Stay Independent With Government-Funded Personal Alarms

24/7 nurse-monitored personal alarms, fully or partially funded through My Aged Care.

INS LifeGuard supports older Australians with nurse-monitored alarms, enabling them to live independently and safely. Choose from in-home or mobile alarms, with funding support available through My Aged Care programs.

How My Aged Care Funding Works

  • What Is My Aged Care?

    My Aged Care is the Australian Government’s central entry point to aged care services. It helps older Australians stay safe, independent, and supported with services like:

    • Help around the home
    • Personal care
    • Allied health services
    • Equipment and assistive technology (e.g. personal alarms)

    To access services:

    1. Register at myagedcare.gov.au or call 1800 200 422
    2. Complete a free aged care assessment
    3. Work with a provider to set up your support plan and funding model

  • What Funding Is Available for Personal Alarms?

    Depending on your care model, funding may come from:


    Support at Home (SAH)

    The new aged care program replacing Home Care Packages (HCP) and the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP). Alarms may be funded under:

    • Assistive Technology & Home Modifications (AT-HM) Scheme: Covers the device cost and setup through a separate technology budget.
    • Care Budget: May fund ongoing 24/7 monitoring, if listed under Safety Support or Clinical Support in your care plan.
    • Hybrid Options

    You can also choose to privately fund the device or monitoring while awaiting funding approval — or use a mix of funding types.

    Learn More About AT-HM Funding →

  • How Do I Get a Funded Personal Alarm?

    1. Register with My Aged Care and complete your assessment
    2. Talk to your provider about adding: (1) The device under the AT-HM scheme; (2) The monitoring under your Care Budget
    3. Choose a suitable alarm — smart watch, in-home system, GPS wearable, or accessible option
    4. Optional: Start with private payment and transition to government funding when approved

  • What If I'm Still on a Home Care Package (HCP)?

    If you’re still receiving care under an HCP, you can:

    • Use unspent funds to purchase a personal alarm and/or cover monitoring
    • Ask your provider to include INS LifeGuard in your care plan
    • Continue using your package until transitioned to Support at Home

    We work with aged care coordinators nationwide and support both legacy and SAH plans.

  • What About Monitoring Costs?

    AT-HM covers the device and setup only. Monitoring is funded separately and may be included in your Care Budget if:

    • It’s listed in your support plan
    • Approved by your aged care provider
    • Related to fall prevention, wandering, health deterioration, or other risks

    Examples of Funded Monitoring:

    • Safety Support: “24/7 emergency response for a client at risk of falls or confusion.”
    • Clinical Support: “Remote health monitoring for a client with cardiac or chronic conditions.”

What Is My Aged Care?

My Aged Care is the Australian Government’s central entry point to aged care services. It helps older Australians stay safe, independent, and supported with services like:

  • Help around the home
  • Personal care
  • Allied health services
  • Equipment and assistive technology (e.g. personal alarms)

To access services:

  1. Register at myagedcare.gov.au or call 1800 200 422
  2. Complete a free aged care assessment
  3. Work with a provider to set up your support plan and funding model

What Funding Is Available for Personal Alarms?

Depending on your care model, funding may come from:


Support at Home (SAH)

The new aged care program replacing Home Care Packages (HCP) and the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP). Alarms may be funded under:

  • Assistive Technology & Home Modifications (AT-HM) Scheme: Covers the device cost and setup through a separate technology budget.
  • Care Budget: May fund ongoing 24/7 monitoring, if listed under Safety Support or Clinical Support in your care plan.
  • Hybrid Options

You can also choose to privately fund the device or monitoring while awaiting funding approval — or use a mix of funding types.


Learn More About AT-HM Funding →

How Do I Get a Funded Personal Alarm?

  1. Register with My Aged Care and complete your assessment
  2. Talk to your provider about adding: the device under the AT-HM scheme;  the monitoring under your Care Budget
  3. Choose a suitable alarm — smart watch, in-home system, GPS wearable, or accessible option
  4. Optional: Start with private payment and transition to government funding when approved

What If I'm Still on a Home Care Package (HCP)?

If you’re still receiving care under an HCP, you can:

  • Use unspent funds to purchase a personal alarm and/or cover monitoring
  • Ask your provider to include INS LifeGuard in your care plan
  • Continue using your package until transitioned to Support at Home
  • We work with aged care coordinators nationwide and support both legacy and SAH plans.

What About Monitoring Costs?

AT-HM covers the device and setup only. Monitoring is funded separately and may be included in your Care Budget if:

  • It’s listed in your support plan
  • Approved by your aged care provider
  • Related to fall prevention, wandering, health deterioration, or other risks

Examples of Funded Monitoring:

  • Safety Support: “24/7 emergency response for a client at risk of falls or confusion.”
  • Clinical Support: “Remote health monitoring for a client with cardiac or chronic conditions.”

Why Choose INS LifeGuard?

INS LifeGuard is the only nurse-monitored personal alarm provider available through Government-funded My Aged Care. Our 24/7 Emergency Response Centre is staffed by experienced nurses — not call centre operators. This clinical difference has saved lives.

Real Users, Real Peace of Mind

Find Out How INS LifeGuard Makes a Difference

Smiling man with glasses, wearing a gray sweater and orange-striped shirt. A bright living space is in the background.
An older woman wearing glasses is holding a cane.
An elderly woman wearing glasses and a scarf is smiling.

More Client Feedback

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I wanted to express my heartfelt thanks to Bev and Taliah for their wonderful service and quick action the other night when my wife needed an ambulance. I was truly impressed with the level of care and professionalism they provided.

— Tony K.
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My daughter and I want to extend our sincere thanks to Belinda and Tim for their help overnight. The continuous callbacks to check on me were so comforting. They were both wonderful, and I am deeply grateful for their kindness.

— Beryl G.
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I want to thank everyone at INS for their assistance when my blood pressure dropped to 70 and I eventually needed several blood transfusions in the hospital. I'm not sure what would have happened if I hadn’t been wearing my pendant. I’m incredibly grateful for the service.

— Mr. B.
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I would like to thank and praise Rosie who looked after 2 calls for ambulances on Tuesday evening with me. Rosie definitely went above and beyond with her help, not only for the two residents but for me, who has no medical background!

— Angela, Village Manager
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I recently had a friend who was assisted by INS LifeGuard, and I just wanted to express my appreciation for the service they provided. The questions they asked were spot-on, and the kindness they showed was both relevant and reassuring.

— Marilyn
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I wanted to thank Kristie for her assistance this morning when I required an ambulance. They arrived promptly, and after experiencing a bout of vertigo, I’m already home and feeling much better. I’m very thankful for the care I received.

— Noeline E
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I want to thank John for his quick action in calling 000 when my grandson was in shock after losing his grandfather. I’m truly grateful for his patience and understanding during such a difficult time.

— Mrs. Lynette P
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I want to express my heartfelt thanks to Ben W for the help he provided in June when my husband was unwell. I’m happy to share that my husband is now home and recovering well.

— Ms. Laurie M
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I am very grateful to Abbey for the help she provided when I had a fall in June. Her support was truly appreciated.

— Elizabeth M
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I want to say a BIG THANK YOU to Robyn for saving my life recently when I had a stroke.

— Mrs. Pamela B
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I want to express my gratitude to INS for their speedy response and for the help of their nurse, who was most caring and arranged for an ambulance to convey me to the hospital, where I received the appropriate attention.

— Mr. Tom W
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I called to thank Rosie and the staff for calling an ambulance for my neighbor, Sally, when she fell. She is currently in the hospital and, unfortunately, broke her arm.

— Maree
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I want to thank the INS nurses for their quick action in getting me an ambulance in April. I underwent major surgery and spent three weeks in the hospital.

— Mr. David G
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I want to express my deepest gratitude to Nurse Belinda, who was there for me when I urgently needed an ambulance. Having this system in my home feels like having another person living with me—I no longer feel alone.

— Mrs. Morton
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I want to express my heartfelt thanks to Robyn for the assistance she provided me the night before last when I needed the ambulance. I was extremely impressed with the nurse, the INS service, and the quick response time of the ambulance.

– Yvonne L.
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I called to personally thank Roz for her help when I needed an ambulance. Your support was invaluable, and I’m truly grateful.

— Mrs. Jeannie A.
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I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Tim for assisting me recently with my faulty smoke detector. Your help was much appreciated.

— Mrs. Cook
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I want to express my deep gratitude for all the support given to my mother over the last two years. A special thank you to Shay for being there during a very distressing time—it meant the world to me.

— Wonita
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A big thank you to Ben W for your assistance the other morning. I truly appreciated how you kept me updated on what was happening during the three hours I was on the floor. Your support made a challenging time much easier.

– Bill H
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I wanted to extend my heartfelt thanks to Kristie and Shay for their promptness and care yesterday. Your quick response and attention to detail made all the difference. Thank you so much!

– Mr. S and Mrs. P
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I want to thank John for helping me with my alarm last week when I was short of breath. I was transported to the hospital, where it was determined I had blood clots in my lungs. I feel very lucky to be alive, and I’m deeply thankful to all the INS staff who assisted me.

– Mrs. Long
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I want to express my deep gratitude to Ceara for calling the ambulance for my wife. Your quick thinking and excellent service made all the difference, and I cannot thank you enough.

— Allan T
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I would like to sincerely thank you for your service. It has saved my mother several times after falls at home while she was alone. Knowing that she had help if she needed it gave us great peace of mind.

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Hi Kimberley, I just want to say how much I appreciate your professionalism, care, and kindness since our first communication yesterday. You've been an absolute blessing, and I’m so thankful for how attentive and helpful you’ve been. I’m really looking forward to getting this installed for Dad.

— Natalie S.
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Huge thank you to Roz. I didn’t think I needed the alarm, but after using it twice now for falls, I’m very grateful.

— Robert M.
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Thank you so much, INS, for helping my husband last week when he was suffering from bad neuralgia. Your support meant the world to us, and we are very grateful.

— Mrs. Leonie R.
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Thanks to the INS staff for all the wonderful and caring work over the years since I have been in the village.

— Jillian

I just wanted to take a moment to thank INS for all the assistance they've provided me over the years. Your help has been truly appreciated.

— Judith B., Campbelltown
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I recently spoke with Ben M and was incredibly impressed by his politeness and knowledge about the equipment. I want to wish everyone at your company happiness and love during Christmas and the New Year. You are all lifesavers!

— Mr. Hanna
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I want to express my extreme happiness with INS and how they collaborated with emergency services to ensure a quick and pleasant outcome when I needed an ambulance on Saturday. I’m especially grateful to Ben W. for his care and efficiency—he’s wonderful!

— Mrs. Barbara H.
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I want to express my appreciation for the consistent and caring support I received from INS. Beverley and Shay responded promptly to my specific actions on file and even checked in with me to ensure I was okay. Thank you both for your dedication!

— Vanessa R.
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I would like to express my appreciation of the service supplied by INS.The questions they asked and the kindness they expressed were very relevant and assuring.

— Marilyn
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I want to thank Lisa for her assistance while I was shivering on the floor waiting for the ambulance. She kept me sane while I was waiting.

— Mrs. Connie H.
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Sandra and I wanted to express our appreciation for the great service and efforts from George when Sandra was unwell recently. Great job, George!

— Bruce
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Thank you for always being there and the friendly service you have always given [Mum]!

— Gwen R
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Thank you for the INS LifeGuard for my husband to use when I had to go out for an appointment sometimes, knowing he would be able to use the pendant if needed.

— Carole H
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I want to extend my deepest gratitude to Julie for the wonderful job she did when we had to call an ambulance for my husband last month.

— Mrs. Fox
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I wanted to thank Karen for the assistance she provided with my father overnight.

— Sam
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Thank you, INS, for taking such good care of my dad during his time of distress when he was struggling to breathe and feeling scared. Your help meant the world to us.

— Charles’ Daughter
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Awesome, thanks for your great customer service, Ash! You really helped me out with a resident’s device, and I appreciate it.

— Robyn
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I want to thank Kristie, Ben W, and Shay at INS for the thoughtful way they handled the alarm when my Mum needed help the other night. Your care and communication meant so much to us.

— A Client's Daughter
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I’d like to extend my gratitude to Ceara and Shay for the care they showed my mother last week after her fall. Their assistance meant the world to us.

— Mrs. Kathleen’s daughter

During a recent medical emergency, my husband and I were immensely reassured by the prompt and professional response from INS LifeGuard Service. Robyn, a team member at INS, provided calm and effective support, quickly notifying the ambulance team and offering assistance over the phone. The swift arrival of the Village Manager further strengthened our confidence in the emergency care system. Now that my husband is recovering, we remain deeply appreciative of the compassionate and efficient service. We are so grateful for the reliable and comprehensive support provided by INS.

— Mr. and Mrs. Davis

Your phone and wrist button made me feel safe and secure in my home when through illness I felt vulnerable. The fact that I knew that I only had to press a button to have someone on the other end talk to me and arrange an ambulance allowed me to stay independent for as long as possible.

— Barbara

During a recent medical emergency, my husband and I were immensely reassured by the prompt and professional response from INS LifeGuard Service. Robyn, a team member at INS, provided calm and effective support, quickly notifying the ambulance team and offering assistance over the phone. The swift arrival of the Village Manager further strengthened our confidence in the emergency care system. Now that my husband is recovering, we remain deeply appreciative of the compassionate and efficient service. We are so grateful for the reliable and comprehensive support provided by INS.

— Mr. and Mrs. Davis

Firstly, I would like to thank you for the consistent high-quality service you have provided to The Willows Residents during 2023. Your team responds with efficiency and kindness at all times and we value the attention and care given through all the calls we have made to you. THANK YOU!!!

Just wanted to say a huge THANK YOU for all your time and patience on the phone today Nicole. As a virgin INS user, I emailed you. You called me right away and were so patient and took the time to learn a little of what our village required from this system. You then patiently explained the functions of the portal, paying attention to the functions which [our village] would find helpful.

I just wish to say thank you to the INS staff member who assisted us, Alison. She was very calm and caring and made the effort to check in on the situation over the several hours the call was active. She helped alleviate some of my distress, and I hope that you can note this on her file or at least pass on my thanks to her once more.

— Retirement Village
John Doe's Image

I recently spoke with our resident, and she couldn’t praise you enough for the amazing care, compassion, and professionalism you provided her. I also want to extend my personal thanks for your help and the service you offer. I’m on the phone with your team many times a week, and I can add my compliments to this one.

— Village Staff Member

Thank you so much, INS, for all your assistance! I am Mrs. B’s daughter, and I wanted to express how grateful I am for everything. I believe in giving credit where it’s due, and everyone at INS was so helpful in swapping over and setting up my mother’s new alarm device. Your support has been invaluable.

— Margaret

I wanted to take a moment to express my deep gratitude for the exceptional service my wife and I received. Both of us had contracted Covid, and when my wife needed to be transported to the hospital, everything went off without a hitch—like a Swiss watch. I’m particularly thankful to John, who handled our alarm call with such professionalism. Thank you to everyone involved in providing us with such excellent care.

— Arthur T

On behalf of our independent living village I must pass on our sincere thanks as your team have been really impressive lately with responding to emergencies, especially regarding one of dear residents who required an ambulance yesterday whilst having lunch in our clubroom...response time was fantastic…..well done!

I want to thank two of your staff members who I spoke to recently. They were both so kind and understanding during what was an incredibly difficult time for us. Staff who are so caring, especially during such tough times, are truly a credit to any organisation. Thank you so much.

— Debra N.

I’m the manager of one of our new village sites, and I wanted to share some positive feedback with INS. The residents have been very complimentary of our team, especially the nurses who respond to the emergency alarms. They were lovely, and it’s clear we’re doing a great job. Well done, everyone!

Your phone and wrist button made me feel safe and secure in my home when through illness I felt vulnerable. The fact that I knew that I only had to press a button to have someone on the other end talk to me and arrange an ambulance allowed me to stay independent for as long as possible.

— Barbara

I want to extend my gratitude for your continued excellent service. My daughter shared that the old unit worked perfectly on Monday, helping secure an ambulance for Mum. The person from INS who assisted us was extremely calm and helpful. I thought you might appreciate this positive feedback.

Compare Our My Aged Care Personal Alarm Options

INS LifeGuardian® Watch

A discreet, modern personal alarm watch eligible under the Support At Home or AT-HM Scheme. Connects directly to nurse responders, perfect for stigma-free home and community use.


  • Only nurse-monitored My Aged Care-approved Samsung or Apple smart watch
  • Health monitoring + GPS + two-way speaker
  • Fund privately or claim the smart watch through AT-HM, Support At Home and monitoring under your care budget

INS LifeGuardian® App

Turn your Apple or Android phone into a personal alarm with the INS LifeGuardian® App. Pressing HELP connects you to our 24/7 nurse-led Emergency Response Centre.

SmartTracker V3 & SafetyWatch V3

Mobile, wearable alarms with GPS and fall detection. Covered under Support At Home, AT-HM for on-the-go users.

In-Home Personal Alarm Systems

Home-based protection with waterproof pendants, optional fall detection, and direct connection to nurse responders.

Ready to Get Started?

You or your care coordinator can contact INS LifeGuard directly to arrange your personal alarm.

My Aged Care Government Funded Personal Alarms

Frequently Asked Questions

A comprehensive guide to the INS LifeGuard’s personal alarms and how they fit into the Support at Home program under My Aged Care.



  • Who is eligible for a government-funded personal alarm?

    Eligibility typically includes:

    • Being 65 or older (or 50+ for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people)
    • Living at home and needing support to remain independent
    • Having been assessed through My Aged Care

    Your support plan must include assistive technology for a personal alarm to be funded.

  • Can I get a smart watch personal alarm through My Aged Care?

    Yes. The INS LifeGuardian® Watch is a fully functional smart watch (Apple or Samsung) that can be funded under the Support at Home program as an approved assistive technology item.


    It includes GPS tracking, fall detection, vital signs monitoring, two-way voice communication, and direct connection to our 24/7 nurse-staffed Emergency Response Centre.

  • How is the smart watch funded under Support at Home?

    There are two parts:

    1. Device and setup – funded through the Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) Scheme, based on your assigned funding tier (Low, Medium, or High)
    2. Ongoing monitoring – may be funded through your Support at Home care budget, if it’s documented in your support plan and aligned with your safety or clinical needs

  • Is the smart watch free?

    The device and setup may be fully funded, depending on your AT-HM tier. Ongoing monitoring may also be covered under your care budget if approved.


    INS LifeGuard also offers hybrid payment options for those waiting on funding approval or partial support.  You can start now by self-funding, then switch to government funding when it becomes available.

  • What types of personal alarms are available through Support at Home?

    Support at Home funding may cover:

    • Smart watches like the INS LifeGuardian® Watch
    • Mobile GPS-enabled personal alarms
    • In-home alarm systems with waterproof pendants or fall sensors
    • Accessories such as smoke alarms, key safes, and seizure mats

    All items must be included in your support plan and align with your assessed needs.

  • What if I'm still receiving care under a Home Care Package (HCP)?

    If you are still on a legacy Home Care Package, you may be able to use unspent funds to purchase an INS LifeGuard smart watch or other personal alarm devices and monitoring.


    Speak with your care provider to confirm what’s possible. All HCP clients will eventually transition to the new Support at Home program.

  • What if I need a smart watch now, but my funding isn’t ready?

    You don’t need to wait. INS LifeGuard offers flexible payment options that allow you to begin using your smart watch or monitoring service straight away, even if your Support at Home funding hasn’t been finalised.


    You can start by self-funding the device and/or monitoring, and once your support plan is approved, we can transition the billing to your government funding. This ensures you stay safe and supported while waiting for funding to be processed.

  • What’s the difference between the device cost and the monitoring cost?

    • The device and setup are covered under the AT-HM Scheme.
    • Monitoring is not covered by AT-HM but may be funded under your Support at Home care budget if included in your support plan.

    Monitoring may be classified under:

    • Safety Support – for fall risk, wandering, or supervision
    • Clinical Support – for health condition management or early deterioration alerts

  • Can personal alarms help with detecting falls?

    Yes. Many INS LifeGuard devices include automatic fall detection, which can trigger an emergency response even if you’re unable to press the alarm. For some users, this is a critical safety feature.


    Monitoring may also be funded under your care plan if falls are identified as a risk, particularly under Safety Support within the Support at Home program.

  • Can carers use the alarm to get help or advice?

    Yes. With INS LifeGuard, carers can press the alarm if they’re worried about your condition — even if it’s not a medical emergency.


    Our 24/7 nurse-led team can:

    • Provide clinical advice or reassurance
    • Provide medical information
    • Help decide whether a hospital visit is needed
    • Monitor symptoms and provide guidance over time

    This is especially helpful for:

    • Family carers supporting loved ones at home
    • Care workers unsure how to respond to a change in condition
    • After-hours situations when your regular care team isn’t available

    We don’t just respond — we clinically assess and support, giving carers peace of mind.

  • Can my carer or family access my health data and alerts?

    Yes — with your permission, carers and family members can use the free LifeGuardian Connect® App to stay informed and involved in your care.


    Carers can:

    • Receive emergency alerts when the alarm is activated
    • View recent vital signs and health trends (if using a monitoring-enabled device)
    • Access reports and history to support health management
    • Set safety check-in timers for added reassurance

    If a check-in is missed, our system automatically triggers an alert so someone can follow up and send help if needed.


    This supports:

    • Family living at a distance
    • Carers juggling multiple responsibilities
    • More confident, independent living with a secure backup system

  • What if I have limited mobility, dementia, or another condition that makes pressing a button hard?

    INS LifeGuard offers a wide range of accessible alarm options for older people who may have difficulty using traditional personal alarms.


    Whether due to arthritis, Parkinson’s, dementia, stroke, or mobility impairments, we can tailor a system that fits your needs and still connects you to our 24/7 nurse-staffed Emergency Response Centre.


    Accessible options include:

    • Voice Activation — Call for help using your voice. Ideal for those with reliable speech but limited hand function.
    • Fall Sensors — Automatically detect a fall, even if you can’t press a button.
    • Bed or Chair Exit Sensors — Trigger an alert if you get up unexpectedly, helping reduce fall risk.
    • Seizure or Movement Mats — Detect sudden movement, often used for neurological conditions.
    • Smoke Alarms with Strobe Lights — Help protect those with hearing impairments.
    • Security Key Holders — Let responders or carers safely access your home in an emergency.

    You don’t have to worry about remembering to press a button — these systems are designed to respond when you can’t.


    We can work with your aged care provider to help choose and fund the right alarm under the Support at Home program, whether through Assistive Technology (AT-HM) or your Care Budget.

  • Is monitoring included in the device cost?

    No. Devices are funded through AT-HM, but monitoring may be funded through your Care Budget under:

    • Safety Support
    • Clinical Support

  • What makes INS LifeGuard different?

    INS LifeGuard is the only provider offering a fully functional smart watch (Apple or Samsung) connected to a 24/7 Emergency Response Centre staffed by qualified nurses — not call centres.


    This means faster, clinically accurate support when it matters most.

a woman wearing a headset is sitting in front of a computer

Still Have Questions?

Talk to your care coordinator, or contact INS LifeGuard directly