Cough Assist program

We provide cough assist machines to our community. Many people with a neuromuscular condition are unable to produce an effective cough which leads to accumulated secretions. Even a mild cold can make someone with a neuromuscular condition prone to complications such as pneumonia and bronchitis which can require a higher level of medical assistance to overcome.

The cough assist machine assists by inducing both a slow inhale and a rapid exhale, encouraging natural coughing. Since cough assist machines have been in people’s homes, we have noted a significant reduction in the incidence of hospital and ICU admissions, Emergency Department presentations, chest infections and visits to doctors.

We have 43 of these machines and have distributed them across WA, including rural areas – from Albany to Geraldton, Karratha and Derby. Along with a range of accessories available for the machines, including tubing, filters and masks, we have portable cough assist machines available for short term loan (for when travelling etc).

NDIS now provide funding for cough assist machines. As such cough assist machine loans for those not eligible for the NDIS will be prioritised, however we can provide short-term trial loans as needed.

To find out more information, please contact our Community Services team.