Real Stories, Real Results

Discover how families across Australia have successfully funded their Aware Guardian systems and gained peace of mind through fall prevention technology.

Real Success Stories from Australian Families

See how Australians across the country have successfully funded their Aware Guardian systems through NDIS, Home Care Packages, and private purchase options

Margaret C., 68

Brisbane, QLD

NDIS Funded

Living independently with Parkinson's disease

Approval Time

3 weeks

System Cost

$2,745

Funding Covered

100%

Sensors Installed

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The Challenge

Margaret had experienced several falls in her bathroom and bedroom at night. Her adult children were worried about her safety but Margaret wanted to remain independent in her own home.

The Solution

Margaret was already an NDIS participant. Her support coordinator helped her apply for assistive technology funding to cover an Aware Guardian system. We provided a detailed quote showing how the sensors aligned with her NDIS plan goals around safety and independence.

Timeline

Application submitted in March 2024, approved in April, installed in May

Outcomes

Zero falls in first 6 months after installation
Margaret's confidence increased - she's more active
Family members can check in via app without constant phone calls
Emergency response time reduced from 45+ minutes to under 5 minutes
System paid for itself by preventing one emergency department visit

“I sleep so much better now knowing that if I fall, help will come immediately. My children are relieved, and I've actually become more active because I'm not afraid anymore.”

— Margaret C.

Key Takeaways

NDIS funded the entire system as assistive technology
Support coordinator was instrumental in the process
Approval took just 3 weeks with proper documentation
Monthly subscription covered by Core Supports budget

John M., 77

Melbourne, VIC

Home Care Package

Level 3 Home Care Package recipient, living alone

Approval Time

2 weeks

System Cost

$3,294

Funding Covered

100%

Sensors Installed

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The Challenge

John had a Level 3 Home Care Package but was using less than half his allocated hours. He was at high risk of falls due to balance issues from a previous stroke. His package provider suggested investing in technology.

The Solution

John's case manager reallocated funds from unused personal care hours to purchase the Aware Guardian system. The technology provided 24/7 monitoring for less than the cost of 2-3 weekly care visits.

Timeline

Discussed with provider in June 2024, approved in July, installed in early August

Outcomes

Detected and responded to a fall within 90 seconds
Family members gained peace of mind with app notifications
John used freed-up package funds for occupational therapy
Package provider now recommends system to other clients
John reports feeling safer and more independent

“The technology watches over me 24/7, which is something even the most dedicated carer can't do. My package provider was brilliant - they saw how this could make my funds work harder.”

— John M.

Key Takeaways

Unspent Home Care Package funds can be reallocated
Technology often more cost-effective than additional care hours
Level 3 package easily covered comprehensive 6-sensor system
Approval process quicker than expected (2 weeks)

Patricia R., 82

Sydney, NSW

Home Care Package

Level 4 Home Care Package, multi-story home

Approval Time

4 weeks (including installation)

System Cost

$4,392

Funding Covered

100%

Sensors Installed

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The Challenge

Patricia had mobility challenges and lived in a two-story home. Her Level 4 package was mostly used for personal care and domestic help, but she had several falls on the stairs that concerned her family.

The Solution

Patricia's package had significant unspent funds. We recommended an 8-sensor system covering both floors, bathrooms, bedroom, stairs, and living areas. Her provider approved it as a safety investment.

Timeline

Initial consultation April 2024, approved May, installed June with extended setup

Outcomes

Comprehensive coverage across entire two-story home
Stairway sensor detected dangerous patterns (rushing, unsteadiness)
Family members receive daily activity summaries
Patricia's confidence improved - uses stairs more safely
Package provider documented cost savings vs. residential care

“At 82, I wasn't ready to move to a retirement home. This system lets me stay in the house I've lived in for 40 years, safely. My Level 4 package made it possible.”

— Patricia R.

Key Takeaways

Level 4 packages can fund extensive multi-sensor systems
Stairway monitoring is critical for multi-story homes
Technology can delay or prevent residential care placement
System pays for itself in avoided emergency care

David L., 52

Perth, WA

Private Purchase

NDIS application pending, needed immediate protection

Approval Time

Immediate private purchase, later NDIS coverage

System Cost

$2,196 (4 sensors)

Funding Covered

Initially private (payment plan), now NDIS covers subscription

Sensors Installed

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The Challenge

David had multiple sclerosis and was in the process of applying for the NDIS. He had fallen twice in three months, but his NDIS application would take 6-8 weeks to process.

The Solution

David chose private purchase with a 6-month payment plan to get immediate protection. Once his NDIS plan was approved, he transitioned the monthly subscription to his Core Supports budget and documented the system for his next plan review.

Timeline

Private purchase March 2024, NDIS approved June 2024, transitioned July 2024

Outcomes

Protected during vulnerable waiting period
Avoided a fall that could have delayed NDIS assessment
Successfully transitioned subscription to NDIS funding
Planning to request additional sensors at next plan review
Payment plan made private purchase affordable

“I couldn't wait for NDIS approval - I needed protection immediately. The payment plan made it manageable, and now my NDIS plan covers the ongoing costs. Best decision I made.”

— David L.

Key Takeaways

Private purchase doesn't preclude future NDIS funding
Payment plans make upfront costs manageable
Immediate access is sometimes worth private purchase
Can transition to funded model once approved

Marie T., 74

Canberra, ACT

NDIS Funded

DVA Gold Card holder, veteran

Approval Time

5 weeks

System Cost

$2,745

Funding Covered

100%

Sensors Installed

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The Challenge

Marie is a veteran with a DVA Gold Card and accepted disabilities including mobility issues. She wanted fall detection but wasn't sure which funding avenue to pursue.

The Solution

We helped Marie explore both DVA and potential Home Care Package options. She ultimately qualified for assistance through DVA for the initial purchase, with ongoing costs covered by her Gold Card benefits.

Timeline

DVA application March 2024, approved April 2024, installed May 2024

Outcomes

DVA covered full system as safety equipment
Ongoing subscription covered by Gold Card benefits
VA case manager assisted throughout process
System recognized as veteran-specific need
Marie feels her service is valued

“As a veteran, I didn't realize I could access this kind of support through DVA. The process was straightforward, and the team understood how to work with Veterans' Affairs.”

— Marie T.

Key Takeaways

DVA Gold Card holders can access equipment funding
Veterans' specific support available
DVA approval process similar to NDIS (4-6 weeks)
Ongoing costs can be covered by benefits

Robert K., 71

Adelaide, SA

Private Purchase

Not eligible for government funding, wanted immediate solution

Approval Time

Immediate

System Cost

$2,745

Funding Covered

0% (private), but potential future reimbursement

Sensors Installed

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The Challenge

Robert didn't qualify for NDIS (over 65, no disability before age 65) and was waiting for his ACAT assessment for a Home Care Package. He needed fall protection right away after a serious fall.

The Solution

Robert chose private purchase with a 12-month interest-free payment plan. The system was installed within 5 days of order. He's now documenting the system's benefits for his upcoming ACAT assessment.

Timeline

Ordered March 2024, installed within a week, payment plan over 12 months

Outcomes

Installation within 5 days of order
Fall detected and responded to in first month
Data helps demonstrate need for Home Care Package
Payment plan spreads cost to ~$230/month
Family contributes to monthly costs

“I couldn't wait months for a Home Care Package assessment. The payment plan meant I could afford it immediately, and the system already saved me from a bad fall.”

— Robert K.

Key Takeaways

Private purchase means no waiting period
Payment plans make costs manageable
System data can support future funding applications
Family cost-sharing is common

Sophia D., 58

Gold Coast, QLD

NDIS Funded

NDIS participant under 65, cerebral palsy

Approval Time

4 weeks from plan review

System Cost

$2,196

Funding Covered

100%

Sensors Installed

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The Challenge

Sophia has lived with cerebral palsy her whole life. As she ages, fall risks have increased. Her NDIS plan review was coming up, and she wanted to request assistive technology funding.

The Solution

We worked with Sophia's plan manager to prepare a comprehensive quote and justification for her plan review. The request was approved as part of her Assistive Technology budget category.

Timeline

Plan review September 2024, approved October 2024, installed November 2024

Outcomes

Approved during annual plan review
Covered under Assistive Technology category
Plan manager handled all documentation
Sophia's independence goals supported
Family able to monitor remotely

“This technology supports my NDIS goals around living independently. My plan manager made the process simple, and now I have 24/7 fall protection.”

— Sophia D.

Key Takeaways

Annual plan reviews are perfect time to request AT
Plan managers can streamline the process
Under-65 NDIS participants have strong eligibility
Technology supports independence goals

Thomas W., 69

Hobart, TAS

Home Care Package

Level 1 Home Care Package, limited budget

Approval Time

3 weeks

System Cost

$1,098

Funding Covered

100%

Sensors Installed

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The Challenge

Thomas had only a Level 1 package (~$9,000/year) and thought he couldn't afford comprehensive monitoring. He was using most of his package for domestic help.

The Solution

We designed a targeted 2-sensor system covering his bedroom and bathroom - the highest risk areas. His provider approved reallocating some funds, seeing the value in fall prevention.

Timeline

Consultation July 2024, approved August 2024, installed September 2024

Outcomes

Level 1 package CAN afford basic system
Strategic sensor placement in highest-risk areas
Monthly subscription fits within budget
Prevented fall in bathroom (most common location)
Thomas planning to request Level 2 upgrade

“I thought my Level 1 package was too small for this, but the team showed me how a strategic 2-sensor setup could cover my highest risks. It's been worth every cent.”

— Thomas W.

Key Takeaways

Even Level 1 packages can fund basic systems
Strategic placement maximizes limited budgets
Bathroom + bedroom cover most critical areas
Success can support package level upgrade requests

Elizabeth H., 47

Newcastle, NSW

NDIS Funded

Self-managed NDIS plan, multiple sclerosis

Approval Time

Immediate purchase, reimbursed within 2 weeks

System Cost

$2,745

Funding Covered

100%

Sensors Installed

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The Challenge

Elizabeth self-manages her NDIS plan and wanted complete control over her assistive technology choice. She researched several options and chose Aware Guardian for its privacy-respecting technology.

The Solution

As a self-managed participant, Elizabeth purchased directly and submitted the invoice to the NDIS. The process was quick, and she appreciated the control over choosing her preferred system.

Timeline

Researched June 2024, purchased July 2024, claimed reimbursement August 2024

Outcomes

Self-management meant faster decision-making
Full control over technology choice
Quick reimbursement process
Ongoing subscription claimed monthly
Elizabeth advocates for self-management

“Self-managing my NDIS plan meant I could choose exactly what I wanted without waiting for approvals. I researched thoroughly, chose Aware Guardian, and was reimbursed quickly.”

— Elizabeth H.

Key Takeaways

Self-managed plans offer maximum flexibility
Can choose technology without pre-approval
Reimbursement typically within 2-4 weeks
Requires keeping detailed invoices

George P. (Facility), 79

Retirement Village, Cairns, QLD

Home Care Package

Living in retirement village, Level 2 Home Care Package

Approval Time

6 weeks (coordination with village)

System Cost

$2,196

Funding Covered

100%

Sensors Installed

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The Challenge

George lives in a retirement village independent unit. The village management supported assistive technology, but George needed to arrange and fund it himself through his Home Care Package.

The Solution

George worked with both his package provider and village management. The system was approved and coordinated with village emergency response procedures for comprehensive coverage.

Timeline

Multi-party coordination May-July 2024, installed August 2024

Outcomes

Integrated with village emergency response
Village management now recommends to residents
Family notified AND village staff alerted on falls
George feels secure in independent living
Model for other retirement village residents

“Living in a retirement village doesn't mean giving up independence. My Home Care Package funded this system, which works alongside the village's emergency response. Perfect solution.”

— George P. (Facility)

Key Takeaways

Retirement villages can integrate with monitoring systems
Home Care Packages work in village settings
Coordination with facility management beneficial
Sets precedent for other residents

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