EQUIPMENT

Many people living with a neuromuscular condition will come to depend on a wheelchair in order to move around independently.

Decisions regarding when a wheelchair is necessary, and what type of wheelchair is suitable, should be made with the assistance of a medical professional such as a physical therapist, occupational therapist and/or your GP.

People with neuromuscular conditions are generally prescribed power wheelchairs that are initially for part-time use. Wheelchair use will become more permanent over time.

Some desirable features of wheelchairs to consider can be found in the following brochure: rch.org.au/uploadedFiles/Main/Content/neurology/DMD_brochure_Wheelchair.pdf

For more information on wheelchairs, consult your medical professional.

Neuromuscular WA provides potentially life changing CoughAssist™ machines to the Western Australian neuromuscular community.

Many people with neuromuscular conditions are unable to cough, and accumulated secretions, even from a mild cold, make them prone to complications such as pneumonia and bronchitis. This can lead to an increase in emergency visits and being admitted to hospital. The CoughAssist™ machine assists by inducing both a slow inhale and a rapid exhale; this encourages natural coughing, whilst avoiding problems associated with more invasive procedures.

Since CoughAssist™ machines have been in people’s homes, Neuromuscular WA has identified a significant reduction in the incidence of hospital and ICU admissions, Emergency Department presentations, chest infections and visits to doctors.

CoughAssist™ machines can now be included on NDIS plans.

For more information about the CoughAssist™ machines please see: https://neuromuscularwa.org.au/cough-assist-program

What is it?
Indigo offers services to ensure that you get the right equipment and home modifications for your needs, and that you know how to use them effectively.

Indigo also provides allied health services in the home and community, to support and provide training for the use of assistive equipment and technology that will enable people to better manage tasks in the home, school, work or the wider community. Fees may apply for these services.

Indigo can also provide access to assistive equipment and technology, which can be browsed on their online National Equipment Database.

Where can you find more information?

The National Equipment Database can be found at: askned.com.au

Visit Indigo’s website to read more at: indigosolutions.org.au

What is it?
Wheels2Go provides members with a mobility device, such as a manual or electric wheelchair, access to 24/7 roadside assistance by calling 13 11 11.

RAC can change flat batteries or a flat tyre, provided that you have a spare on hand.

If RAC cannot assist in your breakdown situation, they will arrange a wheelchair-accessible taxi. A Wheels2Go membership entitles you to 5 taxi trips a year valued at up to $55 per trip, to a total of no more than $275 for the membership year.

Where can you find more information?
For more information visit: www.rac.com.au/car-motoring/roadside-assistance/wheels2go

Or call 13 07 03.