5 minute read
STAFF PROFILE - SHELLEY EVANS
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.
