Access to personal alarms for seniors is becoming an increasing public health priority, especially with more seniors wanting to remain living independently in their own home whilst being safe and secure.
As of 1st February 2021, MePACS is one of two approved providers of Personal AlertSA (PASA) for eligible South Australian seniors, who can now receive government funding for our personal alarms and 24/7 monitoring service.
What is Personal AlertSA (PASA)?
Personal AlertSA is a state-wide funding initiative of the South Australian Government which aims to make monitored personal alarms more accessible to those who need them.
Seniors can apply to Personal AlertSA and if eligible are issued with an approval. They can then order their MePACS personal alarm. The South Australian Government subsidises the cost of equipment and annual monitoring of a personal alarm to make it more affordable for seniors to take up this lifesaving service.
What has happened to Personal Alert Systems Rebate Scheme (PARS)?
The Personal Alert Systems Rebate Scheme was the former scheme, which did not provide access to the range of systems such as GPS, now offered under Personal AlertSA. The former scheme offered only one style of personal alert device from a number of personal providers. Personal AlertSA now offers a wider range of State Government funded device styles from two providers. This South Australian Government rebate supports seniors to feel safer in their own home by having a quick and easy way to signal for help.
What is the MePACS 24/7 emergency response service?
MePACS personal alarms are for seniors who want a quick and easy way to signal for help if they should fall or feel unwell to help them remain independent in their own home.
Once the MePACS personal alarm is pressed, the signal connects with our 24/7 emergency response centre of trained professionals, who then contact the client via the alarm unit to triage the situation and call the appropriate help i.e. Triple 0 or family member. This fast response and action by trained professionals can make all the difference in an emergency situation.
As a monitored personal alarm provider for over 30 years, MePACS continues to provide our clients with the ultimate peace of mind and the confidence to be independent, with the knowledge our 24/7 emergency response team will quickly respond to a signal for help.
Our personal alarms allow seniors to live the lifestyle they want with little worry – from personal alarm pendants to touch screen watches with GPS technology, automatic falls detection and a lightweight but durable design, these devices are the ideal safety companion for those who want extra security yet still enjoy personal freedom in their leisure years.
Find out more about our personal alarms
Am I eligible for Personal AlertSA?
To be eligible, you must live permanently in South Australia and have assessment for home care by My Aged Care before applying for Personal AlertSA.
You must also be over 75 years of age (65 if you are Aboriginal) and hold a Centrelink Pensioner Concession Card or a Department of Veterans’ Affairs Pensioner Concession Card.
A registered health professional must certify that you meet all the clinical and functional criteria, which includes having a high fall risk and an ongoing major medical condition that requires an emergency response.
For social criteria, at least one of the following must apply:
- you live alone
- you are alone for a minimum of five consecutive hours, four times a week
- you live exclusively with someone who is unable to communicate using a phone in an emergency.
Find out more about eligibility for PASA
How to apply for Personal Alert SA
Download the Application for Approval or call Personal AlertSA on 1300 700 169 and ask for a form to be sent to you. Complete and sign this application form with a registered healthcare professional and submit to pasa@sa.gov.au.
How can I find out more about Personal Alert SA?
For more information, visit www.mepacs.com.au/pasa/, the official Personal AlertSA webpage or call 1300 700 169.