Falls are a major health issue in Australia, with research showing that around 30% of adults over 65 experience at least one fall each year. As our population ages, this challenge is growing—and the cost of falls is projected to reach approximately $1.4 billion by 2051.
Fortunately, assistive technology can provide valuable support to help older Australians maintain independence and safety at home. For those receiving assistance through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme, eligible individuals may qualify for a no-cost personal alarm system via geat2GO and Tunstall.
What Is GEAT?
Goods, Equipment and Assistive Technology (GEAT) is a service category within the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) that helps older Australians access the assistive technology they need to stay safe and independent at home. This funding programme enables service providers to deliver essential supports, such as personal alarms, mobility equipment, and daily living aids.
GEAT services are designed for older Australians who want to maintain their independence with some practical support. If someone is able to live independently but needs some assistance, and doesn’t yet require more intensive aged care services, GEAT may be the right option.
What is geat2GO?
Geat2GO works as a national GEAT provider within CHSP, filling service gaps in locations where local GEAT providers can’t meet the demand. This service operates as a fallback solution—local GEAT providers within the client’s Aged Care Planning Region must be considered and exhausted first before accessing geat2GO.
What sets this initiative apart is that geat2GO is a nationwide model for distributing GEAT to clients throughout Australia. With geat2GO, eligible older Australians can obtain fully funded or subsidised assistive technology and equipment, including mobility supports, bathroom safety devices, daily living tools, and personal alarms.
How geat2GO Differs from Other GEAT Providers
Standard GEAT providers are typically given allocated amounts of specific equipment to supply within their defined geographic areas, and they’re required to provide services only within those boundaries. Extensions beyond these boundaries require the use of CHSP flexibility provision rules.
In comparison, geat2GO spreads its total funding nationally, responding to needs in any Australian region where gaps exist. This Australia-wide model makes geat2GO an important backup system for fair assistive technology access, though it also emphasises the need for thoughtful referral practices to keep within budget constraints.
Who Can Prescribe and Refer to geat2GO?
Personal alarms available through geat2GO must be prescribed by qualified aged care assessors and allied health professionals. Healthcare professionals can confirm whether they’re able to prescribe particular products by entering the product name into the platform’s keyword search field.
Eligibility for personal alarms and other assistive equipment is determined by CHSP and Home Care Package (HCP) guidelines, and all clients must be registered with My Aged Care.
Funding Allocation and Limits
The Australian Government has provided $43 million for geat2GO’s 2025 financial year operations. While other GEAT providers receive funding through grants, geat2GO works with a set budget for the complete financial year. Because of this, geat2GO is unable to secure additional funding as it lacks access to the flexibility provisions that other CHSP providers can use.
Yearly funding caps for assistive technology through geat2GO span from $1,000 to $2,500 based on each person’s situation. Given these funding constraints, thoughtful referral management and careful client prioritisation are essential.
What is the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP)?
The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) provides entry-level aged care services designed to help older Australians live independently and confidently at home. Through tailored, practical support, CHSP enables individuals to maintain their wellbeing and quality of life in familiar surroundings.
Depending on each person’s situation, CHSP support may be:
- Short term – to meet immediate or temporary needs
- Episodic – provided for a set period to help improve function, confidence, or capacity
- Ongoing – when regular assistance is needed to support continued independence
CHSP is designed for older people who need some help to remain independent, but it is not intended for:
- Individuals with complex, or high-level care needs
- Permanent residents of aged care homes
- People whose needs are better met through other aged care programmes
In some cases, CHSP services may also be available to individuals who are:
- Registered under the Disability Support for Older Australians Program, or
- Receiving a Home Care Package
What Services Are Under the CHSP?
The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) helps older Australians live independently and safely at home by providing entry-level care and support. The CHSP Service Catalogue (2025–27) outlines the range of services available through approved providers across Australia. These services fall under several key areas:
- Home Support
Home Support services assist older people with everyday tasks so they can continue living comfortably at home.
These can include:
- Allied health and therapy – physiotherapy, podiatry, or speech therapy
- Domestic help – cleaning, shopping, and laundry
- Home maintenance and gardening
- Respite care – in-home or community-based
- Personal care and nursing – help with self-care and medication
- Social activities and transport – to stay connected and active
- Assistive Technology
Assistive Technology (AT) includes devices and products that support daily living and safety, such as mobility aids, communication tools, and medical equipment.
- Home Modifications
Home Modifications involve practical adjustments that make homes safer and more accessible—like ramps, grab rails, and bathroom upgrades.
- Advisory Services
Advisory Services provide expert guidance and support in areas such as dementia, continence, hearing, and vision. They also assist clients in navigating available care and advocacy options.
- Sector Support and Development
This area helps CHSP providers improve service delivery and prepare for upcoming aged care reforms to ensure better outcomes for older Australians.
How to Register and Refer Through geat2GO
Registration Process for Healthcare Professionals
Aged care assessors and allied health professionals must complete registration on the geat2GO portal to begin making referrals.
Step 1: Sign Up for Access: Go to the official geat2GO portal and submit the registration form. Completing registration gives healthcare professionals access to the full GEAT product catalogue, allowing them to submit online equipment requests on behalf of their clients.
Step 2: Professional Verification: Geat2GO reviews professional credentials and activates accounts once verified. This verification process ensures that only appropriately qualified healthcare professionals and aged care assessors have the ability to request equipment.
Step 3: Browse Available Products: Once the account is active, healthcare professionals can familiarise themselves with the equipment options available on geat2GO. The full GEAT equipment catalogue can be viewed under the Products link or can be found by entering product names in the keyword search fields across the platform.
Submitting a Personal Alarm Referral
Step 1: Begin the Request Process: Healthcare professionals should sign into geat2GO.org.au with the client present, and make sure to obtain their consent before moving forward with the referral.
Step 2: Provide My Aged Care Details: The referral should either be processed through My Aged Care or the client’s My Aged Care referral code should be entered into the geat2GO request. This code confirms their CHSP eligibility and links the request to the correct funding streams.
Step 3: Equipment Processing and Client Support Plan: Once approved, geat2GO moves forward with ordering the selected equipment. The client receives a customised support plan that outlines when the equipment will arrive, how to use it properly, and includes a booked telehealth consultation.
Step 4: Post-Delivery Support and Progress Check: Once the equipment arrives, geat2GO reaches out to clients to verify they’re successfully using the device to meet their objectives. If further assistance is required, another appointment will be scheduled. Clients who have achieved their outcomes are then successfully transitioned out of the programme.
Selecting the Right Personal Alarm Type
When prescribing a personal alarm through geat2GO, it’s essential to consider each person’s unique requirements and daily routines. Different personal alarm types provide various features suited to particular situations.
Home-Based Alarms
Built for use within the home and nearby areas like gardens, these alarms work well for individuals who mainly stay at home.
Key Features:
- Small, lightweight, and waterproof construction for all-day comfortable wear
- Battery-free operation means no charging hassles
Community Alarms
Available as pendants or watches, these devices work both indoors and outdoors. They include SIM cards that send location data when alerts are triggered, making them suitable for individuals who regularly leave home.
Key Features:
- GPS location tracking helps emergency responders locate the person when they’re away from home
- Needs regular charging every one to two days; may not suit individuals who find it difficult to maintain consistent charging habits
Professionally Monitored Alarms
When an alert is triggered, the person is connected to a trained care specialist, usually within 30 seconds. This monitoring option is ideal for individuals without immediate family support or with carers experiencing stress.
Key Features:
- Quick professional assistance from trained specialists available around the clock
- Takes pressure off family carers by removing the need for constant on-call availability, helping reduce carer burnout
Family Monitored Alarms
These alarms send notifications to chosen family members or carers through text message or phone call when triggered. This option may be suitable for individuals with family members who can respond right away.
Key Features:
- Family members need to be available at all times, including during nighttime hours when falls frequently happen
- If round-the-clock family response isn’t possible, professionally monitored alarms offer more dependable support
How Tunstall Supports the geat2GO Programme
Tunstall Healthcare has recently been accepted into the geat2GO programme, expanding access to our trusted assistive technology solutions for older Australians. We support assessors and allied health professionals throughout the GEAT and geat2GO referral process, providing guidance and technical information to ensure clients receive the right personal alarm solution for their needs.
Our Tunstall Gem4 personal alarm is now available through geat2GO, offering reliable Connected Care technology that helps individuals maintain their independence and safety at home. This advanced 4G mobile personal alarm system is designed to work both indoors and outdoors.
Key Features:
- Easy-to-use SOS button with accurate GPS location tracking
- Optional automatic fall detection capability
- Water-resistant design (IP67 rating) suitable for showering
- Choice of 24/7 professional monitoring or family-monitored options
With more than 60 years of experience in technology-enabled care, Tunstall is committed to delivering solutions that enhance quality of life and provide peace of mind for individuals and their families. Personal alarms requested through geat2GO typically arrive within one to two weeks, ensuring timely access to the safety and support needed for independent living.If you’re an allied health professional looking to prescribe Tunstall personal alarms through geat2GO, or if you’d like to learn more about our Connected Care solutions, contact our team today to learn how we can support your clients’ independence and safety.
