MePACS has been keeping clients safe since 1989 and is dedicated to partnering with healthcare professional to enhance the safety and wellbeing of clients. Our monitored personal alarms and 24/7 emergency response service offer a reliable solution that delivers a high level of care and peace of mind for both clients and their families.
Duty of Care
We are committed to the highest duty of care with a focus on prompt and efficient response, effective communication and genuine empathy. Our trained emergency response team delivers professional assistance and reassurance when needed most.
Placing people over profits
Founded in 1989, MePACS has more than 30 years’ experience in Australian Healthcare.
As a division of Peninsula Health, a public health service based on the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria, our profits are reinvested back into the public health network to support research and health initiatives.
Choosing the right alarm for your clients
Key considerations when selecting an alarm:
Client’s capabilities:
The client must be able to activate the alarm safely and easily. Take into consideration medical conditions, dexterity limitations, vision impairment, cognitive ability etc.
Please note: The Solo Watch is not suitable for clients with low vision, limited dexterity, or discomfort using a touchscreen interface.
Alarm types:
The alarm should support the client’s daily activities and lifestyle, i.e. the mobile and watch alarms are for people who are active and social outside the home.
Celular network coverage:
The Solo Watch requires a strong mobile signal to work properly. Ideally, clients should live within 1km of a Telstra tower. As an indication, your client should have 3-5 bars on their mobile phone when they’re at home. You can check also their address here.
Charging time:
The Solo watch and Mobile Alarm have a limited battery life and need to be charged daily. The Solo watch battery lasts 10-12 hours and the Mobile alarm around 24-30 hours. To reduce risks during charging times we advise adding the MePACS home alarm.
Adding accessories:
Clients with increased risk of falls, limited dexterity or vision impairment, can use accessories to activate the alarm with independence and safety.
Monitored Vs. Auto Dial Alarms
When it comes to personal alarms, understanding the differences between monitored alarms and auto-dial alarms is crucial. While both serve the fundamental purpose of raising an alert in an emergency, the response can vary significantly, so it’s important to make informed decisions when choosing the right safety solution for your client.
The benefits of monitored alarms include:
- A dedicated team of professionals is always ready to respond, day or night, so clients don’t have to rely on limited availability of family or friends.
- Trained emergency responders know exactly what to ask, how to triage any situation and can act fast.
- Unintentional button presses or false alarms can become stressful or worrisome for loved ones.
- A monitored service keeps clients relevant health data and medical history in the system and provide it to emergency services when needed.
Funding options
There are many funding options available for a MePACS personal alarm, depending on individual circumstances and eligibility criteria. Navigating the various support and funding systems can be complex, but our team is here to help guide you through the process and to ensure the best outcome for your clients.
Here are the funding sources for a MePACS alarm:
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Home Care Packages
MePACS is an approved HCP provider for monitored personal alarms, including our home, mobile and watch alarms. People who are eligible for an HCP can have funding allocated for a personal alarm and monitoring service of their choice. -
Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP)
People who are eligible for funding through the CHSP can request a MePACS personal alarm as part of their assistive technology funding. You can order a MePACS personal alarm for eligible clients on Geat2Go. -
National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
MePACS is a NDIS approved provider for personal alarms. NDIS participants who are eligible for Assistive Technology (AT) can use funding from the Consumables budget for low-risk, low-cost AT, or from ‘Core supports’. The funding will depend on the setup of the client’s plan and available funds. - Personal Alert VIC (PAV)
MePACS is the sole provider of personal alarms for PAV, which is a service that supports seniors and people living with disabilities in Victoria to live independently. You can find the PAV eligibility criteria here. - Personal Alert SA (PASA)
MePACS is an approved personal alarm provider to PASA, a service that helps support the safety and independence of older people living in South Australia. Find the eligibility criteria here. -
Private Health Insurance
Some private health insurance policies may offer coverage or rebates for personal alarms as part of their extras or ancillary benefits. Coverage and eligibility vary depending on the insurance provider and policy. -
TAC (Transport Accident Commission)
TAC provides support and benefits to people who have been injured in transport accidents in Victoria. Depending on the nature and severity of the injury, TAC may fund assistive technology and equipment, including personal alarms, if it is deemed necessary for the person’s rehabilitation and independence. -
WorkCover (Workers’ Compensation)
WorkCover schemes operate in each Australian state and territory. If a workplace injury results in a need for assistive technology such as a personal alarm to support the worker’s recovery or ongoing safety at work, WorkCover may provide funding or subsidies for the alarm. Eligibility may vary depending on specific legislation and regulations in each state. -
Self-Funding
People who are not eligible for any of the above funding programs or subsidies can purchase a MePACS alarm and emergency response monitoring as a private client. MePACS offer a range of alarm options to accommodate different budgets and requirements. We do not have a lock-in contract so clients can cancel the service any time without fees or penalties.