What is Personal Alert SA (PASA)?
Personal Alert SA is a personal emergency response service specifically for older people who live at home. The service is funded by the South Australian Government and helps to ensure the safety and independence of seniors, so they can continue to live longer in their own home.
Personal Alert SA provides you with a personal alarm device that you can wear comfortably at all times. This small device can be used to call for help with just a press of a button. It may also be activated automatically after a fall.
MePACS is an approved supplier to Personal Alert SA. Our highly trained and caring team is available 24/7 to respond swiftly to any call for assistance. They will assess your situation, notify your nominated contacts and, if necessary, dispatch emergency services to your location. You can feel confident knowing that help is on the way and your safety is our top priority.
Getting help after a fall
At age 79, our client Margaret from regional South Australia was approved for a MePACS Personal alarm through Personal AlertSA scheme,
“I recommend getting a MePACS alarm to seniors like myself. Late last year, before I had my MePACS alarm, I had a fall in the garden where I tripped over a hose and I just couldn’t get up,” said Margaret.
“My husband didn’t know I was out there and I would say I was lying on the ground for what felt like an hour or two because no one could hear me calling for help. Eventually we had to get the neighbours to come assist and lift me up.”
Margaret’s husband Tom recalls that was the moment they knew they had to prioritise their safety even more. “After Margaret’s fall, we contacted our local senior group who recommended the Personal Alert SA scheme for a funded, fully-monitored personal alarm.”
Once approved, Margaret felt that MePACS was the right personal alarm provider for her lifestyle and wellbeing.
“I chose MePACS because the service feels very personal and friendly. It’s great that the pendant has automatic falls detection, because I know if I have another fall in the backyard, it will send a signal for help to the MePACS response team by itself, or I can press the pendant if I am able to.”
Margaret says that since she’s been wearing her alarm, she feels safer at home, knowing that she can rely on MePACS if she has another fall or medical emergency.
“It’s perfect for me to wear against my skin, so it’s not in the way at all. It makes me feel more secure around the home and backyard. I can go out and feed the chooks without having to worry about what might happen if I have a fall or start to feel unwell.”
Easy to install
Although Tom is not a tech expert, he was able to install the alarm by himself and says it was an easy process. All he had to do was follow the directions of the MePACS technician who talked him through it step by step over the phone. The installation only took about 20 minutes.
“We tested the range of the pendant around the house and the backyard. It didn’t take long at all and now we can hear the speaker from any room in the house, so it’s very effective.”
“We’ve talked to many departments, from the sales team to helpdesk, and everyone has been very prompt and efficient with making sure we have a great customer experience. The service is very user friendly, so they all deserve a pat on the back.”
Peace of mind for everyone
Not only do Margaret and Tom have the peace of mind they deserve, but their family and friends also feel reassured that Margaret is in safe hands and has quick and easy access to 24/7 emergency care.
“Our son lives quite a fair distance away, but he is relieved that we’ve done something to look after my health. Our neighbours are on our contact list for MePACS too, so they can be notified if I need their help,” said Margaret.
Margaret and Tom like staying busy and are active in their local community. Margaret volunteers at the op shop and Tom helps with sermons and repairs at the church, as well as filling in for the organist. They love spending time together but also enjoy their own individual hobbies.
With MePACS, they feel more confident doing the things they love and embrace the safety and freedom that a personal alarm offers.