How to Choose a Personal Alarm in Australia: What to Look For

Why Personal Alarms Matter

For many older Australians and people living with disability, a personal alarm is one of the most important safety tools they can have. It provides a direct link to help in an emergency - whether that is a fall at home, a medical episode, or simply feeling unsafe when no one else is around.

But not all personal alarms are the same. Choosing the wrong device can mean paying for features you do not need, or missing out on ones that could make a real difference. This guide explains what to look for when choosing a personal alarm in Australia, so you can make a confident, informed decision.

Monitored vs Non-Monitored: The First Decision to Make

Before comparing features, it is worth understanding the difference between monitored and non-monitored personal alarms - because this shapes everything else.

A non-monitored alarm alerts nominated contacts - usually family members or carers - when the SOS button is pressed or a fall is detected. It is often lower in cost, but relies on someone in your circle being available and reachable at any hour.

A monitored alarm connects to a professional response centre that operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. When an alert comes through, a trained operator assesses the situation and takes the appropriate action - contacting a family member, a neighbour, or emergency services. For people who live alone or whose family are not always nearby, a monitored service adds a critical layer of protection that nominated contacts alone cannot always provide.

Some devices offer the best of both - alerting nominated contacts and a monitoring service simultaneously. The KISA Personal Alarm can notify up to five nominated contacts at once, while also connecting to the KISA 24/7 Monitoring Service. This means family members are kept in the loop even when a professional operator is already responding.

Key Features to Look For

A Simple, Reliable SOS Button

In a crisis, simplicity is everything. The emergency button needs to be large enough to find quickly, easy to press without dexterity or strength, and designed to work first time - every time. Avoid devices with multiple steps to activate, small recessed buttons, or touch-screen interfaces that can be difficult to use under stress or for people with arthritis or tremors.

Automatic Fall Detection

Falls are a leading cause of serious injury among older Australians. Automatic fall detection uses motion sensors to identify a sudden fall and send an alert - even if the wearer cannot press the button themselves. This feature is particularly important for people who live alone, where the risk of lying undetected for an extended period is real. See our guide to how fall detection works for more detail on what to expect from this technology.

GPS Tracking

GPS tracking allows family members and carers to see the wearer's location in real time through an app or online portal. This is especially valuable for people with dementia who may wander, or for anyone who spends time outside the home. Make sure the device operates on the mobile network - not just through a home base unit - so it provides reliable coverage wherever the person happens to be.

Two-Way Communication

A personal alarm with a built-in speaker and microphone allows the wearer to speak directly to a monitoring operator or a family member after the button is pressed. This makes it easier to assess whether real help is needed, and is far more reassuring for everyone involved than an alarm that simply triggers a call with no voice contact.

4G Network Coverage

Australia's 3G network was shut down in 2024. Any personal alarm that relied on 3G is now effectively unusable when away from home. When comparing devices, confirm that the alarm operates on 4G - this ensures reliable coverage across Australia, not just in metro areas.

Battery Life and Low-Battery Alerts

Check how long the battery lasts on a full charge, and whether the device sends an alert when battery is running low. An alarm that dies without warning - and without notifying a carer - provides no protection at all. Ideally, the device should notify both the wearer and a nominated contact when charging is needed.

Wearable Design

The most advanced alarm in the world is useless if the person refuses to wear it. Look for a device that is lightweight, comfortable, and unobtrusive - one that is easy to put on and keep on throughout the day. Bulky or uncomfortable devices often end up left on the bedside table when they are needed most.

Funding a Personal Alarm in Australia

The cost of a personal alarm may be covered - in full or in part - through government funding, depending on your circumstances.

If you are under 65 and have an NDIS plan, a personal alarm can be funded as assistive technology. KISA is a registered NDIS provider, which means participants can purchase the KISA Personal Alarm using their NDIS funds without needing to pay out of pocket. Visit our NDIS assistive technology page to understand the process and what your plan might cover.

For Australians aged 65 and over, a personal alarm can be funded through the Support at Home program (formerly Home Care Packages). If you already have a package in place, speak to your care coordinator about including a personal alarm as part of your approved supports. Veterans may also have access to funding through the Department of Veterans' Affairs.

Questions to Ask Before You Decide

Once you have a shortlist of devices, these questions will help you make a final decision:

• Does it work at home and out in the community - or only via a home base unit?
• Does it have automatic fall detection?
• Can family or carers track the wearer's location in real time?
• Is 24/7 monitoring available, or does it rely solely on nominated contacts?
• Is it eligible for NDIS or Support at Home funding?
• Does the battery send a low-charge alert to the wearer and a carer?

The KISA Personal Alarm is designed to meet all of these needs in a single lightweight device - with GPS, automatic fall detection, two-way communication, 4G coverage, alerts to up to five nominated contacts, and optional 24/7 professional monitoring. If you would like to learn more or get a quote, our team is happy to help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are personal alarms legal in Australia?

Yes, personal alarms are completely legal in Australia. They are widely used as assistive technology for older Australians and people living with disability, and are funded through programs including the NDIS and Support at Home. There are no restrictions on purchasing or wearing one.

What is the difference between a monitored and non-monitored personal alarm?

A non-monitored alarm contacts nominated people - such as family or carers - when activated. A monitored alarm connects to a professional response centre staffed around the clock. Monitored alarms are generally recommended for people who live alone or who cannot always rely on family being available to respond immediately.

Can the NDIS fund a personal alarm?

Yes. If you are under 65 with an NDIS plan, a personal alarm may be funded as assistive technology. KISA is a registered NDIS provider, so participants can purchase the KISA Personal Alarm using NDIS funds. Speak to your support coordinator if you are unsure whether your current plan includes funding for assistive technology.

What features should a personal alarm have?

At a minimum, look for a clear SOS button, 4G connectivity, and reliable battery life. Depending on the person's situation, automatic fall detection, GPS tracking, and two-way communication are also well worth prioritising - especially if they live alone or spend time away from home.