Living independently is a key achievement for many Australians living with a disability, and with it comes the freedom and confidence to make major decisions about their safety at home – including finding the right personal alarm for their chosen lifestyle.
Our client Mark joined MePACS almost 20 years ago, after his sister and local health service recommended a personal alarm as a protective measure when living alone with cerebral palsy.
Cerebral palsy is a physical disability that affects movement and posture. There are approximately 40,000 people living in Australia with cerebral palsy, and 17 million worldwide.
“I took up the MePACS service as a matter of security,” said Mark.
“It’s reassuring to know that if I have a medical emergency, or difficulties with my physical disability at any time of the day or night, that I can just press the pendant and know MePACS will be guaranteed to respond.”
“The first time I needed to press my MePACS alarm for help was some 5 years ago, when I was using crutches and fell at home, fracturing my hip,” said Mark.
“Within 30 seconds of pressing my personal alarm, I spoke to a friendly operator in the MePACS emergency response service and she reassured me that an ambulance was on their way.”
Mark persists with his mobility issues caused by cerebral palsy and continues to live a happy, safe and comfortable lifestyle thanks to MePACS.
For more information on MePACS Personal Alarms, call 1800 685 329 or Join Now
MePACS has a range of personal alarms available, including home, mobile and the MePACS Solo watch. We are also an approved NDIS provider and have helped many people living with disabilities to enjoy their independence without having to worry about what would happen in a medical emergency.
But having cerebral palsy doesn’t stop Mark from enjoying his independent lifestyle – he uses a wheelchair, walker and motorised scooter to aid his disability and go out in the local community with confidence.
Unfortunately, Mark also had a recent medical emergency where he needed urgent assistance from MePACS.
“I was on my motorised scooter and going down a ramp. I took it a bit too close to the edge and tipped over, and my scooter fell onto my foot. There were a few people around to help me but I was in quite a lot of pain – something just didn’t feel right at all.”
“So, I pressed my MePACS pendant and told them that I was hurt and really needed an ambulance. They stayed on the line with me to ensure I had vital support until the paramedics arrived.”
“It turns out, I had three fractures in my foot and spent a week in hospital before two months of rehabilitation to walk again. It was hard with my cerebral palsy as well, but I persevered and now I’m safely back home with my MePACS alarm around my neck again.”
Find out more about our services for people living with disabilities
Maintaining your independence while living with cerebral palsy can be challenging without the right mobility aids and safety devices to assist you, but the health and well-being of our clients is a top priority.
For more information on MePACS Personal Alarms, call 1800 685 329 or Join Now
“I am so thankful that I have the MePACS alarm on me as I wouldn’t have been able to reach for my phone to call for help.”
“My family also have great peace of mind knowing that I am safe at home and feel confident to live independently. I always wear the MePACS alarm around my neck and I never take it off.”
Mark enjoys watching his personal film collection and having a day out at the cinemas – he has the freedom to do what he loves with the security of MePACS at his side 24/7.
“The MePACS 24/7 emergency response service is excellent and the staff are friendly and reassuring. I definitely feel safer with MePACS.”