More Details

MyHomeFone Handset

SOS button:
* Located on the back of the handset
* An SOS call will go to the pre-programmed numbers
* Up to six numbers can be programmed - the phone will keep dialling until answered by one of the six numbers
* SOS button can also be programmed to contact either emergency response service (ambulance) or a professional monitoring service

3G network:
* No nbn or landline needed

Hearing aid compatible:
* The phone is compatible with most hearing aids

Power-fail backup:
* Because it runs on the 3G network, the phone will work in a power-fail

Voice amplifier:
* The handset is equipped with an amplifier and a single press boosts the volume to 40dB

Large keypad buttons:
* Easy for big fingers and those with less than perfect eyesight

Screen:
* The handset has a 2 inch screen
* Displays large numbers and characters

Rechargeable backup batteries:
* Keeps the cordless home phone operational in the case of a power-fail

Speed dialing :
* Supports up to 9 speed dial numbers

Contacts memory:
* Supports up to 150 names and numbers

Low battery alert:
* Will alert you when the battery is low

The Personal Security Communicator

* Works both at home and in the community
* SIM card and call packages offered by supplier
* Is suitable for the elderly and people with disability
* It may also be suitable for people who require frequent monitoring, for example people who tend to wander such as those with dementia

Calls/Mobile Phone:
* It is a 3G Mobile Phone so you can make and receive calls anywhere and anytime within 3G mobile coverage

Water Resistant:
* It is water resistant so it can be worn in the shower

SOS Button:
* It can either be set up to contact any of (up to) 8 pre-defined numbers or the call can go to a professional 24/7 monitoring service
* It will dial each number 3 times until the SOS call is accepted

Fall Detection:
* It has fall detection as it is equipped with an Accelerometer, which detects a fall and alerts a contact or the professional monitoring service if chosen. There are three sensitivity levels.

GPS:
* The wearer can be located by using GPS with direct message link to Google Maps with date and time

Geo-fencing:
* A virtual border area can be set up, and if the wearer breaches the border a caregiver can be alerted

Auto Answer:
* Can be set up so the device will automatically answer calls from stored contacts

Set-up:
* Can easily be set-up via Android or IOS Smartphone App allowing a caregiver or support person to control and monitor the Communicator

Caregiver's App:
* Caregivers can easily set up emergency numbers and messages, activate GPS locator and automatic answering and automated carer alert for wanderers

Periodic Device Check:
* The device will send a daily status message to a caregiver

Battery:
* Standby time is approximately 68 hours depending on network
* Talk time is approximately 3 hours
* Device is charged using the charging cradle that comes with the device

Low battery:
* When the battery is getting low, a voice announcement will be heard from the device to charge the unit
* The device will send automatic SMS messages through to either the monitoring centre (for those who have chosen professional monitoring), or to a nominated number (self-monitored customers)
* The voice announcement will prompt every 5 minutes for 1 hour, before the device turns off
* This prompt needs action immediately. If professional monitoring has been chosen, the call centre will follow procedure to contact the wearer

Remote Activation:
* 'White list' function allows control of microphone and speaker operation

Considerations

For the Personal Security Communicator

Beware of the following when using GPS tracking devices:

* People with dementia should have the opportunity to move about as freely and independently as possible. The balance between independence and safety is delicate. In itself, wandering is not harmful and when done in a safe environment, can be a healthy outlet for a person with dementia. By determining what may be contributing to wandering, you may be able to identify the triggers and find ways to make it safer.

* GPS tracking devices follow a person's movements and identify his location. No device or system can guarantee that a person with dementia or intellectual disability will not get lost or that he will be found. However you may decide to use one to keep him safer.

* Please note: the field of locating devices is highly technical and detailed. Also, the equipment used to support some of these devices (e.g., a computer, smart phone) may not be practical or readily available for some people.

More information available from: http://www.alzheimer.ca/en/Living-with-dementia/Day-to-day-living/Safety/Locating-devices

Check our Assistive Technology Guide for GPS Tracking Devices.

Although it may be possible to program 000 into an autodialler it is important to be aware that 000 calls from automated devices (such as autodiallers) cannot be guaranteed a response from the emergency services if they are unable to validate the condition, address and required response.

Connecting Medical Alarms to the National Broadband Network

The National Broadband Network (NBN) is planned to provide a high-speed optical fibre connection to 93% of Australians, with the remaining 7% in non-urban areas served by a lower speed wireless or satellite service.

If built as proposed, the NBN will ultimately replace the copper network and looks set to make all other public fixed-line telecommunications networks in Australia obsolete.

Medical alarms supplied by PERSA are expected to work correctly when connected to the NBN. PERSA is the Personal Emergency Response Services Association. Current members are listed on the PERSA website www.persa.com.au <http://www.persa.com.au/>.

However it should be noted that the battery back-up time on the NBN is very short, and will only work for a few hours during a power failure in customer's premises. So this may mean equipment relying on this will not work if there is an extended power failure.

It is also vitally important that your equipment is set-up correctly to work with your medical alarm, and that your selected Retail Service Provider can support that set-up.

If the NBN is rolling-out in your area, you need to call your medical alarm service BEFORE YOU SIGN ANY CONTRACT FOR THE NBN SERVICE.

Your medical alarm service will assist you to select a retail service provider that can support the continued operation of your medical alarm over the NBN.

Place Of Manufacture

Unknown

Price Guide

MyHomeFone Handset:
Connection fee: $49.95 (one-off fee)

Basic Plan: $29.95 per month
Unlimited Plan: $39.95 per month
International Plan: $49.95 per month

Personal Security Communicator:
Connection Fee: $49.95 (one-off fee)
Then $25 per month
There may be additional cost for Professional Monitoring Service

Models

Only one model available

Options

MyHomeFone Cordless Handset

MyHomeFone Personal Security Communicator

Installation

Can be self installed

Standards

Standards
Some assistive technology needs to meet Australian or other standards. Standards may relate to materials, manufacturing and installation. Products that meet Australian or international standards will have written certification. To find out if a product meets Australian Standards ask the supplier to show you the certificate. For more information about standards also see
http://at-aust.org/home/assistive_technology/standards.html

TGA
Many of the items on the Assistive Technology Australia website are categorised as a Medical Device. Medical devices that are approved for use in Australia have been entered into a national database called the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG), which is maintained by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). You can ask the supplier for the ARTG number for the device you wish to purchase and search the ARTG for the entry. To access information on the ARTG visit www.tga.gov.au

When buying a medical device it is advisable to only choose a medical device that is recommended by a healthcare professional and has been included on the ARTG.