MSWA Bulletin Magazine Winter 16

Reducing the risk of falls
Sandra Wallace, Manager MSWA OT Department
NDIS Update
Nigel Carey, NDIS Business Development Manager
The statistics on falls is not too great. Up to 75% of people
with MS report balance problems and 60% reported a fall in a
six-month period. When we add age group to the falls data we
learn that one in three people over the age of 65 experience a
fall at home every year! The good news is that most falls can
be prevented.
As a health team, our MSWA experience is that people
generally do not like to admit to having falls and do not
consider a near miss, or sliding gracefully to the floor, as a
fall. There is also a group of Members who report not having
falls but have heightened anxiety around the potential of a fall.
We can group risk factors into biological, behavioural and
environmental risks.
Biological risk factors: Walking and balance is only part of
the biological risk picture. Fatigue, heat intolerance, visual
changes, reduced sensation in feet, cognition changes (ways
the brain processes information), continence urgency, and
medications with various problematic side effects can have
equally significant effect. Symptoms need to have good
management strategies.
Behavioural risk factors: Muscles become deconditioned
with decreased activity, resulting in loss of muscle tone,
weakness and/or poor posture. Fear of falling can be positive
when it increases care taken but can also be negative when
it leads to reduction in or withdrawal from activity. Activity is
essential in maintaining overall wellbeing.
Environmental risk factors: Typically, we need to consider
trip hazards such as obstacles on the floor, wet and slippery
floors, poor lighting and uneven floor surfaces. Footwear is
important; loose shoes are a trip hazard. Assess and make
the necessary changes.
Falls can result in serious injury. Managing falls involves
reviewing each of the risk factors and putting strategies in
place where needed. MS Society staff have some good falls
risk assessments to target effective strategies.
If you are having falls or near misses, or are gracefully
sliding to the floor, I encourage you to speak with an
OT or physiotherapist. Strategies can be discussed to
reduce your risk of a fall that may well result in injury
or harm.
New Staff - Occupational Therapy
Hi, I’m Jess and I have recently joined the Occupational
Therapy team at the MS Society of WA. Having previously
worked as an OT in hospital settings and within the
community, I am excited to be joining the wonderful team
at MSWA and to have the opportunity to work within my
local community. My most recent role has been working
at the NDIS, Perth Hills trial site and I am looking forward
to being able to integrate the knowledge I learned to help
achieve the most effective outcomes for our Members.
I am based at the Beechboro Lodge and can be contacted
on 0428 070 045. I look forward to meeting you all in the
near future.
There have been some exciting new developments in the
National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) since our
last Bulletin.
As you may know, the NDIS is a Federal and State funded
program to support people with a disability that affects their
ability to take part in everyday activities. It supports people
living with all types of disability including MS and a wide range
of neurological conditions including Huntington’s, Stroke,
Parkinson’s, Motor Neurone Disease and acquired Brain Injury.
As you may be aware, the NDIS trials are currently operating
in the Perth Hills (Shires of Mundaring, Kalamunda and
Swan), the Lower South West (Busselton and surrounds) and
the Cockburn-Kwinana areas.
Finally, we have had some news regarding the further
rollout of the trial sites in WA! From 1 October the WA NDIS
will be expanded to include the Armadale, Murray and
Serpentine-Jarrahdale areas. Further expansion will then
occur from January 2017 to include Bayswater, Bassendean,
Chittering, Toodyay, York and Northam.
These expanded trial sites will prepare the ground for the
final rollout of the NDIS throughout WA from 1 July 2017. The
Commonwealth and State Governments will now work closely
together on the details of this State rollout and the final NDIS
model is expected to be agreed on later this year.
This is being done in partnership with people with disability,
carers and service providers. This consultation process will
allow all stakeholders to meaningfully consider the results and
lessons learned from the existing trials sites which vary slightly.
Next month we will be communicating with all Members and
clients who live in the new Armadale, Murray and Serpentine
trial sites and making them aware that they will soon become
potentially eligible for the NDIS.
We will also be hosting information sessions to clarify
entitlements and outline the opportunity to access funding for
a wider range of supports and services.
The benefits include:
• Supports to assist with daily living. For example, with
personal care, home help and shopping
• Support for aids and equipment, vehicle and home
modifications and assistive technologies
• Support to help with social and community participation.
For example, support to enjoy more local and family events
and also support for your partner or carer.
Over the past month, our team has been talking with a wide
range of Members and clients who are already in the process
of applying to the NDIS. It is clear that some confusion and
misunderstandings remain about the scheme and that people
are looking for guidance about their entitlements.
Our experience has been that the earlier MSWA is involved
in this process providing information and support, the more
successful and all-embracing the final application is. For
example, it has proved very useful to involve MSWA prior to the
planning meeting itself. We can then work together with you to
map out holistically the kind of supports that will enhance your
overall quality of life. This will enable you to maximise your
entitlements at the actual planning meeting with NDIS.
In summary you will know very clearly what your entitlements
are and what you can ask for.
Incidentally a key focus of the NDIS is on ‘early intervention’
where obtaining access for early supports can potentially
significantly reduce the impact of disability on you and your
life. It could enable you to continue working full time if relevant
supports (eg fatigue management) are in place. Do remember
to include this, if relevant, in your plans.
Keeping in contact with the team
We are committed to making it easier for you to contact us
to ensure you are gaining maximum benefit from the NDIS.
MSWA has established a dedicated team, phone number,
email and website; details are as follows:
Phone: 1800 287 367
Email: ndisenquiries@mswa.org.au
Visit: mswa.org.au/NDIS_services
We have also increased the number of Client Relationship
Coordinators to ensure a smoother and easier customer
pathway for you.
Our dedicated team is in place to take you from learning
about the scheme through the initial planning stages and
then to implementation.
Our contact details are as follows:
Mark Douglas: Operations Manager
Email: mark.douglas@mswa.org.au
Phone: (08) 9365 4824
Christine Richards: Client Relationship Coordinator
Email: christine.richards@mswa.org.au
Phone: (08) 9365 4867
16 Winter 2016 The MS Society of Western Australia The MS Society of Western Australia Winter 2016 17