Ensuring the well-being and safety of individuals with disabilities is a shared goal among family members, caregivers, healthcare organisations, and the Australian government.
Under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), eligible people living with disabilities can can receive funding to afford, coordinate and access the support they need to improve their life skills and independence.
Under the NDIS, there are several types of funding available to support the needs of people living with disabilities. These funding types are designed to provide a comprehensive support framework tailored to each persons specific requirements and goals:
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Core Supports Funding: This type of funding covers everyday support needs such as assistance with daily tasks, personal care, and accessing community activities.
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Capital Supports Funding: Capital supports funding is allocated for larger, one-off expenses such as assistive technology, home modifications, vehicle modifications, and equipment necessary for independence and mobility.
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Capacity Building Supports Funding: This funding is aimed at developing the individual’s skills and independence, including support for employment, education, social participation, and improved health and wellbeing.
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Reasonable and Necessary Funding: This funding is based on the principle of providing supports that are reasonable and necessary for the person’s disability-related needs, as outlined in their individualised NDIS plan.
MePACS is an approved NDIS provider and our monitored personal alarms qualify for NDIS funding under the Capital Supports category. The alarms are covered under assistive technology because they promotes independence and safety for NDIS participants, and empower them to engage in community activities and perform daily tasks with confidence.
To learn how to apply for a MePACS alarm using your NDIS funding, read our
MePACS NDIS Guide
What types of personal alarms are available?
MePACS offers three types of monitored personal alarms that are designed to provide safety and support with 24/7 emergency response service provided by local trained responders. These include:
- Smartwatch alarm: A popular choice for NDIS participants, the Solo Connect watch alarm is discreet and stylish, and can be used both at home and outdoors. Built on the Samsung Galaxy Watch6, it features falls detection, GPS and 2-way voice communications, as well as a host of useful health apps. In the case of an emergency, the watch can be activated with a tap on the watch face.
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Mobile alarm: Small and lightweight, the MePACS mobile alarm is designed to be used wherever you go. It features built-in falls detection, GPS and 2-way voice communications, and can be quickly activated with a touch of a button.
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Home alarm: The MePACS home alarm is a reliable system that works around the home and garden. It includes a small, waterproof pendant that can be worn around the neck or on the wrist, and easily activated with the press of a button.
The benefits of a MePACS personal alarm
MePACS personal alarms can play a vital role in supporting the safety, independence, and wellbeing of NDIS participants, empowering them to live life to the fullest with the assurance of prompt assistance when needed. A MePACS personal alarm can provide NDIS participants with a sense of security knowing that help is just a button press away in case of an emergency, whether they are at home or out in the community.
Other benefits include:
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Independence and confidence: With access to personal alarms, NDIS participants can feel more confident in their ability to live independently, knowing that they have 24/7 support available whenever they need it.
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Peace of mind for carers and loved ones: Monitored personal alarms offer peace of mind to carers and loved ones, knowing that their family member or friend has access to immediate assistance in case of a fall, medical emergency, or other crisis.
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Enhanced ability to remain in the community: With the added security provided by personal alarms, NDIS participants may be able to remain living in their own homes and participate more fully in community activities, improving their overall quality of life.
NDIS Participants testimonials
Our clients Sandy and Theresa are NDIS participants who enjoy living independently in their own homes, thanks to the safety and security that MePACS provides.
Read their stories below.
Sandy’s story
Sandy uses her NDIS funding to help live independently in her own home in Melbourne. As a result of Muscular dystrophy, she has a pacemaker and limited mobility, which means she can be prone to falls.
Sandy had to use her MePACS alarm in an emergency situation after experiencing severe pain.
“I was experiencing pain in my neck and back and was also having trouble breathing,” she said.
“The MePACS response operator answered my call within a minute. I was so reassured to know an ambulance was on the way.”
MePACS also caller her sister Brenda as the first contact, and she arrived shortly before the ambulance. Sandy was taken to hospital where she remained for the rest of the day.
“When I returned home, I knew that if I had any future falls I would receive help quickly. I have no hesitation in pressing my MePACS alarm, it gives me peace of mind knowing someone is there.”
Theresa’s story
Theresa is living with Friedreich’s ataxia, which is a rare genetic disease that causes difficulty in walking, a loss of sensation in the limbs and impaired speech. She uses a wheelchair, but still lives independently in her own home.
“When I had a bad fall, I was concerned that I wouldn’t be able to ring for help if I didn’t have my phone,” she said.
“This incident encouraged me to get additional support and take up the MePACS service. I need the assistance of someone I could rely on any time of the day or night.”
Maintaining her independence is extremely important to Theresa, and having a MePACS personal alarm allows her to feel safe and secure at home.
“I always make sure I have my MePACS alarm on me, as I don’t want to think what may happen without it.”