In this guide:
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological condition that can bring physical, emotional and cognitive challenges.
With a holistic approach that combines mindful lifestyle choices, purposeful routines and supportive connections, people with MS can thrive.
Whether you’re figuring out how to live with multiple sclerosis day-to-day or supporting someone who is, this guide provides information about practical, non-medical strategies to enhance wellbeing and independence.
Key takeaways for living well with multiple sclerosis
- Living with multiple sclerosis means balancing physical comfort, emotional health and meaningful daily routines.
- Managing fatigue and mobility through rest periods, energy-saving tools and pacing can improve physical health.
- Supporting emotional wellbeing includes social connection, structured habits and fulfilling hobbies.
- Independent support workers on Mable can help with daily care, companionship, motivation and community engagement.
- Exploring NDIS funding for support in daily living, transport, therapy and home adaptations can help you achieve more goals.
Understanding multiple sclerosis and daily life impacts
MS is an autoimmune condition affecting the central nervous system. Symptoms may include:
- Fatigue; a unique, overwhelming tiredness affects between 52% and 90% of people with MS.
- Mobility issues can include weakness, muscle stiffness and balance challenges.
- Heat sensitivity can occur where symptoms worsen with temperature increases, a phenomenon known as Uhthoff’s syndrome.
- Cognitive changes and emotional strain, like anxiety or depression, can occur.
Every individual’s experience with MS is different, so it’s important to tailor strategies to your own journey.
How does multiple sclerosis impact quality of life?
Living with multiple sclerosis can influence nearly every part of a person’s daily experience, from how your body moves to how you feel emotionally.
MS is more than just a medical diagnosis; it is a condition that can reshape your routines, your relationships and your sense of self.
So, how does multiple sclerosis affect a person? For many, it starts with fatigue that isn’t solved by rest or mobility issues that make everyday tasks more complex.
It can impact your ability to plan ahead and stay socially connected, especially on days when symptoms flare.
How multiple sclerosis affects your life depends on a combination of symptoms and support.
No two experiences are the same and the unpredictability can be just as challenging as the symptoms themselves.
Quality of life with multiple sclerosis goes beyond symptom control. It includes:
- Emotional wellbeing – Living with MS often means dealing with unpredictability, which can increase anxiety, frustration or low mood. Prioritising mental health through support networks, self-care routines or mindfulness helps build resilience and maintain a positive outlook.
- Maintaining independence and physical autonomy – MS may affect mobility or physical capacity and finding ways to stay involved in daily decisions and routines (whether it’s choosing your meals, managing personal care or setting your own schedule) can significantly improve self-esteem and overall wellbeing.
- Fostering social connection – MS can sometimes lead to isolation, especially during symptom flare-ups. Staying socially connected through family, friends, peer groups or support workers can reduce loneliness, improve mood and create a vital sense of belonging.
- Adaptability and self-expression – These factors play a key role in quality of life with MS by helping you adjust to changing symptoms while still engaging in activities and routines that reflect your personality, preferences and sense of self.
Studies show that factors like social stigma, cognitive issues, emotional distress and fatigue significantly diminish quality of life.
Protective factors such as emotional support, tailored routines and strong personal relationships can help to buffer against these effects.
How to manage living with multiple sclerosis
While there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to living with MS, there are practical, non-medical strategies that can make everyday life easier and more fulfilling.
Learning how to manage multiple sclerosis often means finding small, sustainable ways to conserve energy, reduce stress and stay connected while still honouring your body’s limits.
With the right tools, mindset and access to personalised disability support, it’s possible to build a lifestyle that supports your wellbeing across all fronts – be that physical, emotional or social.
The tips outlined below are designed to help you shape a daily rhythm that works for you, no matter where you are on your MS journey.
Creating a consistent daily routine
A well-structured lifestyle can help individuals stay grounded, even as symptoms fluctuate.
Establishing a predictable daily rhythm can reduce cognitive load, lower stress and help conserve energy, especially when symptoms fluctuate.
A steady routine also brings structure and purpose to the day, which supports both emotional wellbeing and independence.
Tips
- Use visual tools like calendars, alarms or reminder apps to stay on track.
- Build in regular rest periods to avoid over-exertion.
- Include enjoyable, low-pressure activities like reading, gardening or listening to music to create moments of calm and joy.
Managing energy and fatigue
Fatigue is one of the most common, disruptive and least understood symptoms of MS. It can affect concentration, mobility and mood, often appearing without warning.
Managing energy effectively helps you stay active and engaged without becoming overwhelmed.
Tips
- Prioritise high-energy tasks during times of peak alertness, such as mornings.
- Break tasks into smaller, manageable steps and pace yourself throughout the day.
- Use assistive tools, mobility aids and ergonomic equipment to reduce physical strain.
- Conserve energy by delegating tasks where possible and considering in-home support for more demanding activities.
Navigating mobility and accessibility challenges
MS can impact balance, coordination and mobility, making even regular types of spaces harder to navigate. Proactively addressing accessibility at home and in the community helps maintain independence and prevents injury or isolation.
Tips
- Modify the home with grab bars, ramps and other mobility aids.
- Wear lightweight, breathable clothing to help regulate temperature and reduce symptom flare-ups.
- Use accessible public transport or consider travel with the help of a support worker.
- Engage in regular movement activities like stretching, walking or hydrotherapy to support flexibility, balance and physical wellbeing.
Supporting emotional and mental wellbeing
Living with MS can come with emotional highs and lows, from anxiety and depression to frustration and uncertainty.
Supporting your mental wellbeing can be essential to maintaining motivation, resilience and quality of life.
Tips
- Engage in mindfulness, journaling or creative expression to relieve stress.
- Build a support network by staying connected to family, friends, peer groups or support workers.
- Maintain consistent self-care habits, like regular sleep, nourishing meals and enjoyable routines.
- Explore resources about the importance of mental wellbeing to understand how it contributes to long-term emotional resilience.
Empowering independence and autonomy
Independence looks different for everyone, but for most people having control over your daily decisions can strengthen confidence and self-worth.
Empowering autonomy, especially in the face of changing symptoms, helps individuals with MS maintain dignity and a sense of agency.
Tips
- Set small, achievable personal goals and celebrate progress over time.
- Choose activities that reflect your interests and support self-expression.
- Use tools and services that help you stay in control of your routine, such as personalised in-home care or assistive devices.
- Consider support through Mable using any NDIS funding to maintain choice and control in your care plan.
How support workers help people living with MS
Having the right support can make daily life feel more manageable, empowering and connected.
Independent support workers, like those available when you book support services through Mable, play a crucial role in improving and maintaining quality of life with multiple sclerosis.
By assisting with personal care, helping around the home or simply providing a listening ear, a professional support worker brings flexible, person-centred support that adapts to your needs and goals. Their presence can ease the physical load while also uplifting emotional and social wellbeing.
Here’s a rundown on how support workers can help people living with MS.
Personal care and daily living
- Help with dressing, bathing, grooming and meal preparation.
- Light housekeeping, such as cleaning support, to ease physical strain.
- Maintain privacy, dignity, and respect in daily routines.
Encouraging independence and motivation
- Assist with setting achievable goals and tracking progress.
- Offer support (without taking over), promoting personal agency.
- Encourage autonomy through gentle guidance (for example, by helping you maintain independence at work with MS by supporting your routine and energy management).
Providing companionship and community connection
- Alleviate loneliness and provide trusted company.
- Assist with travel and activity planning, including transportation support.
- Help you stay socially active by attending events, classes or volunteer roles.
The good news is that a support worker found through Mable is often NDIS-funded under categories like Core Supports, Improved Daily Living and Social & Community Participation.
This means personalised care becomes even more accessible and affordable.
Resources to support someone living with MS
- MS Australia – National advocacy, peer groups, and information
- Australian MS Lifestyle Guidelines – Evidence-based self-care strategies
- Inclusive sports and activities – local hydrotherapy or adaptive fitness
- NDIS home modifications – Accessible equipment, ramps, and cooling systems.
Frequently asked questions
What professionals can help people living with multiple sclerosis?
Access allied health care services through Mable, including therapeutic support and nursing care. Depending on your needs, professionals, such as occupational therapists, physiotherapists, psychologists and dietitians can also help manage symptoms and maintain daily function. A coordinated care team can make a meaningful difference in quality of life.
What lifestyle changes can have a positive impact on life with MS?
Alongside medical therapies, lifestyle changes like a balanced diet, engaging in regular gentle movement such as stretching or walking, ensuring adequate vitamin D levels and keeping your living environment cool can support energy and physical resilience.
How can I manage multiple sclerosis symptoms effectively?
Living with MS makes it increasingly important to recognise when to rest, when to move and when to seek support. Strategies like pacing, assistive technology and home therapy can support symptom management; see in-home therapy for multiple sclerosis for more information.
Can you live independently with multiple sclerosis?
Yes, many people with MS live independently with the right tools, strategies and support. Accessible home modifications, daily routines and flexible care from independent support workers can empower you to stay in control of your lifestyle and decisions.
How can social support impact quality of life with multiple sclerosis?
Social support improves psychological wellbeing, fatigue management and even motor function; explore social and community participation for more information. Regular connection with friends, family, peer groups or support workers can help reduce isolation and boost confidence, motivation and mood.
Does NDIS cover home modifications for multiple sclerosis?
Yes, under specific funding categories, the NDIS may cover home modifications such as ramps, grab rails, accessible bathrooms and cooling systems. These changes can make a significant difference to your comfort, safety and ability to manage day-to-day life. See NDIS funding categories for more information.
The information provided in this article is general information only and based on current information at the date of publication. In addition to considering the information shared in this article, Mable encourages you to conduct your own research and seek independent medical advice relative to your circumstances. If you wish to use your NDIS funding on any of the services outlined above, Mable recommends that you check your NDIS Support Plan or speak with your Plan Manager to ensure that the appropriate services are coverable.