Australian Support Services
Finding information, assistance and support when living with Multiple System Atrophy.
Living with Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) can present significant challenges for individuals, families and carers.
Accessing appropriate healthcare, disability assistance, aged care, financial support and community services can make an important difference in managing everyday needs.
At National MSA Research, we recognise the importance of helping people affected by MSA find reliable information and understand the support options available across Australia.
This page brings together national services and organisations that may be able to assist.
Healthcare & Medical Support
Your Healthcare Team
For individuals living with MSA, a coordinated healthcare team can be important in managing symptoms and planning ongoing care.
Depending on individual needs, healthcare professionals may include:
- General practitioners (GPs)
- Neurologists and movement disorder specialists
- Physiotherapists and occupational therapists
- Speech pathologists and dietitians
- Specialist nurses
- Social workers and psychologists
- Palliative care professionals
Your GP or treating specialist can help identify appropriate services and make referrals where required.
Healthdirect Australia
Healthdirect provides free health information and access to telephone health advice from registered nurses.
The service can assist people who are unsure whether they need medical attention or would like guidance about accessing healthcare services.
Telephone: 1800 022 222
Availability: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Healthdirect is not a replacement for emergency medical services.
Disability Support
National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
The National Disability Insurance Scheme provides eligible Australians with disability-related support to assist with everyday life, independence and community participation.
Depending on eligibility and individual needs, funded supports may include assistance with daily activities, mobility equipment, home modifications and certain therapies.
People applying to become NDIS participants must generally be under 65 years of age when they apply and meet the scheme’s residency and disability or early intervention requirements.
An MSA diagnosis does not automatically guarantee eligibility.
NDIS Contact Centre: 1800 800 110
Individuals and families are encouraged to contact the NDIS for current eligibility information and application guidance.
Aged Care Support
My Aged Care
My Aged Care is the Australian Government’s starting point for accessing government-funded aged care services.
It can provide information about eligibility, assessments, home assistance and residential aged care.
Government-funded aged care may be available to people aged 65 years or older, with earlier access possible for some eligible groups, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50 or older.
An assessment helps determine what services a person may be eligible to receive.
Support at Home
The Australian Government’s Support at Home program provides access to approved home-based services for eligible older Australians who require assistance.
Depending on assessed needs, support may include personal care, nursing, allied health services, transport, household assistance and home modifications.
Other aged care programs may also be available.
My Aged Care: 1800 200 422
Support for Families & Carers
Carer Gateway
Carer Gateway is an Australian Government initiative providing information and support for unpaid carers.
Caring for someone with a progressive neurological condition can involve physical, emotional, financial and practical challenges.
Carer Gateway may be able to assist with services such as:
- Carer support planning
- Counselling
- Peer support
- Coaching and skills development
- Respite and other practical assistance, where eligible
Carer Gateway: 1800 422 737
Carers are encouraged to contact the service to discuss their circumstances and available support options.
Financial Assistance
Services Australia
Services Australia administers government payments and services that may be relevant to people living with disability and their carers.
Depending on individual circumstances and eligibility, these may include:
- Disability Support Pension
- Carer Payment
- Carer Allowance
- Other eligible income support and concession arrangements
Eligibility, assessment requirements and payment amounts vary.
Disability and Carers Line: 132 717
Contact Services Australia for current information about available payments and eligibility criteria.
Palliative Care & Supportive Care
Palliative care focuses on improving quality of life for people living with serious or life-limiting conditions and supporting their families and carers.
It may involve assistance with symptom management, emotional wellbeing, communication, care planning and practical needs.
Palliative care is not limited to the final days of life. It can be introduced alongside other appropriate treatments and care.
Your GP, neurologist or treating healthcare team can discuss whether palliative care services may be appropriate.
Palliative Care Australia also provides information about services and access to a national palliative care service directory.
Emotional Wellbeing & Mental Health
Living with a progressive neurological condition can affect emotional wellbeing.
People living with MSA, family members and carers may experience uncertainty, stress, grief or feelings of isolation.
Seeking emotional support is an important part of caring for yourself and others.
Lifeline Australia
Lifeline provides confidential crisis support for people experiencing emotional distress or difficulty coping.
Telephone: 13 11 14
Availability: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
For ongoing mental health concerns, a GP can help identify appropriate counselling, psychological or other mental health services.
Rare Disease & Neurological Support
Organisations working in rare diseases and neurological conditions may also provide information, educational resources, advocacy and community connections.
These include national rare disease organisations and neurological support groups.
Not every service will have specialist expertise in Multiple System Atrophy, so individuals should confirm whether an organisation can provide support relevant to their circumstances.
We will continue identifying appropriate resources for our Helpful Organisations section.
Accessing Support in Your State or Territory
Some support services operate nationally, while others are delivered by state, territory or local organisations.
Your GP, treating hospital, community health service or social worker may be able to help identify appropriate services in your area.
Access to services may depend on eligibility, location, availability and individual circumstances.
Emergency Assistance
If you or someone else is experiencing a medical emergency in Australia, call Triple Zero (000).
For non-emergency medical advice, contact Healthdirect on 1800 022 222.
National MSA Research is not an emergency medical service and cannot provide individual medical assessments or treatment recommendations.
About National MSA Research
National MSA Research is a volunteer-run Australian charity dedicated to raising awareness and supporting research into Multiple System Atrophy.
While we do not directly operate the government, healthcare or community services listed on this page, we aim to help people affected by MSA find useful information and resources.
The inclusion of an external organisation does not imply a formal partnership or endorsement.
Service arrangements, contact details and eligibility requirements may change. We encourage visitors to confirm current information directly with the relevant provider.
Contact National MSA Research
For general enquiries about our organisation, awareness initiatives or educational resources, please contact:
National MSA Research
Email: info@nationalmsaresearch.org.au
Together, through greater awareness, accessible information and community support, we can help people affected by MSA feel better informed and connected.