People can use a personal alert device to call for help if they are unable to use the phone in an emergency. Some newer devices can detect falls, keep working when you leave the house, and find your location in an emergency.
You can apply for help to pay for an approved device and for monitoring services.
On this page
How to apply
1. Eligibility
Check if you're eligible to apply.
2. Application form
Download the Application for approval (360.3 KB PDF) or phone 1300 700 169 and ask for a form to be sent to you.
You'll need your:
- Centrelink Customer Reference Number (CRN) or Department of Veteran's Affairs (DVA) file number
- My Aged Care (AC) ID.
3. Complete with registered health professional
Complete and sign the application form with a registered health professional.
4. Submit the application
Email: pasa@sa.gov.au
Who can apply
You must:
- be aged 75 years or older (65 years or older if you are Aboriginal)
- have a Centrelink or DVA Pensioner Concession Card
- be a permanent resident of South Australia
- meet the additional clinical, functional and social criteria requirements
- have sought an assessment from My Aged Care for aged care services and been assessed as one of the following:
- approved for a Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP)
- approved for a level 1 Home Care Package (HCP)
- not eligible for an HCP or CHSP.
Visit My Aged Care or call 1800 200 422 to seek an assessment for aged care services.
Additional criteria
A registered health professional must certify that you meet all the clinical and functional criteria.
Clinical criteria
You must:
- be a high fall risk
- suffer from an ongoing major medical condition that requires an emergency response.
Functional criteria
You must:
- have sufficient physical and cognitive function to wear and operate the personal alert system
- be willing to wear the alert system and activate it if necessary.
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.
People not eligible
- people who have not sought an assessment for aged care services from My Aged Care
- people approved for a level 2-4 HCP
- people who have rejected an HCP or CHSP
- people currently participating in the Transitional Care Programme (TCP)
- veterans or veterans' widows or widowers who are eligible under the DVA Rehabilitation Appliances Program
- DVA Gold Card holders
- people who live independently in a retirement village where a personal alert system or similar service is included in the residence contract
- people who live in supported accommodation, eg a supported residential facility or residential aged care facility.
Approved alert systems and suppliers
Alert systems
All systems:
- are 4G compatible
- have falls detection
- are monitored (non-monitored options available)
- have SIM cards - additional SIM card costs apply if monitoring is provided by friends and family and not the supplier.
| System | What you'll pay | Installation | Supplier |
|---|---|---|---|
MePACS Home 4G base unit and pendant | $0 | Self-install with free telephone support OR $140 for installation by a technician | MePACS |
MePACS Solo 4G GPS smartwatch with heart rate and steps counter | $379.50 - 46mm watch $339.90 - 42mm watch AND $28 annual monitoring | Self-install with free telephone support OR $140 for installation by a technician | MePACS |
Tunstall Gem4* 4G GPS pendant | $0 | Self-install with free telephone support OR Free installation in metro areas | Tunstall Healthcare |
Tunstall Smartlink Medi Guardian MKII 4G base unit and pendant | $0 | Self-install with free telephone support OR Free installation in metro areas | Tunstall Healthcare |
* Monitoring provided by Tunstall Australasia, or friends and family. A post-paid voice and data SIM card must be purchased separately for systems monitored by friends and family.
Suppliers
Contact your chosen supplier once your application has been approved.
| Supplier | Contact |
|---|---|
| MePACS | Email: PASA@mepacs.com.au Phone: 1800 807 718 |
| Tunstall Healthcare | Email: AU.CustomerService@tunstall.com Phone: 1800 603 377 |
Download the list of approved alert systems and suppliers (162.7 KB PDF)
Help choosing a system
The Independent Living Centre (ILCSA), managed by Catalyst Foundation, can help you select the right personal alert system for you
ILCSA provides information and advice on Assistive Technology and equipment, including personal alerts, to help individuals maintain their independence and improve their quality of life. This service is free of charge and available for all members of the public.
Visit the personal alarms page on the ILCSA website or their city office at:
47 Tynte StreetNorth Adelaide
Email: information@ilcsa.com.au
Phone: 1800 445 272 (freecall)
National Broadband Network
The National Broadband Network (NBN) could affect people who use personal alert systems.
Personal alert systems can work under the NBN but make sure your telephone provider (new or existing) is aware you have an alert system before you move to NBN and that they can support its continued operation.
Register your personal alert system using the NBN Co Medical Alarm Register or by calling 1800 227 300.
Interpreting and translating
To arrange an on-site or telephone interpreter, or to have a document translated, phone the Interpreting and Translating Centre (ITC) on 1800 280 203.
Related information
Other websites
My Aged Care - Australian government
Documents
Approved suppliers and alert systems (162.7 KB PDF)
Many documents are provided as PDF files. If you have problems accessing or reading these documents you can ask for a copy to be made available in another format.
