Adults

Living with CF can raise many challenges. CFWA is here to support you and your family with a range of services to help along the journey.

Adult Services

• In home support including airway clearance & exercise routines, short term cleaning, respite and other practical supports
• Financial support
• Psychosocial support 
• Hospital support
• Family and parenting support
• Career & employment support
• Peer connection
• Resources & information

Please get in touch with our Services team via email services@cfwa.org.au or on 08 6224 4100 if you would like to know more about accessing any of our services. Alternatively, you can request support by clicking the link below and our team will be in touch. 

Clinic & Hospital

Having CF means spending time at clinic appointments and, at times, hospital admissions. Juggling this alongside families, work, study and social life can be tough, but support is available. CFWA can offer the following supports:

Travel & Parking Subsidy

For people experiencing financial hardship, we can provide up to 8 subsidy payments per annum for CF related hospital and clinic travel and parking. We offer $25 for people who live in the Perth metro or outer metro area, and up to $100 for regional patients. Click here for more information.

Hospital Visits & Food Bag

We can provide a Hospital Bag during your admission. Submit a request form at the link below and let us know the types of items you would like e.g. food, drink, activity. You can also request a visit from a CFWA team member to discuss services and how we can support you. Click here to request a bag and someone will be in touch within the next few days.

Data and TV

If you’re an inpatient at SCGH, you may be eligible for a free SIM card. Each SIM includes:

• 20+GB of data every month
• Unlimited calls and texts
• Valid for 12 months from activation
• They can be used in phones, tablets, laptops (via dongles), or any device that accepts a SIM card

You will need to bring your own device to hospital with you in order to use the sim card. You can request a SIM through the link above.

If you need to hire TV, you can be reimbursed via the Adult Support Subsidy.

Home Supports

Community Support Workers

It is important to have good physio habits so that it becomes part of your daily routine and should be combined with exercise to enhance mucus clearance. Our Community Support Workers can assist with airway clearance, nebulisation, exercise, light home duties and respite. This service can be accessed by referral from your CF team or self-referral.

There are many different airway clearance techniques, and your hospital physio will develop an individualised program that is best for you.

You can also use your Adult Support Subsidy available to assist with sporting and exercise fees or physio and exercise equipment.

Cleaning

We can offer short term cleaning packages for people experiencing an acute change in circumstances. This may include the birth of a baby or a change in health. This is an 8-week package which provides 2 hours of cleaning a fortnight. This program has specific criteria, please contact us to see if you are eligible.

Mental Health

There may be times where you experience mental health issues. Anxiety and depression can affect how you manage and cope with CF, so it is important to look after your mental health and seek help when you need it. Your CF hospital can offer psychosocial support including social work and psychology. Speak with your team for access to these services.

CFWA Mental Health Support

Support might include managing stress, anxiety or overwhelm, building confidence and coping strategies, talking through worries or difficult situations, setting goals, navigating life changes, referral to further support or simply having someone to chat with who understands the impact CF can have on daily life. We can also explore practical tools and resources, such as journalling, mindfulness and other strategies to support your wellbeing.

Counselling & Mental Health Gap Funding

If you wish to access formal support, a Mental Health Care Plan can be accessed through your GP which will entitle you to access up to 10 Medicare subsidised sessions with a mental health professional each calendar year. You can access mental health gap funding through the Adult Support Subsidy to assist with any payment not covered by Medicare. For more information, click on the Mental Health Care Plan & Rebates factsheet below.

Education & Employment

Finding a job that aligns with your interests, strengths and health needs can help you build independence, financial security and a fulfilling future. While managing treatments, appointments and occasional health challenges can require extra planning, flexible study and work options have made it easier than ever to balance health and career goals.

We have more information about employment, including finding a job, writing a resume, and disclosure here.

Career Coaching

We can offer adults with CF access to one-on-one career coaching with a qualified professional.

Career coaching provides a relaxed and supportive space to explore your strengths, interests and goals, while building confidence for your next steps. Sessions can help with practical skills such as goal setting, resume writing, discussions around disclosure and interview preparation.

Through personalised coaching, you’ll gain greater clarity about your career direction and develop practical tools to help you navigate your employment journey with confidence.

Financial Coaching

Managing finances can sometimes feel overwhelming, particularly when living with a chronic health condition. We have lots of financial information and tips on budgeting, insurance and planning for the future here.

We can also connect you with trusted resources, practical tools and support services to help improve your financial wellbeing. Whether you need assistance with budgeting, understanding available rebates and subsidies, or accessing professional financial counselling, our team can help point you in the right direction.

Fertility & Parenting

Many adults with CF think about relationships, fertility and whether they would like to have children in the future. While CF can affect fertility, particularly for males, many people with CF are able to become parents through natural conception, assisted reproductive technologies or other family-building options.

Advances in CF care and CFTR modulators have expanded opportunities for many people with CF to consider parenthood. If you are thinking about starting a family, it is important to discuss your plans with your CF team to understand any health considerations, fertility options and genetic implications, so you can make informed decisions that are right for you.

New Parent Home Support

We offer structured in-home support for adults with CF who are expecting a child or already have children. This might include cleaning, respite and general support to assist you in maintaining your treatment routine during this period.

Mums with CF Connect Group

For women with CF and a child aged <10, or pregnangt/expecting, you can join our online connect group. New participants are welcome at any time. Read more here.

Lifestyle

Travel

Travel is a great part of life; however it can take lots of planning, and for those with CF, it can involve extra organisation to ensure the trip goes smoothly. Hear from some CF adults about how they plan for travel and how having CF doesn’t stop them.

Have a read of our factsheet for more information on reciprocal health care agreements, travel insurance, health preparation, medications, flights, eating, drinking and cross-infection and links to useful resources.

Relationships

CF can shape all kinds of relationships, from family life to friendships, dating, and how you see yourself. With advances in healthcare and treatments, many people who have experienced significant health improvements are noticing changes in these relationships, both positive and challenging. At the same time, not everyone has benefited in the same way, and some people may be navigating ongoing health challenges or feelings of being left behind or disconnected from the CF community.

Our CFFutures resources explore how self-identity and relationships with family, friends and even your CF care team can evolve over time.

Alcohol & Smoking/Vaping

Smoking and vaping can have a drastic effect on the lung health of people with CF, and while alcohol can be enjoyed in moderation, it should always be managed carefully with your CF team. Read more below.

Nutrition

Diet plays a very important role in the management of your CF. In fact, nutrition is so important that a healthy body weight can be linked to better lung function.

We have a webpage all about Nutrition for Adults with CF.

Medications & Procedures

Common medications you might take include modulators, enzymes, bronchodilators, mucolytics, antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, salt and vitamins. These medications may be given orally, intravenously, inhaled through a nebuliser or other inhalation device.

Modulators

Starting new medications, especially modulators or long-term treatments, can bring life-changing adjustments. New medications often come with new routines, side effects, and emotional ups and downs. It can take time to find a rhythm that feels sustainable, especially when your health and lifestyle are changing too. Read more about creating a routine and useful health tracker apps.

For more detailed information about common medications check out our factsheets:

There may also be times where you will need to undergo certain procedures. We have the following factsheets available on some common procedures:

Infection Prevention

People with CF are more vulnerable to lung infections because the thick, sticky mucus in the lungs can trap germs and make it easier for infections to develop. While avoiding germs completely isn’t possible, there are simple steps you can take to reduce your risk. These include practising good hand hygiene, avoiding close contact with people who are unwell, and keeping a safe distance from other people with CF.

Understanding how to protect yourself is an important part of staying well with CF. Check out our factsheets for practical tips and detailed information on infection prevention and reducing your risk of illness.

Comorbidities

Most adults with CF will experience a range of CF-related comorbidities and complications. Here is some information on some of the most common ones: