This October, the MePACS Monitored Personal Alarm Service celebrates 35 years of helping people to feel safe and maintain their independence.
MePACS, originally called the Mt Eliza Personal Alarm Care Service, provides a monitored personal alarm service to Australians – including seniors, people living with disability or chronic conditions and lone workers.
MePACS offers immediate help at the press of a button by connecting clients to a dedicated Emergency Response Team.
When an alarm is activated, a trained MePACS operator will answer the call and assess the situation. They take appropriate action to assist the client, which may include calling the client's contacts or emergency services. This ensures that clients receive prompt and effective support when they need it most.
Founded in 1989 and expanding nationally in 2016, MePACS has grown significantly over the years, now serving more than 47,000 clients across Australia. On any given day, MePACS emergency response operators will respond to close to 2000 emergency alarm events, with more than 60 calls requiring escalation to emergency services.
"This anniversary is a significant milestone for MePACS," said Michelle McDade, MePACS General Manager. "Our service has improved the lives of thousands of Australians, providing them with peace of mind and the confidence to live independently. Our monitored personal alarm service gives family and friends reassurance about their loved ones' safety."
Ms McDade added that independent research has demonstrated the critical role MePACS plays in responding to community needs.
"Studies have shown that our service empowers clients to live independently for longer, reduces unnecessary ambulance attendance and hospital admissions and alleviates the burden on healthcare services," she said.
Personal alarms have also been shown to be an effective strategy, when used appropriately, to prevent a 'long lie' after a fall. A "long lie" occurs when a person has fallen and spends an extended period on the floor, waiting for assistance.
Falls are a leading cause of injury, hospitalisation and death in Australia. About 1 in 3 people over the age of 65 experience a fall each year. Rapid emergency response following a fall has been shown to help prevent further injury and improve physical and mental outcomes.
MePACS is a division of Peninsula Health – a public health service based on the Victorian Mornington Peninsula. As a part of the public health network, MePACS is committed to our person-centred approach to delivering the highest duty of care to clients.
