist looked at Sue and said ‘I think I know what your next question is going to be…’ Through tears Sue responded, ‘How long?’ The reply was ‘Usually, two to five years. I am so sorry.’

Like many people, they had heard of MND and knew of the Ice Bucket Challenge but didn’t really know what living with MND is like.

Two months later Rob had an appointment with Dr Robert Henderson. Rob had experienced some progression in symptoms in this time noticing weakness in his left shoulder and some slight muscle wasting in his hand. More tests were conducted before Dr Henderson confirmed Rob’s MND diagnosis.

On returning home, overloaded by the information he’d just received, Rob went to bed with a headache. Sue started Googling and came across MND Queensland. She called and left a message and got a call back from our Client Services Coordinator, Leigh. Sue said, ‘I explained to her what had happened and I said, “I don’t know what to do now.” And Leigh explained a few things to me and said that she would get someone to call us. Then Jason (MND Advisor and Support Coordinator) called. He came out and we met with him. We went through a few things. Then he started all the NDIS paperwork for us and explained it all. Then he came back and saw us the following week and we finished all the paperwork, and we got the stuff we needed. Jason submitted the paperwork on a Friday lunchtime and by four that afternoon I had a call from the NDIS saying that Rob had been approved!’

Rob added ‘The unfortunate part about MND is you need stuff before you become disabled. You’ve got to be proactive, to get ahead of it. So far, it’s been great, Jason’s been brilliant!’

Part of being proactive for Rob was getting a PEG inserted. He told us ‘I don’t need the PEG yet, but I know it’s coming, and a lot of people sit in denial and don’t get the PEG until it’s too late.’

Rob has noticed that his symptoms are progressing. It’s more difficult for him to swallow now and he has softer foods to make eating easier. He gets more fasciculations, especially in his face and tongue. But he has a positive outlook on life and said ‘I’m living with MND. I’m not dying from it. You’ve really got to get into that type of emotion every day because I see it hurts her (Sue) and hurts the rest of my family. My kids in particular, so you have to be well. I have to be strong.’

A terminal MND diagnosis throws life’s plans in the air. Rob and Sue had planned to travel in their retirement but brought plans forward and have been enjoying holidays together. They’ve been to the US and cruised the Caribbean. They’ve visited Port

Pictured: Sue and Rob

Douglas, went to the State of Origin in Sydney earlier this year and went on a cruise from Melbourne to Perth. Their next trip is to Fraser Island.

Unfortunately Rob can’t partake in one of his favourite pastimes anymore, restoring old valve radios, as his impaired hand function won’t allow him to do the fine work needed. Playing computer games is Rob’s other favourite pastime (he has an amazing gaming room complete with Star Wars memorabilia) and he’s found a controller that allows him to continue playing with his stronger hand. Our Occupational Therapist, Hannah is helping Rob by investigating how eye gaze technology could be used to help Rob continue to access gaming should he completely lose his hand function.

Nowadays Rob is a proud MND Warrior. Posting regular updates on social media letting people know what living with MND is like, but always inserting his unique sense of humour too. He still has awkward conversations with people who don’t really know what MND is, getting comment’s like “I hope you get better” with Rob having to educate them that MND is a terminal disease.

Part of Rob’s MND Warrior attitude is his participation in MND research. He’s often back at UQ participating in a few different MND research projects. Sue often works from home but is full of praise for UQ being so understanding about their situation and sometimes drops Rob off to research projects when she attends the campus for work. Rob told us ‘I’m happy to be a full-time lab rat! It’s the only way you’re going to beat this thing!

We asked Rob how he felt knowing that his participation in research projects probably won’t benefit him personally. He replied, ‘I don’t care about that. I’m going to donate my body to UQ and that way I feel that Motor Neurone never wins! It may have killed me, but it never wins! They’re on the frontline. They’re going to fix this. I said to someone the

other day “I’m either going to be one of the last to die from it, or one of the first to be cured!”’

Sue added ‘Rob always says they’ll find a cure. It might not be in my lifetime, but they’ll find a cure.’

Living the MND Warrior mindset, Rob went on to say ‘You’ve got to live your life for some reason and when shit like this happens it becomes even more important. I’m probably more important than anybody out there in that sense. Don’t let me die in vain. I’ll make sure that I put whatever I can to good use.’

MND Queensland’s multidisciplinary services help make living with Motor Neurone Disease easier. Rob has accessed Information, Education, Support Coordination, Occupational Therapy, Equipment, Speech Therapy, Voice Banking and Physiotherapy. Sue said ‘The physiotherapist, Bronwyn is amazing! She takes the time to explain. When she first gets here, she’ll sit and have a chat with Rob and then I leave her to do the stuff with him. Then she’ll explain to me what she’s done with Rob… she’s really good!’

Rob said ‘She’s awesome! Power to the guru!’ He added, ‘And Nicole, the speech therapist too.’

Speaking more about the MND Queensland team, Sue said ‘Helen… she’s amazing! She did the Voice Banking.’

Rob had praise for the Equipment team too. He’s connected with Don during equipment deliveries as both have IT backgrounds. Don enjoyed getting to see Rob’s gaming room and tech. Sue added ‘Leo created a special ‘BIOS’ numberplate for Rob’s electric wheelchair.’

When asked what he’d say to our supporters who raise funds so that we can continue to help people with MND like himself, Rob responded ‘Thank you!’ What else can you say? Welcome to the fight I guess is the other thing. I’m an eternally grateful person and I always find it difficult to ask for help, and I’m embarrassed by it. My daughter’s raised some money for MND Queensland. I’m forever grateful. I’m not a hugely emotional person, I shut down. I don’t know what to say other than “thank you”. When someone who’s not really affected by it decides to donate… It’s just humanity! It should be what humanity is all about.’

Pictured: Rob in a research project

WALK TO DEFEAT MND SUNSHINE COAST

We held our second Walk to Defeat MND Sunshine Coast on 14 July and around 230 fabulous Sunny Coast locals chose to give back and make a difference. Our community raised over $26,000 for Queenslanders impacted by Motor Neurone Disease.

We had some fabulously dressed teams join our Sea of Blue as we made our way along the coastal footpath from Rotary Park, Mooloolaba, to Alexandra Headland and back.

With their team, Boof’s Legacy, Walk Champions Sandra and Amy courageously led the way to honour their Husband and Father, Ian. Ian sadly passed in late 2023.

Over 1,500 Queenslanders have already rallied this year, and your next chance to join them will be at our community-led Walk to Defeat MND Bundaberg, which will take place in Christsen Park, Bargara, on 24 November.

NATIONAL LIVED EXPERIENCE NETWORK

MND Australia is excited to announce the launch of the National MND Lived Experience Network.

The Network is a new way to connect people with lived experience of MND with organisations and other groups who are looking for lived experience input or consultation on topics including MND care, advocacy, information development, or research.

We are currently seeking people with MND lived experience to join the Network, including people:

• with a confirmed diagnosis of MND

• carrying an MND genetic mutation, but not diagnosed with MND

• currently caring for a family member with MND

• who previously cared for a family member with MND

Find out more and register on the website at: www.mndaustralia.org.au/livedexperience

COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS MAKING A DIFFERENCE

It’s been a busy few months and many incredible community champions have courageously chosen to make a difference.

Together, they’ve raised almost $50,000 recently, a significant contribution we should all be proud of! We appreciate everyone who raises funds and awareness, and wanted to acknowledge some of those champions who have made a difference.

The Blue Card Services and Major Infrastructure Projects teams hosted a morning tea and bake sale at their workplaces. Both teams sold MND merchandise and baked goods, collected donations, and ran their raffles using the Pebl app on their phones, which we helped them set up. Pebl turns your phone into an EFTPOS machine, and you can process electronic transactions effortlessly. The Blue Card Services team raised $2,694. The Major Infrastructure Projects team raised $1,918, contributing to the Phil Rogers Golf Day.

The second Phil Rogers Golf Day was successfully hosted at Mount Tamborine Golf Course on 23 August, with over 100 people in attendance. We had some generous Event Sponsors, including Serious About Waste, Panelfab, Wanless, BMI Resource Recovery, Rogers Construction Supplies, Godfrey Hirst, Tamborine Mountain Lions Club, Hinterland Air, Searchlight Electrical, and Coastal.

Thanks to these sponsors and those in attendance, we raised over $25,000 for Queenslanders impacted by MND. Our CEO, Stacey Thorpe, recalled that Phil was pragmatic about his diagnosis and “They (Phil and Rachell) seemed like such genuine, decent people and MND is so awful, they absolutely didn’t deserve it. Nobody does.”

A few ‘Never Give Up’ champions, including Wayne, participated in the Gold Coast Marathon and collectively raised over $6,000. Wayne ran in memory of his fatherin-law, John, who was diagnosed with MND in 2019 and sadly passed away in 2022. John was a devoted family man and a runner, so Wayne thought there was no better way to honour his memory than running the marathon and raising over $5,100.

Over in London, Nik rode in the South Downs Way Ride and raised $6,105. Lorraine did the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb and raised $1,370. Seachange Emerald Lakes hosted a Walkathon Fundraiser through their gated country club estate, raising $4,316. Finally, the House of MND’s annual Gargett Rodeo raffle raised over $11,000 for research, support, and care.

Earlier this year, Reid’s Place came to us with the general concept of donating a portion of the fee paid by visitors. We assisted in setting up their fundraising page and advised them on promoting their fabulous fundraising efforts through their website and emails. This fantastic small business has since successfully raised $2,823!

“Reid’s Place is delighted to fundraise for MND. It is a cause very close to Reid’s Place heart. We are a business that brings families together to celebrate love and life’s special moments. We are thrilled to be able to share our business love with MND Queensland so they can continue helping families.”

We’d love to hear from you if these Community Champions have inspired you to make a difference. We’ll support you in bringing your fundraising ideas and initiatives to fruition. You can get involved today by emailing events@mndqld.org.au or calling 07 3372 9004

GOLD COAST RUGBY LUNCH

Friday July 12 was the day that rugby lovers and MND Queensland supporters joined forces for a fabulous fundraising luncheon on the Gold Coast. It was a sellout event with 165 generous guests packed into the Gold Coast Tavern, Rowers Room.

Rugby legends made up our speaker panel. Former Wallabies Toutai Kefu, Garrick Morgan and Elton Flatley and former All Black and World Cup winning Coach Sir Wayne Smith spoke, and our panel host was former Reds and England player Shane Drahm.

We were also fortunate enough to attract a few exWallabies in the crowd including Troy Coker, Sean McMahon and Quade Cooper along with some visiting players from the Japanese League.

Among lots of sledging, laughs and reminiscing there was a lovely moment of reflection from each of the legends on their connection to MND. The great mates and former opponents that they have lost to the beast that is MND. Proving that you don’t have to have MND to be affected by MND.

A massive thanks goes to our Event Sponsors –Hannay Lawyers and New Star Sports and our Support Sponsors Lauxes Grates and the Double Dare Group. The support from these companies made a huge impact on the day.

Our Fun Box and Wine Pull were both a hit! One lucky guest left with a $7,600 pair of stunning tanzanite and diamond earrings, and another guest was lucky enough to nab the $1,000 bottle of Penfolds Grange. The auctions were very professionally handled by none other than Queensland Auctioneer of the Year, David Holmes.

We raised over $26,000 which will be a great help in our work assisting Queenslanders impacted by MND.

When did you commence working at MND Queensland and what attracted you to work with us?

I joined just over a year ago because I wanted to make a difference and support a cause close to my heart. Seeing the impact of MND on people’s lives really motivated me to get involved. MND is a tough challenge and I wanted to be part of a community that’s dedicated to making life a bit easier for those affected by it. MND Queensland does amazing work in raising awareness, providing support, and walking alongside families living with this terrible disease. By joining, I felt I could contribute to these efforts in a meaningful way. Plus, connecting with others who are passionate about the cause and sharing ideas on how to help has been rewarding. It’s great to be part of something that’s making a real difference.

Can you briefly explain your role as MND Advisor and Support Coordinator?

My role is to assist individuals, and families affected by MND. I provide informed guidance and support, helping clients navigate their condition and access the necessary resources and services. My responsibilities include assessing needs, coordinating care, and ensuring that all support systems are effectively integrated to deliver comprehensive support. I work closely with the NDIS, My Aged Care, allied health professionals, healthcare providers, community organisations and families to develop tailored support plans that address both immediate, and long-term needs. The role demands a high level of empathy, organisational skills and detailed knowledge of MND, and related services. By facilitating clear communication and streamlined access to resources, I aim to enhance the quality of life for those impacted by MND, ensuring they receive the highest standard of care and support throughout their journey. It is a challenging role but seeing the positive impact makes it incredibly rewarding.

What do you enjoy most about working at MND Queensland?

It’s incredibly rewarding to help clients navigate their journey and find the support they need. Every day, I get to hear their stories, learn about their strengths, and assist them in managing their condition. It’s a privilege to be part of their journey and to see the impact of our support. Equally, we have a fantastic group of people at MND Queensland who are all passionate about making a difference and it’s great to be part of a team that’s so dedicated and collaborative.

MND is such a complex condition to manage. What is one (or some) of the biggest learnings you’ve had since working at MND Queensland?

When I began at MND Queensland I thought I had a good understanding of the disease however working with individuals affected with MND has delivered some unexpected insights around the complexity and severity of the condition. The differences in how it presents person to person and the lack of knowledge around expected pathways for clients, and being unable to provide clear answers on exactly how the future will unfold for them was an eye opener for me.

What geographic area to you look after?

Based on the Sunshine Coast, my role involves delivering MND support across a significant geographical

area extending from North Brisbane to Gladstone. Managing such a broad area requires careful planning and effective communication to maintain a high standard of support and ensure that every client has access to the resources and care they need, regardless of their location.

You work with clients who have access to the NDIS and those who don’t and rely on funding from My Aged Care. Can you explain some of the differences you see for clients with these two different funding sources?

Firstly, it’s the vast difference in funding available! The average NDIS package our clients receive is worth around $302,000 whereas the best case scenario for someone over the age of 65 is $59,000 through My Aged Care.

Working with clients who have NDIS funding versus those relying on My Aged Care funding shows some clear differences. NDIS clients often have a more flexible and individualised plan. They get funding tailored to their specific needs, like therapy, personal care, or assistive tech, which helps them work towards personal goals and maintain independence.

In contrast, clients relying on My Aged Care typically receive support geared more towards managing daily living and ensuring comfort as they age. The funding focuses on services like home care assistance, residential care, and support to help with everyday tasks, although it is possible to engage allied health professionals through this funding source.

The key difference is that NDIS offers more flexibility and goal-oriented support, while My Aged Care is more about providing essential services to improve quality of life for older individuals. Each funding source addresses different needs based on the person’s age and specific circumstances.

Can you tell us a bit about Shelley outside of work?

I’m always on the move! Between hitting the gym, walking, and running regularly, I stay pretty active. At home, I love planning renovation projects - there’s always something to work on - which keeps things exciting. My family life is busy with three adult kids, two of whom are still living with us, plus two crazy dogs that need plenty of exercise. We’re all about staying busy and making the most of our time together. I have a love of music and eating out, so you’ll often find me with friends exploring new restaurants, or catching a concert, club night or show. Balancing all these activities keeps life interesting and fun. Whether it’s a home improvement project or a night out with friends and family, I try to make the most of every day and pack in as much as possible!

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

To those living with MND, please know that you’re not alone. Our dedicated team is here to support you every step of the way, ensuring you have the care and resources you need.

Are you looking for information, support or a way to advocate and raise funds for Motor Neurone Disease? We have educational workshops, support group meetings and community events for you to get involved in. For more information, to register or RSVP, visit www.mndqld.org.au/events, scan the QR code or call us on 07 3372 9004.

Bribie Island Support Group Bribie Is. Community Arts Centre

MND EDUCATION - FREE

Manual Handling Training MND Queenland, 1/89 Factory Rd, Oxley

Online Newly Diagnosed Workshop Online via Microsoft

HEALTH PROFESSIONALS EDUCATION

Health Professionals Webinar Online via Microsoft Teams 2:00-3:30PM 13 Nov

Walk to Defeat MND Bundaberg

Snag Ya Boss!

Snag ya Boss! 25 - 29 November

Host a BBQ at your workplace, collect donations and ask your boss or company to match what you raise to support Queenslanders impacted by Motor Neurone Disease. Set up your fundraising page here and then get on the tongs! www.mndqld.org.au/campaign/72/snagyaboss24

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