For seniors and people living with disability, maintaining independence while feeling safe can be a constant concern.
Personal alarms are widely recognised as essential tools for enhancing people’s quality of life. In response to this, Australian federal and state governments provide funding to assist eligible people in obtaining them.
If you, or someone you know, could benefit from a monitored personal alarm, here are some potential funding options to explore:
Federal government programs
Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP):
The Commonwealth Home Support Program provides support to seniors to help them live independently at home.
MePACS is an approved CHSP provider. Eligible clients can obtain funding for our Home and Mobile Alarm bundle through the Government’s geat2GO initiative, under the CHSP. This funding covers both the device and two months of monitoring. Ongoing monitoring can be purchased privately or through a Home Care Package, once it becomes available.
To register for CHSP funding you must meet specific eligibility criteria, such as age, health and mobility needs. Applicants are assessed to determine their eligibility for equipment and services. To check eligibility for CHSP funding, visit the My Aged Care website.
Home Care Packages (HCP):
A Home Care Package is a Government-subsidised program designed to assist people with more complex care needs than those using the Commonwealth Home Support Program.
MePACS is an HCP approved supplier. Eligible seniors can access funding for all MePACS alarms, including monitoring, and choose their preferred device.
The first step to obtaining a Home Care Package is to be assessed for aged care services. Assessment applications can be made online, or by calling My Aged Care on 1800 200 422.
National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS):
The NDIS can fund assistive technology for people living with significant and permanent disability. This includes funding for personal alarms.
MePACS is an NDIS approved provider for low risk, low-cost assistive technology. Eligible clients can obtain funding for all MePACS alarms, including monitoring. Clients have the flexibility to select their preferred alarm device from our range of options.
For more information about obtaining a free personal alarm through the NDIS, see this page on our website.
State and territory government programs
Different states and territories in Australia have their own programs and initiatives that may provide free personal alarms or subsidise their cost. For example:
Personal Alert Victoria (PAV):
Personal Alert Victoria (PAV) is a personal monitoring service funded by the Victorian State Government that supports seniors and people living with disability to maintain their independence.
The program provides emergency assistance with a daily welfare check-in via a pendant-based system with 24-hour support from trained staff.
MePACS is the sole provider of alarms for the PAV personal monitoring service. Our home alarm, monthly monitoring fee and a daily welfare check are fully-funded for qualifying Victorians through the PAV program.
To qualify for the Personal Alert Victoria service, you must undergo an assessment performed by a designated PAV assessment provider. To begin the assessment process, please contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422. To learn more about the assessment and eligibility, visit the Victorian Government Department of Health website.
Personal Alert AssistanceSA (PAASA):
Personal Alert AssistanceSA, or PAASA, is a South Australian Government initiative aimed at making personal alert and monitoring devices accessible to South Australian residents.
MePACS is an approved provider of personal alarms for PAASA. Eligible South Australians can receive funding for our home alarm with a fall detection pendant and monthly monitoring. Funding can also be used to cover some of the cost of the Solo Connect alarm.
To find out if you are eligible for PAASA funding to obtain a free personal alarm, please visit the Personal Alert AssistanceSA website.
Alternative funding options for personal alarms
Beyond government-funded programs for seniors and people living with disability, here are some other options to consider when you are looking to fund a personal alarm:
WorkCover (Workers’ Compensation):
WorkCover schemes in many states offer financial support or subsidies for personal alarms to aid in recovery or enhance workplace safety. Eligibility requirements can vary by state.
Self-funding:
People who are not eligible for any of the above funding programs or subsidies can obtain a MePACS alarm and emergency response monitoring as a private client. MePACS offer a range of alarm options to accommodate different budgets and requirements. There is no lock-in contract so clients can cancel the service any time without fees or penalties.
Don’t hesitate to ask for help
As you can see, funding options for a MePACS personal alarm vary widely based on individual circumstances and eligibility. Understanding available support can be challenging. Our friendly team is here to guide you through the process. Call 1800 685 329 to explore our range of monitored personal alarms and discover how MePACS can enhance your safety and wellbeing.