Expiratory Muscle Strength Training (EMST) grant information for speech and language therapists

The Parkinson's UK Personal Assistance Grants Programme can be used to fund an Expiratory Muscle Strength Training (EMST) device, for people with savings of less than £6,000.

Topic

Access to multi-disciplinary teams
Care strategies
Information from diagnosis
Patient involvement
Service improvement
Symptoms
Treatments and medication

Resource type

Publications

Profession

Speech and language therapist

Stage

Complex
Diagnosis
End of life
Maintenance

Parkinson's UK will fund a Expiratory Muscle Strength Training (EMST) device for patients with Parkinson's or parkinsonism, where it is clinically appropriate, through our Personal Assistance Grants Programme. The patient must have less than £6,000 in household savings.

The EMST150 device can help people with Parkinson's to improve their breathing, cough, swallowing, and speech.

Speech and language therapists should provide a supporting letter for the application from their patient and here we provide information to help you with that.

People living with Parkinson's can apply to our grants programme online, by email, or by post. Upon a successful application, the equipment would be purchased and sent directly to the applicant by Parkinson’s UK.

Who can apply?

The EMST150 device would be categorised as Specialist equipment. This category has a maximum award limit of £1,500.
As the device costs less than £500, the patient must have a total combined household savings of less than £6,000.
Your patient must have Parkinson's or parkinsonism.
Your patient must not have paid for or ordered the device already.

What your patient should know:

The patient or care partner needs to complete an application form in full.
The patient's speech and language therapist should be asked to provide a letter of support based on the individual's clinical needs.
There are 2 grant rounds a year, visit our website to find the dates. Applications received after these dates cannot be accepted.

Read the most up-to-date guidance, criteria and information about our Personal Assistance Grants.

Writing a letter of support

What you should cover:

Provide relevant background information about the patient and their condition.
Focus on the elements of the patient’s condition that relate to the EMST150 device.
Explain that, as the patient's speech and language therapist, you will commit to demonstrate how to use the EMST150 device accurately and safely to achieve the best outcomes.

Why is the device needed:

Provide details of why the EMST150 device is suitable for your patient.
Has the patient used the device before? What were the results?
Give your professional opinion on why the device is suitable for the patient.

How will it benefit the patient:

Share your view on how the device will improve your patient with Parkinson's daily activities.
How would use of the device improve their wellbeing?
What would be the additional benefits for your patient?

Please note: If the application form is being posted or emailed to us, then the letter can be sent alongside as an attachment. If the application is being submitted via the online form, then the letter of support will need to be emailed to us separately.