Personal Alert Systems
see also:
This article is my summary of personal medical alert systems available in Australia for the elderly or those with disabilities who may need to contact their carers in the event of a fall or other incident. I created this page as a result of my researching for a device for my mother to use.
the portable devices usually run on lithium batteries and are often required to be returned to dealer for replacement when running low (usually at 1-6 yrs depending on model).
users should consider how the portable device can be worn and whether they can reach it when they fall from shower or bath and cannot get off the floor. Often a wrist device is better as they can be worn easier when sleeping while many would prefer not to sleep with a pendant style device.
Devices that can be used away from home:
General information:
these devices have the advantages of:
working even when the user goes for a walk, shopping or driving a car
allowing carers to locate the user using GPS information
be also used as a limited mobile phone (usually only a few speed dial buttons but callers can call it)
does not require monthly call centre charges but may have small charges for each use of location functionality
these devices have the disadvantages of:
requiring a mobile phone SIM card (eg. a prepaid card) and thus mobile phone charges
being dependent on access to a mobile phone network AND being visible to GPS satellites (although if satellites not detectable such as within buildings, it will usually send the last location)
regular polling of GPS likely to mean battery will run out and need re-charging frequently.
cannot detect if home power fails
3 pre-programmed speed dial phone number buttons user can call as for usual mobile phone calls
device costs about $A440
packages for location information charges at a reasonable price
optional car charger
not sure how big the device is
can locate user via either:
SMS text alert (costs 2 credits)
email alert (free charge)
mobile phone Java map location
web-based Google map location via www.phantomeye.com
fleet tracking options available
Devices that only work within wireless range from home device (usually about 50m):
General information:
these devices generally use a central station which is connected to your phone line and a AC power point.
the central station responds to a button pressed on the portable device which is either worn by the person or placed in strategic locations in cases of falls.
the central station then calls the designated "carers" either via a call center (these usually charge an ongoing monthly fee) or via SMS messages by the station dialling a central service which generates the SMS messages at no charge to the user other than the usual local phone call charge (there is usually no ongoing monthly charges for this type of service).
additional alerts that some systems offer:
central station can be configured to send out a message to the portable device worn by the user at regular times and if the user fails to press the "i am OK" button within a designated time frame (usually about 45secs), an alert is sent.
central station sends an alert if power to the house fails
central station sends an alert if portable device goes out of range for a designated period of time
as these devices use the home phone line, they need to have contingencies to deal with situations when the home phones are in use or are left off the hook.
Systems not needing a call centre:
sends alerts to centralised server which then sends SMS messages to carers at cost of local call.
larger user devices which may be a problem but they have an extra "OK" button so the central station can send message to user and user must press OK button within 45secs otherwise an alert is generated.
no ongoing call centre costs
can nominate up to 8 carers to send SMS messages (local phone call charge for each carer SMS alert)
can only deal with off-hook phone if that phone is the one connected to the central station, thus can be a problem if other phones in the house are left off the hook.
out of range alerts
can use up to 7 PAL user devices which can be worn on users
plus can use up to 7 waterproof PAD devices which can be placed strategically around the house
alert if power fails
can be easily taken on holidays
Systems using a call centre:
Personal Alerts Victoria (PAV):
Victorian Govt subsidised alert system for those that meet the criteria (usually not for couples) but there is a waiting list.
currently use the providers Safety Link (see below) and Mt Eliza Personal Assistance Call Service (MEPACS)
Ness Medi-Alarm system costs approx. $A159-220 device and installation plus about $A1 per day for monitoring
optional mode 3 phone line connection to deal with home phone off hook situations
optional inactivity monitor that can send alert if device not moving for a designated interval
can use up to 8 small pendant or wrist waterproof devices (supplied with 1)
can be programmed to remind user to take medications at designated times
this system type is probably the most useful for most elderly people given the small devices are more likely to be worn.
Ballarat-based provider initiated by the Ballarat Health Services
may be subsidised via PAV (see above)
charges are similar to Priority Call (approx. $A220 installation plus $A88 for mode 3 then $A30/month)