Personal alarms: Your Safety, Your Choice
When it comes to personal safety, having the right personal alarm and service provider can make all the difference. A personal alarm is not just a device; it’s a lifeline that provides peace of mind and independence for seniors, people living with disability, as well as those at risk of falls or other health emergencies.
Regardless of how your alarm is funded, be it through a Home Care Package or NDIS funding, you have the right to choose your service provider.
This article will explore how you can ensure your rights, needs and preferences remain the top priority when selecting a personal alarm provider.
1. Know your rights
If you are eligible for a personal alarm through a Home Care Package, NDIS funding or other funding options, it is important to know your rights as a client.
The Aged Care and Disability Acts recognise the importance of consumer choice to ensure that the services you receive are tailored to your needs and preferences. This is called person-centred care. It means that you, the consumer, can make informed decisions and have greater control over your support services, which includes your choice of personal alarm provider.
Your case manager, support coordinator or other healthcare professionals can make recommendations for a personal alarm, but ultimately you have the right to choose the service and device that best meet your needs. This also means no one can cancel your existing alarm service without your consent and approval.
2. Understand your needs
The first step in choosing a personal alarm is understanding your unique needs.
- Are you looking for a personal alarm for when you are home?
- Do you also need an option for when you are out and about?
- Are you comfortable with touch screen technology or do you need a tactile button?
- Consider your vision, dexterity or any other conditions that may affect your ability to easily activate a personal alarm.
Think about your lifestyle, health requirements and how you’ll use the device. This ensures you select an alarm that suits you.
3. Understand the service being offered
Not all personal alarm providers offer the same level of service. Key factors to consider include:
Monitoring:
Does the alarm provider offer a guaranteed fast response? Are the operators trained and experienced to know what to do in a medical emergency?
Consider if they outsource to 3rd party call centres, such as security monitoring – as this may impact the quality of care you receive. For the best care, it is important that the provider offers 24/7 monitoring by professionals trained in medical emergency response protocols.
MePACS is a 100% Australian fully-monitored service, a division of the Victorian public healthcare network, and trusted by emergency services and healthcare professionals.
Note: Choice® – Australia’s leading consumer advocacy group – do not recommend unmonitored or auto-dial personal alarms that send an alert to pre-set mobile numbers. Over years of testing these types of alarms were found to be unreliable and difficult to use.
Reputation:
Is the service provider reliable and trustworthy? Have they received any fines or product recalls from the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission? Are they fully Australian – ensuring your privacy is protected to Australian standards? Are they backed by a reputable organisation?
Accreditation:
Is the alarm provider a member of PERSL – the Australian personal alarm industry body governing best practice and quality standards for personal alarms?
Client support:
Does the provider offer ongoing client support? Do they respond to enquiries and feedback? Do they have a commitment to continuous improvement?
4. Be involved in the decision
A personal alarm is designed to support your safety and independence, so it’s essential that you are happy and confident with the service provider. Case managers, support coordinators or other healthcare professionals may recommend alarm providers, but their suggestions should serve as guidance rather than a final choice made on your behalf.
Be part of the conversation, ask for the service you deserve and ensure your rights and preferences are respected.
5. Empower yourself
As the person who will rely on the personal alarm for safety – remember, the choice is ultimately yours. Take the time to research, ask questions and advocate for your rights and preferences. You can choose a personal alarm and service provider that is right for you and delivers safety, independence and peace of mind for years to come.
If you need support in advocating for your preferences, there are helplines available.
- Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN), Aged Care Advocacy Line: 1800 700 600
- Department of Social Services, Disability Advocacy Support Helpline: 1800 643 787
Our friendly sales team are also an excellent resource for those who are unsure of where to start. We are passionate about what we do and are always happy to help.