📋 Tender Overview
Older South Australians at risk of falls will soon be able to choose from a range of upgraded subsidised personal alert devices offering new and better features and flexibility thanks to a revamp of a legacy State Government scheme.Following customer and expert feedback the new Personal AlertSA scheme will offer customers the next generation of personal alert system technology including 4G GPS monitoring and wearable options including pendant models and smart watches.From 1 February 2021 eligible new South Australians will be able to choose from five new subsidised personal alert devices with a wider range of functions based on a customers needs and choice. Customers who wish to keep their existing devices are able to do so and they will still be monitored.The schemes overhaul was prompted by feedback from customers and their families and advocacy from peak bodies including COTA SA. Throughout this process customers have been at the centre of all decision-making to ensure their feedback is addressed and needs are met.Personal alert device technology has advanced rapidly in recent years and the State Government committed to reviewing the scheme in order to provide older South Australians access to a greater choice of personal alert devices to suit their needs. Many older people remain active in the community and we want to encourage and increase their independence with the help of these devices.New and improvedUnder the new and improved Personal AlertSA scheme we have been able to broaden our offering to ensure we have a range of modern devices that are reliable and easy to use.New features includedevices with falls detection4G GPS systems which may be monitored by friends and family or a monitoring centrebase unit and pendant modelsmart technology such as 4G smart watches.Devices will be provided fully assembled and programmed by the supplier dispatched within 24 hours of order and tested in conjunction with the customer to ensure good working order.COTA SA CEO Jane Mussared said the updated scheme reflected feedback provided by her organisation and its stakeholders which called for the next generation of personal alert system technology to be offered.People want technology that enables them to move about their community with confidence that is simple to use and is up-to-date said Ms Mussared.We also wanted to see consideration of wearability and style so its pleasing to see there are options such as the pendant around the neck through to a smart watch around the wrist.SuppliersUnder the revamped scheme the Department of Human Services has appointed Tunstall Healthcare and MePACS to supply devices from 1 February 2021 following a competitive tender process.
