The Department of Human Services is urgently trying to contact users of outdated personal and medical alert devices to assist them to change to a newer device, before the 3G network is switched off from 31 July 2024.
Personal alert device user, Fil Clemente – photo supplied.
Devices reliant on 3G technology will stop working, impacting mobile phones and personal and medical alert devices – such as pendants and call button devices – which allow a person to quickly and easily send for help in the event of an emergency, such as a fall.
Southern Adelaide’s Fil Clemente carries a personal alert pendant around her neck. She is replacing her old device with a new 4G-compatible system and encourages others to do the same.
“I carry [it] with me all the time... the moment I don't carry it, something happens. I've had four falls... I rely on this thing a lot,” Fil says.
“As soon as I press it, they say on the loudspeaker 'help is on its way', so they've already rung an ambulance.”
Where to get a Personal Alert device
Personal alert devices can be obtained through Commonwealth supported programs such as the NDIS or My Aged Care. People ineligible to receive a device that way can get one from a private provider, or may be eligible through the State Government’s Personal AlertSA scheme.
Eligibility criteria for Personal AlertSA are available on the SA Government’s Concession web pages.
Check if your device will still work after 30 June
Customers of Personal AlertSA can access support to upgrade to a 4G device – including options with no out-of-pocket cost. If this is you or someone you know, please call the Personal AlertSA Hotline (1300 700 169) during general office hours, and they will guide you through the process.
If you access your personal alert devices from private providers or Commonwealth-supported programs, you are strongly urged to contact your system provider for support before the 3G network is cut off.
Olga Laparidis, Director of Concessions and Interpreting Services in the Department of Human Services, says her Personal AlertSA team is working to contact around 2200 people who are simply not responding to any messages or phone calls regarding the upgrade of their devices.
“Don’t ignore any emails, letters or phone calls you may receive from a provider urging you to upgrade your device. If you feel that you may be receiving a scam call or message, hang up and look up the correct phone numbers for your provider online or on any formal communication you may have received from them previously, then call back. This may just save your life.
“And if you know your family member or friend has such a device, help them check it for 4G compatibility or get in contact with their provider, or call our Hotline on 1300 700 169 and we will help them however we can.”
At the very least, listen to Fil’s advice: “Get it upgraded, because I tell you, it is a lifesaver.