The Complete Guide to Referring Personal Alarms via geat2GO

Introduction

What is geat2GO?

How to Register on geat2GO

How to Place a Referral for a Personal Alarm via geat2GO

Can I Prescribe a Personal Alarm under geat2GO?

Are there Funding Limits for personal alarms under geat2GO?

Selecting the Right Personal Alarm for a Client through geat2GO

Tip for Choosing the Right Monitoring Type

Who can benefit from a personal alarm?

Delivery and Setup of Personal Alarms through geat2GO

Other Equipment Available through geat2GO

Alternatives to geat2GO

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What is geat2GO?

geat2GO enables eligible older Australians to access fully funded or subsidised Goods, Equipment, and Assistive Technology (GEAT), such as mobility aids, bathroom aids, daily living aid and personal alarms. It is an Australian Government initiative funded under the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP).

geat2GO is intended to enhance accessibility, address service gaps, reduce wait times, and offer more options for health professionals sourcing assistive devices for older Australians [2].

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How to Register on geat2GO

To begin making referrals for personal alarms and other assistive technologies, Aged care assessors and allied health professionals need to complete a straightforward registration process on the geat2GO portal.

Step 1. Register for Access to the geat2GO Service

To register, visit the official geat2GO portal and complete the registration form. By registering, you gain access to the full product range under Goods, Equipment, and Assistive Technology (GEAT) and can submit online requests for items directly on behalf of your clients.

Step 2. Verification of your registration

After registration, geat2GO will verify your professional details and activate your account. This verification ensures that only qualified healthcare professionals and aged care assessors can request equipment, maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of the service.

Step 3. Browse the geat2GO product listings

Once your registration is complete, familiarise yourself with the products on geat2GO. To access the geat2GO equipment list, click on the Products link. You can search for Umps products at any time by typing “Umps” in the keyword search tabs throughout the geat2GO platform.

How to Place a Referral for a Personal Alarm via geat2GO

Placing referrals for a personal alarm through geat2GO can be undertaken in four easy steps.

Step 1: Submit a Request on the geat2GO Portal

Begin by logging into geat2GO.org.au with the client present. Ensure you have their consent before submitting the referral. This step initiates the request process and confirms the client’s participation and understanding of the referral.

Step 2: Add the Client’s My Aged Care Referral Code

Next, refer the client through My Aged Care or add their My Aged Care referral code directly to your geat2GO request. This referral code is crucial for verifying the client’s eligibility for the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) and links the request to the appropriate funding and support channels.

Step 3: Order Processing and Care Plan Creation

Once the request is approved, geat2GO will proceed with ordering the selected equipment. The client will receive a personalised care plan that includes key details such as the delivery date, equipment usage guidelines, and a scheduled follow-up telehealth appointment with an Occupational Therapist. This ensures clients are well-informed and supported in integrating the new equipment into their daily routine.

Step 4: Client Follow-Up and Goal Assessment

After the equipment has been delivered, geat2GO will contact the client to confirm they are meeting their goals with the new device. If further assistance is needed, a follow-up appointment will be arranged. If the client’s goals are met, they will be successfully discharged from the geat2GO program.

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This process ensures clients receive essential equipment with professional oversight and follow-up to support their needs. geat2GO have prepared a helpful resource outlining these steps, available here. This structured referral process is designed to provide seamless access to assistive technology, ensuring clients receive the support they need every step of the way.

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Are there Funding Limits for personal alarms under geat2GO?

Funding limits for assistive technology and equipment through geat2GO range between $1000 and $2500 per year, depending on the client's circumstances.

Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) Clients

Eligible clients under the CHSP can receive up to $1,000 per year in funding through geat2GO. This allocation supports a range of essential items, such as personal alarms and other daily living aids, to enhance safety and independence.

Home Care Package (HCP) Recipients with Urgent Needs

Clients assessed by an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) with urgent or immediate requirements may qualify for up to $2,500 per year in additional funding through geat2GO to access critical assistive devices [1].

Selecting the Right Personal Alarm for a Client through geat2GO

When prescribing a personal alarm through geat2GO, consider the specific needs and lifestyles of each individual. Different types of personal alarms offer distinct features that may suit certain clients better than others. Below, we’ve outlined the main types of personal alarms available on geat2GO, with tips on choosing the best option based on the client’s environment, activity level, and available support.

Home-Based Alarms vs. Community Alarms

Home-Based Alarms

Home-based alarms are designed for use within the home and surrounding areas, such as the garden. These alarms are ideal for clients who primarily stay at home. Key benefits of home-based alarms include:

Portability and Convenience: Small, lightweight, and waterproof, these devices are easy for clients to wear comfortably.
No Charging Required: Unlike some other alarm types, home-based alarms don’t require regular charging, making them convenient for clients who may have difficulty managing battery upkeep.

Community Alarms

Community alarms are available as both a pendant or watch, and are designed to work both inside and outside the home. These alarms contain a SIM card that sends location data when an alert is activated, making them suitable for clients who are often outside the home. Key considerations for community alarms include:

Location Tracking: Community alarms can transmit the client’s location, which is especially useful in emergencies when the client is away from home.
Regular Charging Required: These devices generally require charging every one to two days. For clients who may forget or be unable to charge the device consistently, this option may pose a risk in emergencies if the alarm is not fully charged.

Professionally Monitored vs. Family Monitored Alarms

Professionally Monitored Alarms

Professionally monitored alarms are connected to a 24/7 emergency response center. When an alert is activated, the client is connected to a trained operator, typically within about 30 seconds. This type of monitoring is beneficial for clients who may lack immediate family support or have caregivers under stress. Key benefits include:

Instant Professional Response: The client receives rapid assistance from trained operators, ensuring reliable help is available around the clock.
Reduced Family Care Burden: Professional monitoring relieves family members of the need to be constantly on call, reducing caregiver stress and ensuring emergency responses are handled promptly.

Family Monitored Alarms

Family monitored alarms send an alert to designated family members or caregivers via text message or phone call when the alarm is activated. This option may be suitable for clients with family members who are available to respond immediately. Important factors to consider include:

Family Availability: Family members need to be “on call” at all times, especially during overnight hours when falls are more common.
Overnight Accessibility: If family members are unable to respond 24/7, professionally monitored alarms may be more appropriate to ensure reliable support.

Who can benefit from a personal alarm?

Personal alarms are often recommended for clients at risk of falls, with mobility issues or chronic health conditions. For these people, personal alarms can provide peace of mind, enabling them to stay in their homes with greater confidence. Most referrals we receive are for clients that live at home alone. However, the Umps Link also allows for multiple pendants to be connected to the same Hub. This is particularly useful if a person lives with a frail spouse who also requires a personal alarm.

Delivery and Setup of Personal Alarms through geat2GO

Once a personal alarm is ordered through geat2GO, it typically takes between one and two weeks to reach the client’s home. At Umps, we work closely with prescribers of assistive technology to make sure that we make setting up a personal alarm as easy as possible.

Pre-Configured Alarms for Easy Setup

Umps prepares each alarm before shipping so it arrives fully configured and ready to use. This eliminates complicated setup steps for the client, allowing them to begin using the alarm as soon as it arrives.

Installation Support for Clients and Caregivers

To ensure every client feels confident using their personal alarm, Umps offers complimentary installation support and undertakes proactive follow-up calls to check in on clients. For clients needing further assistance, Umps can coordinate with the prescriber, family members, or another aged care provider to facilitate in-person installation support when necessary.

Alternatives to geat2GO

If a client cannot access a personal alarm through geat2GO, they may be able to obtain a personal alarm through alternative funding options:

Home Care Packages (HCP)

Clients with higher care needs may be eligible for a personal alarm under their Home Care Package. Home Care Packages can include personal alarms as part of a broader, coordinated care plan.

National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)

For individuals under 65 with significant disabilities, personal alarms may be funded through the NDIS. This program offers customised support for those who qualify, including essential safety devices like personal alarms.

Private Purchase

Clients may also choose to purchase a personal alarm directly from Umps. If required, we can also offer payment plans and rental systems which make private purchase an accessible option for those who do not qualify for government funding.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who is eligible for personal alarms through geat2GO?

Eligibility for personal alarms and other assistive technology under geat2GO is determined by the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) and Home Care Package (HCP) guidelines. Clients must be registered with My Aged Care to qualify.

2. How can I register as a prescriber on geat2GO?

To register, visit the geat2GO portal, complete the registration form, and submit it for verification. Once verified, your account will be activated, allowing you to place referrals for clients.

3. What types of personal alarms are available on geat2GO?

geat2GO offers a range of personal alarms, including home-based alarms for use within the home and community alarms that work both indoors and outdoors. Options include professionally monitored alarms and family-monitored alarms, depending on the client’s support needs.

4. Are there funding limits for personal alarms under geat2GO?

Yes, funding limits vary. CHSP clients can access up to $1,000 per year for assistive devices, while HCP clients with urgent needs may receive up to $2,500 per year if their HCP budget is insufficient.

5. Who can prescribe a personal alarm through geat2GO?

Only allied health professionals, such as occupational therapists, can prescribe personal alarms through geat2GO.

6. How long does it take to receive a personal alarm once ordered?

After an alarm is ordered, delivery typically takes between one and two weeks. Umps processes most orders within 24 hours and ships alarms by express post.

7. What kind of support is available for setting up personal alarms?

All Umps personal alarms are pre-configured before shipping. Umps also offers complimentary phone support to help clients with installation. In-person support can also be arranged if needed, in coordination with prescribers or family members.

8. What other equipment can be accessed through geat2GO?

In addition to personal alarms, geat2GO offers over 2,000 products, including mobility aids, bathroom aids, kitchen tools, and other assistive devices that support independent living.

9. Who should I contact if I have questions about referrals or product options on geat2GO?

For assistance with the geat2GO portal and referrals, contact the geat2GO customer service team at 1800 518 218. If you have specific questions about an Umps personal alarm, contact us directly.

10. What are the options if a client doesn’t qualify for a personal alarm through geat2GO?

If a client is ineligible for a personal alarm through geat2GO, alternative options include Home Care Packages (HCP), which may fund personal alarms as part of a coordinated care plan, or the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) for individuals under 65 with significant disabilities. Clients may also choose to purchase personal alarms directly from Umps.

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Our team is here to help you find the best product for your needs.

[1] https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/home-care-packages-access-to-2500-for-urgent-goods-equipment-and-assistive-technology?language=en

[2] https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/trial-of-national-provider-of-goods-equipment-and-assistive-technology-under-the-commonwealth-home-support-programme?language=en

Assessors' Guide: Referring Personal Alarms via geat2GO

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