It’s the time of year for joy and celebration, with the end-of-year festivities fast approaching. But it’s also a time to focus on the safety of seniors and those at risk of medical emergencies. In all the chaos that the holiday season brings, monitored personal alarms bring peace of mind to families, knowing that help is always a button-press away.

Why a Monitored Personal Alarm Is Essential for the Holidays

The holiday season is a busy time for everyone, filled with travelling, attending crowded events, last-minute shopping, and entertaining guests. For those at risk of serious injury from falls or accidents, these activities can add extra stress. Having a medical alert device monitored 24/7 provides comfort and a sense of security knowing emergency responders are ready and waiting to act when necessary. 

Whether you’re at home or out and about, having a reliable medical alert device can make all the difference in times of emergency. 

5 Considerations When Choosing a Monitored Personal Alarm

Monitoring Service Reliability

It’s important to choose a monitored personal alarm provider that operates 24/7 and is based in Australia. These organisations have trained professionals who quickly respond to emergencies at all times, keeping you safe day and night. 

Ease of Use

These devices, whether in the form of a medical alert pendant or a watch, should be easy to operate. Features include intuitive buttons, clear audio, and simple activation to alert emergency services. 

Automatic Fall Detection

Many monitored personal alarms include automatic fall detection sensors which can trigger an alert to emergency responders even if the wearer is unable to press the button on their pendant or watch. 

Comfort and Design

Monitored alarms don’t need to be bulky and uncomfortable. Many are lightweight and sleek in design, promoting comfort and discretion to the wearer. Whether a pendant around the neck or a wristband is a more ideal form, there are many providers that offer devices to suit personal tastes and preferences. 

Coverage and Connectivity

Ensure the alarm chosen can operate around your location and areas you may visit. Many monitored alarm providers have options for those in rural areas with limited connectivity, providing freedom and independent living for people all across Australia. 

Conclusion

The holidays are great for having fun and enjoying time with family and loved ones. Having a monitored personal alarm allows wearers to do exactly that, all the while knowing they are protected in case of an emergency.

All PERSL members offer high-quality devices that focus on safety, comfort, and reliability. No matter where you’re travelling to or how you choose to spend the festive season, our members ensure you do so safely. 

Maintaining your independence and living in your own home becomes a greater priority in life as you age. It’s understandable to want to continue doing the things you love, however, concerns about health and safety emergencies can make it difficult to do so. 

But that’s where personal alarms come in. Our members’ 24/7 monitored personal alarms offer a balance between independence and security, providing confidence for users, families, and friends. With a personal medical alarm, users can enjoy independent living, knowing that help is only one press of a button away at all times. 

Immediate Access to Emergency Services

A monitored personal alarm watch or pendant provides direct, immediate access to trained emergency responders. Whether the user suffers a fall, becomes suddenly unwell, or experiences another type of emergency, with just one press of a button, help can be contacted quickly and all required information is relayed directly to the responders. This means emergency responders can get the right help, and seniors can carry out their daily routines without the fear of being without aid when they need it. 

Live Alone Confidently

Seniors can often stay in their homes longer with personal alarms. With reliable emergency services available at the press of a button, common safety concerns surrounding seniors living alone are alleviated.

Mobility and Activity Support

Staying active as you age is crucial in maintaining your health and well-being. However, this can be daunting or difficult for many seniors. Monitored medical alarms allow seniors to continue to engage in activities such as gardening, long walks, or visiting friends and family with the security of knowing they remain supported in case of emergency.

Reassurance for Family Members

Having a personal alarm provides peace of mind for family members who want you to enjoy your independence but still harbour safety concerns. Knowing you’re connected 24/7 to emergency responders makes it easier for them to support your autonomy and worry less.

Customisable Features for Greater Support

Personal alarms can include a range of features to enhance your protection, such as GPS location tracking, automatic fall detection, and direct, hands-free communication with professional emergency responders. 

Conclusion

Take back your independence and give yourself and your family peace of mind with a monitored personal alarm. 

At PERSL, we prioritise your safety. As pioneers in industry safety standards, you can rest assured that all of our members meet and align with the highest standards of reliability, performance and duty of care. Whether you’re at home, in a rural or isolated area, or on the go, our members ensure you are supported and protected, no matter where you are or what you’re doing. 

For many Australians, a fall is a major concern when it comes to maintaining good health, especially for those with chronic health conditions.  Not only can those at risk suffer serious injury, but a fall can impact an individual’s confidence in their mobility and independence. That’s why it’s important to have fall prevention strategies in place to minimise the risk of injury and enhance daily safety.

We’ve listed our top tips to implement a fall prevention strategy that keeps you safe.

Prepare Your Home

Your home environment plays an important role in your safety. By making just a few home modifications, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling in your home.

• Remove fall hazards: Loose rugs, clutter and uneven flooring contribute to most falls in the home. By ensuring your home is free of these hazards, you will be able to move around more safely.
• Ensure the home is well-lit: Better lighting will allow you to navigate your home better, especially hallways and stairways. Being able to clearly see where you’re stepping will help minimise your fall risk.
• Install handrails and grab bars: An extra support for yourself in bathrooms and staircases by installing these modifications in your home.

Stay Physically Active

Maintaining your strength and balance to the best of your ability will help you reduce your risk of falling. Focus on performing exercises that build core and leg strength, if possible, as well as those that enhance balance. If you are unable to perform these exercises, just getting about and moving daily will still make a huge difference in maintaining your mobility.

Wear Supportive Footwear

While it might seem obvious, often footwear is overlooked when it comes to fall prevention. It’s important to wear shoes that are supportive and correctly fitted to minimise your risk of falling.

Investing in custom foot supports will also help improve balance and maintain mobility.

Monitor Health Conditions

Chronic health conditions can also become a factor in your risk of falling, so it’s important to schedule regular check-ups. Ensure you receive regular eye and hearing tests, as poor vision or hearing loss can affect your mobility and balance. Properly managing your health and staying aware of your condition’s current state will allow you to take any necessary precautions.

Use Assistive Devices

When necessary, don’t be shy to use devices such as canes or walkers for safety. These devices are designed to keep you safe and on your feet. They can also greatly enhance your mobility and balance.

Wearing a monitored personal alarm is also a great way to maintain your independence, as these devices offer peace of mind to the user, and their family or carer. Monitored alarms are connected to emergency responders 24/7, meaning help is just a button press away at all times.

Conclusion

Most falls are preventable, and by implementing the above tips into your lifestyle, you will be able to improve your independence and minimise the risk of falling. Although we must note that following these tips won’t eliminate the risk entirely, you will be able to enjoy a greater sense of safety and confidence knowing you have taken safe precautions and strategies to protect yourself in your day-to-day activities.

For additional peace of mind, we recommend using a monitored health alarm, so that you can be protected anytime, anywhere. PERSL members offer a range of monitored personal alarms to suit your lifestyle and budget, all of which meet the highest standards in safety and the industry.

Providing the best possible care to at-risk Australians

There is an emerging trend for care agencies to supply non-monitored personal alarms to their clients as opposed to monitored health alarms. Generally, this can be put down to the cost of monitored health alarms in comparison to non-monitored alarms, however, this decision raises several concerns regarding the safety of at-risk Australians and the effectiveness of emergency responses.

What is the difference between monitored and non-monitored health alarms?

Where a monitored health alarm sends medical alerts directly to a professionally trained emergency operator in an emergency, non-monitored alarms call or text pre-programmed contacts and display the user’s location on a Google map on their smartphone.

The key difference between these two medical alarm types lies in the level of response and immediacy. With a monitored alarm, users are connected 24/7 to emergency services, allowing immediate emergency response. Non-monitored medical alarms primarily depend on the availability of an emergency contact, as well as the extent of their knowledge regarding the correct actions to take. While non-monitored alarms perform calls and texts to family members, friends and caregivers, there is no guarantee that these notifications will be seen or answered immediately. This can cause a delay in receiving help and emergency assistance, potentially leading to further complications.

Limitations of Non-Monitored Medical Alarms

Non-monitored medical alarms do not offer the same level of assurance or quality of emergency response compared to professionally monitored alarms. Rather, the emergency response is dependent on the availability of the pre-programmed emergency contact to take any emergency calls or texts, and their ability to respond. In many cases they may be busy at work, taking other calls, unable to respond due to distance, or their mobile phone may be switched off or not in a mobile service area.

Also, modern telecommunications networks do not guarantee the delivery of text messages, and text messages may suffer very long delays during periods of network congestion.

Can non-monitored alarms contact emergency services directly?

It is PERSLs understanding that if the 000 emergency service is listed as a pre-programmed responder for a non-monitored medical alert device, and there is no voice contact with the user, there is no way to determine if the call is a genuine emergency. This means the alarm activation will not be given a high priority by ambulance services, or may not be otherwise acted upon. It is also PERSLs understanding that ambulance services may not be able to retrieve the GPS location from the text messages.

With a 24/7 monitored service, every emergency call is answered by a professionally trained operator, they will have access to the user’s information, medical history, and location. The operator will attempt to speak to the person needing assistance to determine the nature of the emergency and will give reassurance that help is at hand. A significant number of alarm calls are non-emergency calls or false alarms, and the ability of the operator to determine the nature of the emergency very often avoids an unnecessary ambulance call-out.

If an ambulance is required, the operator will pass the client’s details, including any relevant medical information, to the Emergency Services Operator and ensure the appropriate priority. If voice contact with the client is not possible the operator will follow a procedure previously agreed with the client or the client’s representative.

Australian Standard AS4607

AS4607:1999 is the Australian Standard for the provision of Centrally Monitored Medical Alarms. It specifies the minimum Standards for alarm equipment, alarm installation, and alarm monitoring services. As largely an outcomes-driven standard it is relevant to all new-generation medical alarms operating over the mobile phone service that call into a Central Monitoring Service.

Alarm centres complying with AS4607 record detailed information on all alarm events, and can make this information available within the terms of their privacy policy. Conversely, there is no Australian Standard for the provision of non-professionally monitored medical alarms. (Generic EMC, Safety, telecommunications and radiocommunications Standards only relate to the electrical safety and the technical characteristics of the equipment).

There is also little ability to measure the outcomes or cost-effectiveness of providing non-monitored medical alarms.

Organisations that arrange or fund these systems on behalf of their clients should be wary of using any systems that do not comply with recognised Australian Standards. Funding, recommending, or arranging non-standards-compliant systems may legally expose the organisation when hardware or systems fail.

Benefits of a Monitored Medical Alarm

There are a number of benefits associated with personal alarms, one of the greatest being the peace of mind they offer to users and their friends, families, and carers. Personal safety for those who are at risk is crucial, and a monitored alarm system provides an extra layer of security and safety.

There are a range of flexible options available, including wrist or neck-worn pendants, some with fall detection, as well as mobile and watch personal alarms, all are able to quickly connect the user to a 24/7 monitoring centre. This allows for faster responses to emergency situations, tailored to the needs of the individual.

Monitoring services have extensive redundancy in both equipment and telecommunications paths, thus avoiding single-point failure and ensuring backup communications mechanisms are available in almost every situation.

Additionally, monitoring companies automatically test each medical alarm on a very regular basis to ensure the equipment is operating correctly. Clients are also encouraged to make manual test calls, and the monitoring service will follow up with the client if a manual test call has not been received as expected. This ensures the client knows how to use the alarm system in an emergency, and gives greater reassurance that help is close by should they need it.

These capabilities go well beyond simple monitoring and alerting and set the monitored medical alarm industry participants well apart from non-monitored alarm alternatives, resulting in significantly better care for their clients.

Many of PERSL’s member monitoring services add further services such as the ability to share critical information with emergency services including health and home access details and also provide valuable feedback to family and care providers to ensure continuity of care. This information can be critical to prompt and better health outcomes.

Summary

The reliability and quality of medical alarm provision can only be assured if all medical alarms use a 24/7 professional medical alarm monitoring centre.

Providing professionally monitored medical alarms assures that all clients receive the same quality of equipment and services and that all emergency events will be handled with the same high degree of professionalism and effectiveness. A monitored personal medical alarm also promotes independent living and peace of mind for users and those around them.

Conversely, the provision of non-monitored medical alarms will result in disparate outcomes through contacting only emergency contacts, who may not be available or know what to do, and could also result in a higher number of unnecessary ambulance call-outs. 

As the peer industry association in this field, PERSL recommends the use of systems that adhere to AS4607. PERSL members also adhere to high standards for quality services and ethical conduct.

The Personal Emergency Response Services Limited (PERSL) is the Australian peak body representing manufacturers, suppliers, monitoring services and consumers of 24/7 monitored Medical Alarms and Personal Response Services (PRS). We estimate there are circa. 300,000 aged and at-risk Australians using professionally monitored medical alarms, both in their own homes and in residential aged-care facilities.

In making this submission the medical alarm industry seeks to ensure the highest possible level of service, standards, access, and equity in the delivery of Personal Response Services in Australia.

As of 28 October 2024, Telstra’s 3G mobile network will officially be shut down in order to allocate more resources to its 4G and 5G networks. But, what does this mean for monitored medical alarms operating on the 3G network? If your alarm does use the 3G Telstra mobile network, your device will no longer work and you will not be able to raise alerts or contact your emergency response service from 28 October 2024.

What should I do if my alarm uses 3G?

If your alarm operates on the 3G network, then it’s important that you upgrade to a 4G-compatible device before 28 October 2024. Your device manufacturer will already be aware of the network shutdown, with some providers offering upgrade programs to make the transition easier.

By upgrading to a 4G monitored personal alarm, you’re ensuring that an emergency response team remains just the press of a button away at all times.

How can I check if my alarm operates on the 3G network?

Many alarm providers have been reaching out to clients with 3G alarms to inform them about the upcoming shutdown and to assist with upgrading to 4G alarms. If you are unsure about what network your alarm model uses, you can contact your alarm provider directly to confirm.

Is there a cost to upgrade my 3G alarm?

If you have a government-funded device through myAgedCare or the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), they may cover the cost of upgrading to a new 4G device. Ask your support person or plan manager to get in contact with your medical alarm provider to discuss your next steps. If your alarm is self-funded, upgrading from a 3G to a 4G alarm may incur a cost which will vary depending on your device type and alarm provider. For specific details, your alarm provider will be able to assist you.

Are there any benefits to the network upgrade?

Like all technological advances, there are benefits to change – but it’s important to remember that this change doesn’t need to be disruptive. By operating on a stronger network than 3G, medical alarms can stay connected more easily, have improved signal strength, offer advanced monitoring capabilities, and can even integrate with other compatible devices.

Conclusion

By contacting your monitored alarm provider now, you can begin a smooth transition to a new device model on Telstra’s 4G network. Monitored personal alarms provide reassurance and safety to both wearers and their families, and it’s important to be able to rely on them during times of need. Upgrading your medical alarm to a newer Telstra network is not so much about staying up-to-date with the latest technology, it’s about staying connected and ensuring safety and peace of mind in case an emergency happens in the future.

Update your device now and avoid losing your emergency response service.

VIEW OUR MONITORED HEALTH ALARM PROVIDERS

PERSL and Telstra have come together to highlight the importance of the pending 3G network closure by highlighting the urgent need of correct and preventative preparation and its effects relating to existing Healthcare and Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS) still out in the field.

Choice magazine has recently pointed out the pitfalls of various “non–monitored” personal alarm systems in general by spotlighting these unmonitored personal alarms in their Shonkys awards list: https://www.choice.com.au/shonky-awards/hall-of-shame/shonkys-2023/personal-alarms. This effectively highlights the importance of selecting a correctly monitored and compliant personal emergency response system that contacts a dedicated call centre for consumers to be able to choose the correct system that takes care of their needs. As the recognized industry body representing these systems (PERSL) we highly recommend that buyers beware before purchasing a personal alarm system that they think will cover their needs. As such we again gazette our initial bulletin on this associated with non-monitored and or non-compliant personal emergency alarm systems in general. For more information – https://persl.com.au/buyer-beware-non-as4607-compliant-medical-alarms/

PERSL has developed a new and revised code of practice booklet dated 14th March 2023 to better reflect today’s ever-changing values and guidelines of excellence and consumer expectations.