Key messages
- The PAV program and service guidelines should be used by managers and assessors of authorised assessment agencies
- There is an on-line self paced training tool for assessors
- PAV applicants must be assessed as eligible by either HACC PYP Assessment Services, Community Health Services, Aged Care Assessment Services, Regional Assessment Services, nominated District Nursing Services, public funded Community Rehabilitation Centres or Multi-purpose services
- Applicants can contact the PAV service provider directly to find out which local agency undertakes PAV assessments or be referred by a doctor, or a community or health service, to an assessment service
- Applicants can refer themselves for assessment directly to one of the authorised assessment services
- Applicants must need the mandatory daily monitoring provided, and meet the eligibility criteria in the PAV assessment record, as well as technical requirements
- The Better Health Channel and Seniors Online provides information for potential users.
Information for assessment agencies
The PAV program and service guidelines explain the service and the assessment policies, processes and tools. They have been developed for managers and staff of assessment agencies, the PAV service provider, PAV response service providers, policy makers, and department staff.
Assessors should refer to the PAV Assessment Guidelines at Appendix 2 for considerations about each eligibility criteria, technical information and nominated contact information.
There is an online self-paced training tool for assessors. The online training will complement induction for new assessors as well as assist experienced staff who are looking to refresh their knowledge about PAV assessment.
Eligibility criteria
Applicants must meet all three of the following mandatory criteria. They must:
- need and agree to daily monitoring
- be capable of using, and willing to wear, the PAV pendant at all times
- live alone, or be alone for most of the day or evening, or live with a person who cannot get to the phone in an emergency or who is unable to use the phone.
And meet at least two of the following:
- have fallen at least once and needed medical attention in the past six months
- suffer from a major medical condition or chronic condition that puts them at risk of medical emergencies or has some ongoing effect on health or wellbeing
- take six or more different medications permanently prescribed by a medical practitioner or doctor.
The PAV assessment record lists the major medical conditions and chronic conditions, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart attack, stroke, diabetes, Parkinson's disease, neurological condition and physical disability.
Technical requirements
Applicants must also meet the technical requirements for PAV, and they are responsible for organising and paying for the technical requirements.
If the applicant cannot meet the technical requirements, they are removed from the waiting list.
If applicants meet the technical requirements after they are removed from the waiting list (within 12 months of their original application), they can contact the PAV provider directly and be placed at the top of the waiting list.
Information for people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
Information about PAV assessments and eligibility is available in a number of community .
Alternatives to PAV
There are alternatives to PAV for Victorians who are not eligible for PAV or do not want PAV.
Information for clients and their nominated contacts
Slips, trips and falls - how to prevent them and stay independent.
Reviewed 09 September 2015