Notes

How Much Does a St John Alarm Cost?
Medical alarms typically feature a base unit connected to the copper network phone line and a pendant that can be worn as either necklace or wristband, with an alarm range spanning 100m to 350m and providing unlimited ambulance callouts nationwide; proceeds from sales of such services help fund ambulance service providers.
Cost

An emergency medical alarm can provide peace of mind and ensure help is readily available at the push of a button in an emergency. Medical alarms have the power to save lives by eliminating delays in summoning ambulances and decreasing risks such as falls or medical events that require intervention, as well as alleviate some stress on family members worrying about loved ones living alone.

St John medical alarms cost less than many people think and can be obtained for free by those eligible for disability allowance or SuperGold cards. Your physician can complete a disability allowance medical alarm assessment form(external link), while speaking to your GP about applying for one can get one as well.

The Ministry of Social Development has approved several accredited suppliers, such as Freedom Medical Alarms (owned jointly by Wellington Free Ambulance and Healthcare of New Zealand Holdings), Red Wolf Monitoring, St John and VitalCall (owned by Chubb). WINZ Medical Alarm Each of these is required to adhere to an approved complaints procedure while offering services at a cost that falls within reasonable parameters - typically $15 weekly.
Coverage

Hato Hone St John provides an in-home alarm system that connects directly with their medical alert service. Their alarm options include home and away alarms as well as an emergency response pendant or wristband for when out and about. Depending on your healthcare circumstances, government funding may even be available to cover the cost of purchasing one of these alarms.

The WINZ disability allowance covers most of the cost associated with purchasing a medical alarm in Aotearoa New Zealand. To access funding, it will require your GP completing a form and agreeing that an alarm is necessary.

Medical alarm companies typically offer a 30-day trial period to help you decide if their alarms are the best fit. You will need to provide 30 days' notice if cancelling, though if canceling without giving notice will require paying any remaining balance from the rental agreement.
Complaints process

Medical alarms offer peace of mind by promising that at the press of a button help will come quickly, but concerns over high costs and aggressive sales tactics have led to changes within the industry. Many individuals purchase their systems from suppliers accredited by the Ministry of Social Development; they must abide by set service standards while offering reasonable monthly costs at $15 or less; doorknocking or cold-calling potential customers is prohibited under their code of conduct agreement.

An 87-year-old from Katikati has lost faith in St John medical alarm service after they failed to carry out welfare checks or provide emergency ambulance dispatch in a timely fashion. Allen believes this subpar service puts residents in his small Bay of Plenty town at risk and is planning to bring his fight for better emergency care to Parliament. St John has issued an apology and stated they are reviewing their procedures accordingly.
Installation

St John alarms provide home and mobile alarms to ensure people remain safe. Their medical alarms can also support independence, confidence and allow families to live life on their terms. Pressing a pendant or wrist band medical alarm anywhere can trigger it and call an ambulance, contact family or request emergency services assistance - potentially saving lives in an instant!

Finance the cost of a St John medical alarm through Work and Income or Disability Allowance. To do this, clients must have their GP fill out a form verifying they require one; then it will be matched up with an accredited supplier.

Red Wolf and Freedom, two accredited suppliers in New Zealand, offer 30-day trials; however, clients must give at least this notice period should they wish to cancel the contract; it is required by New Zealand law.
Website: https://familyalert.co.nz/