How speech and language therapists can support patients’ Personal Assistance Grants applications
We’ve published new guidance to help speech and language therapists successfully support patients’ funding applications for Expiratory Muscle Strength Training (EMST) devices.
EMST150 devices can help people with Parkinson's to improve their breathing, cough, swallowing, and speech.
Eligible patients with Parkinson’s can now apply for financial support to purchase an Expiratory Muscle Strength Training (EMST) device through our Personal Assistance Grants Programme.
Find out more about the programme.
Our new guidance covers:
- who’s eligible for a grant
- what patients need to know
- what information you should include in a letter of support for your patients’ applications.
Caroline Bartliff, chair of our Speech and Language Therapy Parkinson's Clinical Excellence Network (SLT Parkinson's CEN), commented:
"The EMST150 device is relatively inexpensive, but I've seen how it can dramatically improve a person's voice and swallowing skills. It works on the expiratory muscles, giving more power to speech, and enables a more effective cough, which helps protect the lungs from food and drink and the risk of choking.
"I'm delighted that Parkinson's UK has agreed to fund the device as part of their Personal Assistance Grants Programme, as it can really make a difference to someone's daily life.”
Explore our resource to learn more about grants for EMST devices.
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