Medical alarm case scenarios for practitioners
The following case scenarios can be used to support practitioners who assess medical eligibility. They should not be used to determine if someone would be eligible for financial support.
After someone applies for a medical alarm, we then assess their situation and make a decision based on their individual circumstances.
If someone needs help with the ongoing costs of a medical alarm, we may be able to help them pay for it as part of a Disability Allowance. You don't have to be on a benefit to qualify for a Disability Allowance.
Scenarios for reference
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Increasing unsteadiness
A 45-year-old woman has been independent and was working up to 6 months ago. She has progressive Multiple Sclerosis and applies for a medical alarm due to her unsteadiness. This affects her balance and coordination resulting in falls and accidents both in the home and in the community. She recently lost her balance at a local supermarket while on her own and injured herself.
If she meets the criteria for Disability Allowance, she may be able to get Disability Allowance assistance for a medical alarm. As she has a risk of falls both in-home and in the community, she may be eligible for an ‘anywhere’ alarm. She should apply so we can assess her situation and make a decision based on her individual circumstances.
Increasing age
The daughter of an active independent 82-year-old woman is requesting that her mother have a funded medical alarm “in case something happens”. A recent general check-up noted nothing more significant than slightly raised blood pressure and mild arthritis of the knees.
Although the woman’s age and mild arthritis alone may not be enough to get Disability Allowance assistance for a medical alarm, she should still apply so her situation can be assessed, and we can make a decision based on her individual circumstances.
History of falls
A 72-year-old man has had a single episode of collapse 6 months ago (suspected transient ischaemic attack). He was seen and assessed by ambulance staff who took him to the local hospital. He is now on medication, is otherwise well and lives with his 70-year-old wife.
Although his previous TIA and hypertension alone may not be enough to get Disability Allowance assistance for the cost of a medical alarm, he should still apply so his situation can be assessed, and we can make a decision based on his individual circumstances.
If he has multiple subsequent TIAs, this may increase the likelihood that he would be able to get Disability Allowance assistance for a medical alarm.
Dementia
An 80-year-old woman has been diagnosed as having early-stage dementia. She occasionally wanders from home and forgets where she is. She lives with her husband who keeps good health.
As her condition is ongoing and the risk to her occurs outside of the home, if she meets the criteria for Disability Allowance, she is likely to be able to get Disability Allowance assistance for a medical alarm. She should apply so we can assess her situation and make a decision based on her individual circumstances.
Cardio-vascular disease
A 66-year-old man living on his own has been diagnosed with frequent atrial fibrillation and angina. He can become immobilised by shortness of breath and chest pain when he has an attack, and this can last for over 30 minutes, depending how quickly he can access his medication.
As his disability is ongoing and impacts him quite regularly, if he meets the criteria for Disability Allowance, he is likely to be able to get Disability Allowance assistance for a medical alarm. If his attacks occur regularly, while he is outside the house on his own, he could be considered for an ‘anywhere’ alarm. He should apply so we can assess his situation and make a decision based on his individual circumstances.