Where is the Best Place to Purchase a Medical Alert System? Medical alert systems bring an added sense of safety to the wearer and give peace of mind to their loved ones. For elderly or disabled individuals who live independently, it's important to have a quick means of communication to alert someone in case of an emergency. This could be a fall, the onset of a heart attack, or some other medical crisis. Medical alert systems contact emergency services to provide urgent care to the wearer.
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LifeStation is a privately-owned business that has grown to be one of the largest medical alert services in the United States. They offer 24/7 emergency support all throughout the country and have partnered with leading institutions for seniors like Aetna, VFW, American Legion, Kaiser Permanente, and more. LifeStation has also been featured by Forbes, USA Today, the Washington Post, and Consumer Reports.
Explore 4 systems
You can explore all the systems offered by LifeStation on their website and either order online or call one of their senior care experts if it's easier for you. They have 4 systems you can choose from to fit your unique needs. The first option is the Sidekick Home Medical Alert System. This waterproof pendant (or wristband) has optional fall detection and up to 600 feet of range. It does not require a landline since it can connect to AT&T's wireless network. The standard monthly cost is $39.95/month or you can pay $43.90/month with an included protection plan that guarantees a replacement if the device stops working due to hardware or technical problems. If you want fall detection with your Sidekick Home and the protection plan, the cost is $51.85/month. You'll also need to pay an activation fee of $99.95.
Ultimate flexibility
The Sidekick is LifeStation's mobile medical alert system. This gives wearers flexibility to be at the grocery store, out with friends, or on vacation and keep a sense of safety with their button. It also works for being around the house, so you can always be where you want to be. This small device is worn as a pendant and uses a 4G LTE network rather than a landline. It's water resistant and has a test button on the side that you can use every so often to make sure your device is in tip-top shape. The standard plan for the Sidekick is $39.95/month, the Select plan with a warranty is $47.90/month, and the Supreme plan includes fall detection for $55.85/month. The one-time activation fee is $99.95.
Additional features
If you want some additional features with your medical alert system, the smartwatch would fit this. It's stylish and wearable, giving users the ability to track their steps, show the weather, monitor their heart rate, and, of course, call for emergency help. The watch is water resistant and can always provide an accurate location for loved ones to monitor. This product is $47.90/month and requires a one-time activation fee of $99.95.
Safety meets fashion
A unique device found at LifeStation is their "Luxury" which is a stylish medical alert system. It comes on a 30" brass chain and has what appears to be a blue gem in the middle. The necklace uses a 4G LTE network to enable GPS and has 200 feet of range. If you find yourself in a difficult situation, you simply press down on the gem and you'll immediately be connected to a senior care expert. This necklace is by far the most discreet option for a medical alert system. It is advertised starting at $47.90/month, but we weren't actually able to add it to our cart, so it may not be available at this time.
No sales
Shipping is $12.50 for any system you choose and there were no major offers while we were shopping that would give any sort of free shipping discount or take a percentage off of a device.
Trial offer
We're glad to see that LifeStation offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. You can try out any of their medical alert systems during this time and return it for a full refund if you aren't satisfied with the results.
Not the best warranty
The protection plans from LifeStation are actually not that awesome. For over $8/month, all their warranty says is that if your device stops working due to hardware or technical problems, they'll replace it. We hope this also covers accidental damage done by the wearer if it is dropped or spilled on, but it's not clear. If there is a hardware error, that's something that seems like it should be covered even if we aren't paying monthly.
Incredible customer service
LifeStation has an "A+" rating from the Better Business Bureau and really positive ratings from customers. Their senior care experts are polite, kind, and can be reached at all hours. In urgent, pressing situations, people are impressed with how calmly the care experts handle things and how knowledgeable they are. People seem to really get attached to the senior care expert that they work with because they're so friendly and accommodating.
Simple and safe
We like that LifeStation has really simple options for medical alert systems. The pricing is competitive and we're glad that they offer a 30-day trial. It would be nice to get more information on a warranty, but surely a team member could clarify the warranty on the device you choose if you call them for setup. There's a helpful FAQ section on LifeStation's website that covers many general inquiries, so it would be worth breezing through those for a good company overview. However, from what we see of LifeStation, this is a safe choice for medical alert systems, so they've earned a solid rating.
Continued from above...
Medical alert systems bring an added sense of safety to the wearer and give peace of mind to their loved ones. For elderly or disabled individuals who live independently, it's important to have a quick means of communication to alert someone in case of an emergency. This could be a fall, the onset of a heart attack, or some other medical crisis. Medical alert systems contact emergency services to provide urgent care to the wearer.
You might think, "Why not just use a cell phone to call for help"? Well, sometimes the time it takes to dial a phone number or look up a phone contact will take too long. Also, it's likely that if someone fell out of their car or even around the house, they may not have their phone in hand. Plus, some patients who show signs of dementia may get confused and not know who to call when it comes down to it - or not have the dexterity to dial.
Medical alert systems can be worn as a bracelet or necklace, so they stay out of the way, but are conveniently accessible at all times. Some companies have shower-mounted devices that can withstand heat and moisture. No matter how you wear your device or where it is, the point is that they're as easy as clicking a single button to connect to an operator and ask for help. A neat feature available with some medical alert systems is the ability for the device to detect a fall before the person even calls for help. This could be life-saving if someone was unable to speak or move due to their fall.
There are quite a few companies that offer medical alert services. Some have a long-established history and tons of feedback from customers. Others are newly entering the industry, so it's important to do a lot of research about each one to find a company that will be responsive to the wearer, keep up-to-date with latest technologies, and be around for a long time. Look for a company that's really transparent with their pricing so you won't be overpaying or confused about what the price will be month-to-month.
We've thoroughly explored many of the companies that sell medical alert systems. They each offer a slightly different variety of features and pricing plans, so you'll need to go with the one that will be the best solution for yourself or your loved one. We've highlighted a few things that we recommend you look for specifically as you shop around:
To give you the best, most reliable experience with a medical safety device, the experts at Top Consumer Reviews have vetted multiple companies and done plenty of research on the pros and cons of each. We hope this information proves valuable guidance to help you find a medical device company that gives you an added sense of safety!
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How to Choose a Medical Alert System
Each year many sick and elderly people encounter accidents and health issues that needlessly take their lives. Medical alert systems can make all the difference in the world for those living alone and in distress. In an emergency, medical alert units create a direct line of communication to needed assistance. If a person falls or becomes ill they simply press a button on a pendant or wrist transmitter to gain the attention of an emergency specialist. That person will immediately call the authorities to send help if needed. The fear of a loved one waiting hours or even days for assistance is no longer an issue with a medical alert system available.
If this is your first medical alert system purchase you may be looking for help with choosing the right device. Making a well informed decision will ensure you get the most for your money and are satisfied with the end result.
There are several important elements to consider when choosing a medical alert system. Some of these include:
Equipment
Not all equipment is created equal. The medical alert button needs to be easy to wear and use. Some may want a unit that's water proof and sturdy to handle showers. If hearing is an issue you'll want a unit that is easy to adjust and has adequate volume options. Knowing the size of the home and how far the transmitter will reach is also important. You'll want UL tested equipment with
a good
history. Look for products with a battery back-up should the power go out. Also look to see how often batteries need to be replaced. Some batteries last a few months while others last for years. Ask about installation and if a professional is required and how much that will cost.
Warranty
If something happens to the equipment you'll want to make sure it comes with a guarantee. Preferably, the company will replace any broken equipment at no cost. Also look for a company that regularly tests the in home system for good working . Are extended customer support hours available should an issue or question come up about the equipment.
Monitoring Center
In the event of an emergency you'll want a company that provides fast, top notch service. A monitoring company that utilizes its own employees, and doesn't outsource, will most likely provide the best overall service. One that is accountable and well staffed. Does the monitoring company have back-up power, during outages, and are they UL certified?
Cost and Contracts
All medical alert companies price their equipment and monthly monitoring fees differently. Some will sell you the equipment and then charge a monthly fee while others will allow you to rent the equipment and including the monitoring costs in the monthly charges. Some require a several year contract while others are more flexible. If you decide to cancel the contract early
you
may encounter an early termination fee. Make sure you understand any fees associated with a medical alert system you're considering.
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