Falls and ageing: What every older Australian should have in their home
Staying independent matters
Most older Australians want to remain in their own homes for as long as possible — but falls or medical emergencies can pose a significant threat for safe ageing. So what should every older Australian have in their home? A Personal Alarm that you can rely on in an emergency .
The Reality: Falls are the leading cause of injury for older Australians
The data is clear:
- 1 in 4 Australians aged 65+ has at least one fall every year. [Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission]
- Falls are the leading cause of injury‑related hospital admissions and deaths in older adults. [Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission]
- In 2023–24, there were 248,211 fall‑related hospitalisations nationwide — 43% of all injury hospitalisations. [Australian Institute of Health and Welfare]
- Falls cost the Australian health system over $5 billion in a single year. [Australian Institute of Health and Welfare]
These aren’t just numbers. They represent real people whose lives change in seconds — often inside their own homes and without anyone nearby to help.
Why you should get a monitored personal alarm
A monitored personal alarm isn’t a gadget. It’s a safety device that connects you to experienced emergency responders who are ready to help 24/7.
1. Fast help when it matters most
After a fall or medical episode, getting help quickly can make a real difference. The longer you’re on the floor, the higher your risk of dehydration, hypothermia, pressure injuries, hospitalisation and other complications. And if your mobile happens to be out of reach — which is common during a fall — calling for help can be difficult.
A monitored personal alarm is designed to reduce that risk. It means:
- With one press of a button, you can reach someone who can organise help.
- You’re not relying on someone noticing something is wrong hours later.
- Trained responders can guide the situation and contact the right support.
- Your medical details are kept on file so help can be arranged even if you’re unable to speak.
Some alarms also include automatic fall detection, which can trigger an alert even if you’re unconscious or unable to press the button.
2. Independence without isolation
Older Australians want autonomy, not constant oversight. A monitored personal alarm doesn’t track your every move — it simply means trained responders are available around the clock if you ever need them. It’s a safety net that offers:
- Freedom to go about your day knowing help is always within reach.
- Confidence to keep doing the activities you enjoy.
- Peace of mind for family without constant calls or check‑ins.
It’s practical support that protects independence and dignity at the same time.
3. Designed for your safety
Unlike smartwatches or smartphones, personal alarms are built for one job: keeping you safe by getting help quickly in an emergency.
While a smartwatch is a lifestyle accessory, a personal alarm is a safety device.
What the research shows
Australian health agencies agree on one thing: falls are preventable, but risk increases with age.
- Falls cause “significant morbidity and mortality” in older adults. [Falls - Report of the Chief Health Officer Queensland]
- People aged 85+ have the highest hospitalisation and mortality rates from falls. [Falls - Report of the Chief Health Officer Queensland]
- Many falls are preventable, but multiple strategies are needed, including environmental safety and assistive technology. [Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission]
A personal alarm is one of the simplest, most effective interventions you can add to help reduce risks related to falls.
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How personal alarms support safe, independent living
1. They can help reduce consequences from falls
A fall may still happen — but the outcome can change dramatically if help arrives quickly. Research has shown that MePACS reduced ambulance callouts by 33%.
2. They support ageing in place
Most older Australians want to stay at home. Personal alarms help make that possible by reducing risks without inhibiting freedom.
3. They give families peace of mind
Loved ones don’t have to wonder, “What if something happens when no one is there?”
4. They’re accessible and can be funded
Under the Support at Home Programme, personal alarms can be funded through the Assistive Technology and Home Modifications Scheme (AT-HM Scheme).
Learn more about Support at Home funded alarms
The bottom line
A personal alarm is more than a safety device — it’s the difference between lying on the floor for hours and getting help in minutes. It’s the difference between fear and confidence. It’s the difference between losing independence and keeping it.
Falls are common. Their consequences are serious. And the solution is simple, affordable, and proven.
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