Frequently Asked Questions

Below you will find the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about our products and service.

If you can't find the answer you are looking for, please contact us.

General Questions

What is a personal alarm used for?

A personal alarm is a small wearable device used to call for help in the event of a fall, accident or other medical emergency. A simple button press sends a signal to the MePACS 24/7 emergency response centre, who will assess the situation and send help.

Some alarms have fall detection sensors that can be triggered by a sudden fall to the ground. These sensors automatically activate the alarm and send a signal for help.

Depending on the device type, your personal alarm can be used both at home and out-and-about.

Does MePACS have any retail shops?

MePACS does not have any stores and we do not work with any retailers. Our experienced Sales team speaks with each person to ensure they receive the best alarm for their needs, and to set up the client file in order to provide the highest quality, person-centred care.

You can purchase a MePACS personal alarm by calling 1800 685 329 or by placing an online order here.

What is a key safe?

A key safe is a small, secure metal box fitted outside your home and used to store your house keys. The key safe requires a four-digit access code, which MePACS will record. If emergency services are called to your home, they will be issued with the key safe code in order to provide aid.

MePACS can provide you with a key safe when your alarm is installed, or we can send one by post. Key safes can also be purchased from your local hardware store.

For your privacy and safety, MePACS will only disclose the key safe code directly to you or to emergency services. It is up to the client to decide whether they disclose the key safe code to other people. For example, if a nominated contact does not have a key to your home, it is recommended that you provide them with the key safe code.

What happens if I accidentally activate the alarm?

Do not worry if you accidentally activate your alarm. MePACS will respond to make sure you are okay. Please just let us know you do not need help, and we will wish you a lovely day!

Home Alarm

What should I do if I'm going away and can't do my Daily Call?

Please contact MePACS in advance to let us know the dates you will be away. We will place your Home Alarm on standby for those days.

If you are unsure when you will be back home, we can place the alarm on standby until you let us know you have returned.

When you return home, please press the button on your pendant to let us know you are safely back.

Are all MePACS alarms 4G compatible?

Yes. Our home, mobile and Solo Connect watch alarms all work on the 4G network, ensuring reliable support and fast emergency response.

Can I change the time of the Daily Call reminder?

Yes, you can. Please call us on 1800 451 300 and let us know your preferred time between 6-11am.

Our Technical Support team will change it for you remotely.

Please allow 2-5 business days for the new reminder time to take effect.

Can I take my alarm with me if I move house?

Yes, you can. MePACS operates Australia-wide so you can take your alarm with you when you move.

Before you move, please contact our Technical Support team on 1800 451 300 to let us know your new address and to arrange installation of your alarm in your new house.

Can I move the base unit to a different location in my house?

Please do not move the base unit by yourself, as it may not work properly.

If you would like to move the base unit to a different spot, please call our Technical Support team for assistance on 1800 451 300.

Can I get a new chain for my pendant?

To avoid the pendant chain being a choking hazard, it is designed to break easily. If the chain on your pendant has broken, MePACS will provide you with a new chain free of charge.

Please contact our Technical Support team on 1800 451 300 to request a new chain.

How do I attach the high gain antenna into the base unit?

If you have been sent a high-gain antenna for your alarm, please follow these instructions:

1. Unscrew the existing aerial to remove it.

2. Screw the new antenna into the same location on the base unit.

3. Test the signal strength by holding the antenna against the window where you intend to place the base unit and pressing the green Cancel button on the base unit.

4. If a number 3 or more appears, this is a strong signal. Remove the red plastic strip from the base of the antenna and secure it to the window.

If you have any questions, please contact our Technical Support team on 1800 451 300.

How do I transfer my pendant between the necklace and wrist strap?

1. Place the pendant on a table or flat surface.

2. Carefully wedge a butter knife or a small flathead screwdriver between the pendant and the casing. This will lever the pendant out of the casing.

3. Place the pendant into the wristband casing and press down until it clicks into place.

To transfer the pendant from the wristband to the neck chain, use the same process as above.

If you have any questions, please contact the MePACS Technical Support team on 1800 451 300.

Will the battery in my pendant need to be replaced?

The battery in your pendant should last two to three years. Because the pendant is waterproof, the battery cannot be replaced.

If the battery runs low, MePACS will receive a low battery signal and send you a replacement pendant.

Once you receive your new pendant, please test it by pressing the blue button for three seconds. You should see a small red light on the pendant and hear beeping.

MePACS will respond and talk to you through the base unit. Let us know that you are testing your new pendant.

What happens if I lose my pendant?

Please contact our Technical Support team on 1800 451 300. We will organise a replacement pendant to be sent to you. Please note, there is a small charge to cover our hardware and shipping costs.

Once you receive your replacement pendant, please test it by pressing the blue button for three seconds. You should see a small red light on the pendant and hear beeping.

MePACS will respond and talk to you through the base unit. Let us know that you are testing your new pendant.

If you find your lost pendant, please contact Technical Support on 1800 451 300 to arrange for it to be returned.

What happens if I lose power at my house?

The home alarm has a backup battery and will continue to work as usual for at least 38 hours. Once the power is restored, the alarm will automatically reconnect and the mains light will turn solid green.

In a power outage, the alarm sends MePACS an automatic notification. There is no need to call us. We are already aware and monitoring the situation.

What is the Daily Call service?

The Daily Call is an optional* check-in service for your welfare.

If you have opted in, you will need to press the Call button on the base unit every day between 6am—11am to let us know that you are okay. A series of fast beeps indicates your check-in has been registered by MePACS.

If we don’t receive your daily call by 11am, we will contact you to check that you are okay.

If we are unable to reach you, we will contact your nominated contacts to check in on you.

If we are not able to reach your or your contacts by 3pm to confirm you are okay, we will organise a police welfare check.

*Personal Alert Victoria clients must opt in for the Daily Call as part of their funded service.

Do I need an internet or NBN connection for the alarm to work?

No, the Home Alarm is connected to MePACS via the 4G mobile network in your area.

Do I need a landline phone for the Home Alarm?

No, the Home Alarm is connected via the 4G mobile network.

We do recommend having a phone (mobile or landline) in case we cannot contact you through the alarm in an emergency.

Can you have two pendants with only one base unit?

Yes, you can. We can connect up to four pendants to one Home Alarm base unit. Each pendant is programmed to an individual client, so we know who has activated the alarm in the event of an emergency.

Does the Home Alarm work outside the house?

The Home Alarm is designed to work within your home and garden.The base unit has a range of approximately 50-70 metres; however, the actual range will depend on the size and layout of your home and property.

During the installation process, the base unit should be positioned in a central location to optimise the range. We will test the alarm inside and outside your home with you, so that you know the range of the base unit.

For coverage further away from your home, we recommend the MePACS Mobile Alarm, available as a bundle with the MePACS Home Alarm, or the Solo Connect personal alarm watch. Both these devices allow you to connect to our monitoring team anytime, anywhere in Australia with 4G coverage.

Can I wear my pendant in the shower?

The MePACS Home Alarm pendant is completely waterproof (IP67 rated). You can wear it in the shower, bath or swimming pool.

We strongly recommend wearing it in the shower because slippery surfaces can sometimes lead to falls.

Mobile Alarm

Does the MePACS Mobile Alarm work on 4G?

Yes. All of our alarms work on the 4G network, ensuring reliable support and fast emergency response.

What should I do if I press the help button and don't get a response?

• If there are no beeps coming out of the alarm it was not activated correctly. Try again by giving the button a short, sharp, one-second press.

• If the alarm is continually beeping slowly, the signal is not being received by MePACS. Try again by giving the button a short, sharp, one-second press.

• If there is a single beep and then a battery level audio alert, you held the button down for too long. Try again by giving the button a short, sharp, one-second press.

• If the orange light is flashing, the alarm does not have mobile reception and cannot connect to MePACS. It will automatically reconnect when it finds a signal so, if possible, try moving to a different spot or near a window. If you are experiencing an emergency situation, and have access to a phone, please dial Triple Zero.

• If there are no lights on the alarm it means it has gone flat and needs to be recharged. If you are experiencing an emergency situation, and have access to a phone, please dial Triple Zero.

Is the MePACS Mobile Alarm waterproof?

No, the Mobile Alarm is rain and splash resistant, but not completely waterproof.
Please do not use the Mobile Alarm in the shower, bath or submerge it in water.

Can I purchase the MePACS Mobile Alarm on its own?

To ensure your safety both at home and away, the MePACS Mobile Alarm is only available as a bundle with the MePACS Home Alarm.

It is designed for use whenever you leave the house. When you are at home, place the Mobile Alarm on charge and wear the Home Alarm pendant. The Home Alarm pendant is waterproof, more lightweight and does not require charging, making it a comfortable and practical option for consistent wear around the house.

Do I need a mobile phone to use the MePACS Mobile Alarm?

The MePACS Mobile Alarm has a built-in SIM card, so it does not require you to have a mobile phone. In an emergency, you can talk to MePACS directly through the alarm.

We do recommend having a phone (mobile or landline) in case we cannot contact you through the alarm in an emergency.

Does the MePACS Mobile Alarm work everywhere?

The MePACS Mobile Alarm works on the 4G mobile network. It works anywhere in Australia where there is good 4G coverage.

Unfortunately, as with all mobile devices, in areas with no reception, like black spots, underground car parks, mountainous and rural areas, the alarm will not be able to connect to the network.

Solo Watch Alarm

Does the Solo Connect store my medical information?

The MePACS Solo Connect personal alarm watch does not store your personal medical information.

MePACS securely keeps your medical history, allergies and other relevant health information on file. In an emergency, we provide relevant health information to Triple Zero, so they can prioritise the call and tailor their response to your needs.

Can I install other apps on the Solo watch?

The MePACS Solo Connect personal alarm watch comes with a select range of health apps.

As it is a personal alarm device, other apps cannot be installed because they can interfere with the MePACS emergency response software.

Can I use the Solo watch like a mobile phone?

The MePACS Solo Connect personal alarm watch is a dedicated personal alarm device. It cannot connect to a mobile phone to send or receive personal messages, calls or emails; and it is not an entertainment device. The Solo Connect is designed for direct two-way communication with the MePACS emergency response team.

How do I turn up the volume on the watch?

On the Samsung Galaxy Watch3, you can increase the volume on the watch by turning the bezel around, but only while you are talking to MePACS.

On the Solo Connect watch, the volume is already at the maximum level and cannot be increased.

Can I wear the watch in the shower?

The MePACS Solo Connect personal alarm watch is waterproof and can be worn in the shower, bath or swimming pool.

Due to the touchscreen technology used to activate and alert, heavy waterdrops from the shower may sometimes accidentally activate the alarm. If this happens, just cancel the alert or let us know you are okay.

Monitoring Service

Is there a minimum term contract?

MePACS does not have lock-in contracts, so you can cancel the service any time without penalty or additional charges.

When should I put my alarm on standby?

The standby mode is used when you are spending time away from home, such as on holiday, with family, in hospital or respite care.

The main reason for putting the alarm on standby is to keep our records updated about your situation. It also helps to avoid bothering you with daily call follow ups or alarm testing.

To place an alarm on standby, submit this online form, or call us on 1800 451 300 a day or two before you leave (or as soon as practical in the event of an unplanned departure).

While the alarm is on standby, your monthly monitoring fees still apply as the service remains active. If you press your pendant while on standby, MePACS will still receive the signal and ask if you need help.

Can I get funding for a MePACS Personal Alarm?

There are several government programs that provide funding for personal alarms. The level of funding will depend on your personal circumstances and eligibility.

MePACS is an approved provider for the following government-funded programs:

- Personal Alert Victoria (PAV)

- Personal Alert AssistanceSA (PAASA)

- Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) via Geat2Go

- Home Care Packages

- NDIS

More information can be found here. Or contact our Sales team on 1800 685 329 for assistance.

How is the alarm system installed?

MePACS offers two options for installation:
1. Self-installation:

Self-installations are quick and easy, taking approximately 15-20 minutes. Your alarm is delivered via Australia Post and comes with a step-by-step installation guide. Simply call our Technical Support team at the pre-booked time and we will help you set up your alarm over the phone.


2. Tech installation:

Tech installations are usually completed within 7-10 business days of completing your MePACS application. We will call you to schedule a time for the technician to come to your home. They will deliver, install and test your alarm on the spot.

Do I have to pay for calls from the alarm unit?

No, all calls from the alarm unit are covered by the MePACS monthly service fee.
There will be no additional call charges on top of the monthly service fee.

What if my nominated contacts are unavailable?

Your safety is our top priority. If you press your help button and we are unable to get in touch with you or your nominated contacts, we will contact emergency services.

If a nominated contact is going away or is no longer is a position to fulfill their role as a nominated contact, please let us know and we will update our records.

Can I list other people who I would like to be contacted in an emergency?

Yes, you can. In addition to your nominated contacts, you can also list other people, such as family members, as Information Only contacts. They will be advised of any emergency event concerning your wellbeing.

How does the MePACS service work?

The MePACS emergency response service operates 24 hours a day, every day of the year. We are always available to help when you need it. Our goal is to ensure you are safe and well by getting you the right help quickly and efficiently in an emergency.

If you feel unwell, experience a fall, medical event or other sort of emergency, simply press the button on your alarm device. This will send an alert to the MePACS response centre, and a trained monitor will respond within two minutes and talk to you through the alarm.

The monitor will assess the situation, provide reassurance and determine the actions required. If emergency services are required, we will provide them with all vital information so they can tailor and prioritise their response accordingly. We will also inform your close contacts of the situation and stay in touch with you until help arrives, because your safety and wellbeing are our priority.

If I go away, do I have to let MePACS know?

If you go away on holidays or into respite care or hospital, it is important to let MePACS know so that we can put your Home Alarm on standby. This will help avoid unnecessary follow-ups for you and your contacts and ensure our records are up-to-date.

When you return home, simply press the button on your Home Alarm pendant and let us know you are back.

To let us know that you will be away, please submit this online standby request or call us on 1800 451 300 and speak to our Client Services team.

If you have a Mobile or Solo alarm, you can take this with you if you are travelling in Australia as these devices will work anywhere there is 4G coverage. Just remember to take the charger with you!

What are nominated contacts and how many do I need?

Nominated contacts are people who you trust and who are capable of providing assistance.

They should be well known to you and ideally live no further than 30-45 minutes from your home. Nominated contacts may be required to assist you in situations that do not require emergency services or conduct welfare checks.

Nominated contacts can be family members, friends or trusted neighbours. They should have a key to your home, or you may choose to have a key safe for easy shared access.

You can choose up to three people as your nominated contacts.

Technical Questions

What network do MePACS alarms work on?

MePACS alarms use 4G technology for voice-to-voice and data communication.

Even though 5G networks are being rolled out, they will NOT replace 4G. The 4G and 5G networks will continue to work together to provide the best coverage across Australia. Our 4G devices work alongside the 5G network.

Are MePACS alarms safe to use with a Pacemaker?

Yes, MePACS personal alarms comply with the Australian Standards in relation to Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) for devices such as pacemakers. If you have concerns, please consult your medical specialist.

What happens if there is a power outage?

In the event of a power failure, your Home Alarm will still work. It has a battery back-up that is designed to provide power to the base unit for a minimum of 38 hours. MePACS will contact you if a power failure signal is received from the alarm unit.

Your Mobile or Solo alarms require mains power to charge. We recommend keeping them on charge when not in use to ensure maximum battery life when required.

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
chevron-up

How can we help?

By phone
Existing clients, please call
1800 451 300
For sales enquiries, please call
1800 685 329
By email
Existing clients, please email
mepacs@mepacs.com.au
For sales enquiries, please email
sales@mepacs.com.au
Live chat
Our sales team is available online for live chat Monday – Friday
8.30 am – 5.30 pm AEST.
Start Chat
Billing & Invoicing
Call our Finance team
1800 451 300
Product & Tech Support
Call our Technical Support team
1800 451 300
or check out our FAQ
Go to FAQ
PAV Client Support
Call our Client Services team
1800 451 300