How to find home-based therapists for multiple sclerosis

Home-based therapist arrives at patient's home
Home-based therapist arrives at patient's home

In this guide:

Living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) can make everyday tasks feel unpredictable. Fatigue, mobility changes and travel challenges can all get in the way of consistent therapy.

That’s why home-based therapy can be such a game-changer. Whether you need physiotherapy to build strength or emotional support to cope with changes, accessing help at home makes it easier to stay on track with your goals.

Home-based therapy is convenient and can be planned to fit around your lifestyle. For people living with MS, receiving therapy in a familiar home environment can reduce stress, conserve energy and allow for a more individually tailored experience. It also means more flexibility and consistency.

This guide will walk you through the benefits of in-home therapy, how to find a qualified multiple sclerosis therapist and how Mable can make the process simpler with the added benefit of NDIS funding support.

Key takeaways on finding in-home therapists for multiple sclerosis

  • Home-based therapy offers comfort, consistency and personalised care making it easier to manage fatigue, mobility changes and emotional wellbeing.
  • Multiple types of therapists can support MS management including physiotherapists, occupational therapists and mental health professionals.
  • Finding the right therapist starts with asking the right questions and choosing therapists experienced in MS who can tailor support to your home and lifestyle.
  • Mable can connect you with trusted allied health professionals, allowing you to search, message and book in-home support workers and therapists online or in the app.
  • Support workers can reinforce therapy goals and help daily tasks and routines that align with your therapy plan.
  • NDIS funding may cover in-home, allied health services including therapy sessions, assistive equipment and therapeutic support.

What are the benefits of home-based therapy for multiple sclerosis (MS)?

Home-based therapy provides practical support in the environment where you spend most of your time. For people with MS, it can make all the difference by reducing barriers and supporting independence.

Some of the benefits of in-home therapy include:

  • Reduced fatigue – Avoiding travel saves energy for the therapy sessions.
  • Comfort and safety – Being at home can be more private and might cause less anxiety.
  • Tailored to your needs – Therapists can assess your real-life living arrangement and routines and make adjustments that are meaningful and sustainable.

What types of therapy are available for people with multiple sclerosis?

Depending on your goals and symptoms, different therapists can play a role in managing MS.

Therapies can often be delivered at home and may be funded through the NDIS under the therapeutic support budget category.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy helps maintain strength, coordination and mobility which are key challenges for people living with MS.

What it supports

  • Muscle tone and joint mobility
  • Pain management and muscle stiffness
  • Balance, walking and movement patterns.

What to expect

Sessions might include guided exercises, stretching routines, and techniques to help with posture and endurance.

Occupational therapy (OT)

When it comes to maintaining independence, occupational therapy and multiple sclerosis go hand-in-hand.

What it supports

  • Managing fatigue while doing daily activities
  • Adapting your home to make it safer and more accessible
  • Using assistive tools for cooking, grooming or getting dressed.

What to expect

An OT will assess your daily routines and recommend practical strategies or home modifications.

Psychology and emotional support

MS can take a toll mentally as well as physically, so psychological support is an important part of care.

What it supports

  • Reducing anxiety, depression or isolation
  • Building emotional resilience
  • Coping with change, grief or fear.

What to expect

Psychology can involve talk therapy, mindfulness and evidence-based coping strategies, all of which can be undertaken from home.

How do I find a therapist who specialises in MS treatment?

Finding the right multiple sclerosis therapist starts with knowing what you need and where to look.

Through Mable, you can connect with verified allied health professionals offering in-home therapy. The platform allows you to choose who supports you based on their qualifications, availability and experience.

Searching for verified allied health professionals

Here’s how to find someone who fits your needs.

  • Use Mable’s therapist search tool to filter for multiple sclerosis physiotherapy, OTs and mental health professionals.
  • Review profiles to check qualifications, experience and reviews from others.
  • Send therapists a direct message to ask more about their experience, approach, cost and availability.
  • Choose someone who understands the physical, emotional and cognitive aspects of MS.

Personalising your support plan

Because no two people with MS are the same, your support should also be unique.

  • Use Mable’s filters to find someone local and experienced in MS-specific care.
  • Build a support team that includes a therapist and a support worker to help reinforce strategies in daily life.
  • Adjust your plan as your needs change. The Mable platform offers flexibility to make this easy!

What to ask when choosing a therapist for multiple sclerosis

Asking the right questions up front can save time, build trust and set you up for a more consistent therapy experience.

The right therapist will work with you, adapting their approach to suit your daily routines, preferences and progress.

Here are a few key questions to help you find a therapist who truly understands your condition and goals.

  • Are you experienced in working with individuals with multiple sclerosis? Look for professionals familiar with the physical and neurological nature of MS.
  • What therapies and treatments do you recommend for someone managing MS? Ask how their approach supports your personal challenges, whether that’s spasticity, coordination or fatigue.
  • How do you tailor therapy to a person’s specific home environment? It’s important your therapists are able to work with your home layout, tools and routines.
  • Can you collaborate with other health professionals to create a comprehensive care plan? Good care is often team-based. Ensure they’re willing to coordinate with your GP, neurologist or support workers.

Frequently asked questions

People with MS benefit from a combination of physical therapy, emotional support, home modification and support services to promote independence and wellbeing.

Yes. Working with multiple sclerosis often involves targeted strategies like in-home therapy to build strength, prevent falls and support energy pacing.

NDIS funding can cover NDIS funding categories, such as Core Supports, Improved Daily Living and Therapeutic Supports, that directly relate to employment, independence or wellbeing.

Through Mable, you can access disability support workers and therapists. Once you've found someone who suits your needs, you can use the Mable platform to message them, read their reviews, discuss their terms and start scheduling your care sessions.

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.