Medical alarm scenarios for reference
The following scenarios are to assist medical practitioners. They can be used as a guide when deciding if a patient needs a medical alarm.
This is a guide only. Each person must be assessed by the medical practitioner on their own merit.
If you have any questions about this guide you can speak to your local Work and Income Health and Disability Coordinator. Call us on 0800 559 009 and ask to be connected.
Scenarios for reference
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Increasing unsteadiness
Scenario 1
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 general 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.
She is likely to qualify for Disability Allowance assistance for a medical alarm. Since she has a risk of falls both in-home and in the community, she may be eligible for the anywhere service.
Scenario 2
A 45 year old woman with a history of Multiple Sclerosis which has resulted in episodic periods of reduced capacity. She has applied for a medical alarm on the grounds she may have another spell of reduced capacity. Currently she is active and able to do her usual activities at home and in the community. She has not worked for 10 years.
She is unlikely to qualify for Disability Allowance assistance for a medical alarm.
Increasing age
Scenario 1
The daughter of an active independent 82 year old woman is insisting 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.
She is unlikely to qualify for Disability Allowance assistance for a medical alarm.
History of falls
Scenario 1
A 72 year old man has had two episodes of collapses (suspected transient ischaemic attack). He was seen and assessed by ambulance paramedics on both occasions and taken to hospital the first time. He has a history of moderately controlled blood pressure and was a smoker for many years.
He lives with his 70 year old wife who called the ambulance on the previous occasions.
He is unlikely to qualify for Disability Allowance assistance for a medical alarm.
Scenario 2
A 72 year old woman had a fractured neck of femur after tripping over her dog 6 months ago. She has made a very good recovery and is now fully mobile. An alarm sales representative suggests that having had a broken hip she will “automatically qualify for a Work and Income funded alarm.” He has completed a Disability Allowance application form for her and has dropped it off to her GP and will return later to pick it up – signed.
She is unlikely to qualify for Disability Allowance assistance for a medical alarm – unless the GP has examined the client and is aware of other factors and history that would indicate a medical entitlement.
Dementia
Scenario 1
A 69 year old woman has an increasing degree of dementia. She has severe problems with memory and wouldn’t remember how to push a medical alarm button and has wandered from home on several occasions. She lives with her 73 year old husband, who keeps good health. He would like an alarm so he can call for help when she disappears again.
Neither partner is likely to qualify for Disability Allowance assistance for a medical alarm.
Scenario 1
A 69 year old woman has a mild form of dementia. She has wandered from home on several occasions and has an awareness that she is lost and can’t remember how she got there. She lives with her 73 year old husband, who keeps good health.
The woman is likely to qualify for the anywhere service. Her partner is unlikely to qualify for Disability Allowance assistance for a medical alarm.
Cardio-vascular disease
Scenario 1
A 74 year old woman who is living on her own is a smoker and has a history of increasing episodes of chest pain. She was assessed in the Emergency Department and the pains have been confirmed to be angina. She was admitted once recently with persistent angina. She has a small dog who she takes on walks around the neighbourhood.
She is likely to qualify for Disability Allowance assistance for a medical alarm. Since she may need help while out walking her dog, she may be eligible for the anywhere service.
Scenario 2
A 71 year old retired man had a heart attack 9 months ago. He was treated with an angioplasty and has been symptom free since. He is applying for a medical alarm in case he has another episode.
He is unlikely to qualify for Disability Allowance assistance for a medical alarm.
Stroke
Scenario 1
A 74 year old man had a stroke 9 months ago. He has made an excellent recovery and is able to walk freely and his speech is back to normal after 3 months of speech therapy. His blood pressure is now under control and he is on appropriate medications.
He is unlikely to qualify for Disability Allowance assistance for a medical alarm.
Scenario 2
An 84 year old woman living alone has had several transient ischaemic attacks before having a stroke 6 months ago which has left her with significant left-sided weakness and is unsteady on her feet. She is able to care for herself but has home help to assist with dressing, bathing, cleaning and shopping. Her daughter accompanies her on any outside errands or trips.
She is likely to qualify for Disability Allowance assistance for a medical alarm. The in-home service may be more suitable as she doesn’t often leave her home unless her daughter is with her.