Prescribing Personal Alarms

For allied health professionals, prescribing personal alarms is more than simply selecting a device - it's about empowering clients to live safely, independently and with dignity.

A well-chosen personal alarm will give clients the security needed to build confidence, provide a sense of autonomy and improve their quality of life.

A poorly selected personal alarm can foster dependence, increase anxiety and potentially put clients at risk.

Ahead of the upcoming Occupational Therapy Australia 31st National Conference and Exhibition, we have outlined five key considerations to assist allied health professionals in their decision-making when prescribing personal alarms.

1. Lifestyle Audit: Understanding Client Needs

The first step in selecting the right personal alarm for a client is to understand what matters most to them.

Are they largely home-based and seeking increased security around the house? Do they live an active life and want increased confidence when out in the community? Are they at increased risk of falls? Do they prioritise getting help as quickly as possible?

MePACS offers a range of personal alarms to suit a variety of budgets and lifestyles.

Our mobile and home alarm bundle provides around-the-clock monitoring at home and on-the-go. The MePACS mobile alarm and Solo Connect work anywhere in Australia where there’s good 4G cellular coverage. These alarms also feature built-in falls detection.

Unlike auto-dial personal alarms, which rely on the availability of family and friends to respond, MePACS personal alarms are backed by our 24/7 Emergency Response Centre.

When activated, our monitored personal alarms send an alert to our emergency response centre, where trained professionals immediately assess the situation. This reduces the time it takes to get help, which can make all the difference in an emergency.

2. Resource Review: Identify Existing Supports

Another important consideration when prescribing personal alarms is assessing the client's existing support system.

Do they have access to an informal support network, such as friends, family members or neighbours? Do their informal supports live nearby, and would they be willing and able to assist in an emergency?

If the answer to the above is no, a monitored personal alarm service, such as MePACS, would be the best option.

MePACS offers 24/7 professional monitoring where traditional, unmonitored personal alarm options fall short. MePACS monitored personal alarms ensure that fast and effective help is available at any time of the day or night. This is especially critical for at-risk people who may lack an informal support network.

3. Personal Capabilities: Match the Alarm to Your Client’s Abilities

Choosing the right personal alarm for a client depends on their individual abilities.

Your client must be able to activate the personal alarm safely and easily. Take into consideration your client’s dexterity, if they have vision impairment, their cognitive ability, their comfort with technology and any other medical conditions that may influence their ability to use an alarm.

The MePACS home alarm and mobile alarm pendants feature a prominent help button, assisting with user-friendly activation for clients with limited dexterity or vision impairment.

MePACS also offers a range of high-quality accessories, including blow switches and Jelly Bean switches, designed to support accessibility.

4. Funding Options: Assess Government Programs and Support

Cost can be a key consideration when selecting a personal alarm and understanding what funding is available to your client is helpful when assessing an alarm’s suitability.

MePACS monitored personal alarms can be funded through several state and federal government programs, including the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP), Home Care Packages (soon to be Support at Home), the NDIS, Personal Alert Victoria (PAV) and Personal Alert Assistance SA (PAASA).

MePACS offers cost-effective solutions and special pricing for funded clients. Our dedicated team provides fast quoting to facilitate and streamline funding approvals, reducing the administrative burden on health professionals.

5. Features: Customise with Care

Lastly, but certainly not least, it’s important to consider a personal alarm’s features when selecting the best device for your client’s unique needs.

Useful features to consider may include GPS tracking, fall detection, water resistance or health and wellness apps.

MePACS monitored personal alarms offer a broad range of features to suit different client lifestyles and requirements.

Our specialists are available to provide practical and evidence-based product education and information sessions to ensure the best safety outcomes for your clients.