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.
Fair
Lifeline boasts that they were the first to provide a personal alert service in North America and has the largest subscriber base of any medical alert system company. The company originated from a question posed by gerontologist Andrew Dibner in 1972, wondering what an elderly person would do if they were alone and needed help. Dr. Dibner envisioned a personal emergency response system and turned the concept into reality two years later. The company was officially founded in 1974 and became public in 1983 as they continued to make advancements like waterproof alert buttons and fall detection systems.
Round the clock assistance
Lifeline fields an average of 18,000 calls per day with the help of their 200-person team of trained care specialists. They offer support in 140 languages and have 24/7 emergency help when you or your loved one needs it. Lifeline's average time to answer a call is 30 seconds, so you'll quickly be connected to a live agent.
Product selection quiz
You can easily browse the different products offered by Lifeline or save yourself a bit of time and take their product selection quiz. It will ask if you plan to use your system away from home, if you want it to track your heart rate and steps, if you're worried about falls, if you have a landline, and so on. In the end you'll be matched with the best product to fit your lifestyle and needs. Or, if you're someone who prefers some personalized help, you could call Lifeline or fill out their online form to have someone contact you and walk you through each system.
For around the house
For those who just need a system to give them peace of mind while they're at home, there are two options for this. The HomeSafe landline comes with an in-home safe communicator and help button (lanyard or wristband) and requires a landline. It has 800 feet of range and a 30-hour backup battery. There is a one-time setup fee of $99.95 and costs $29.95/month. You could also pay $335.40 annually which makes the monthly cost ever so slightly cheaper. Additionally, if you want fall detection, that's another $15/month (more than what most places charge). The cellular version essentially has all the same features, but is $39.95/month or $419.40 yearly. The product page advertises free shipping on yearly contracts, but we noticed that we were still being charged $29.95 at checkout for shipping.
For an active lifestyle
For customers who live an active lifestyle, coming and going all throughout the day, the "On the Go" system is worth looking into. This 2-way talk pendant device comes in a standard or mini size with GPS location technology, a battery that lasts up to 4 days on a single charge, and a charging cradle. The standard button is $44.95 monthly or $479.40/year. Fall detection can be added to this device for an extra $15/month. The mini size is slightly more expensive at $49.95/month or $539.40/year. Both incur a one-time fee of $99.95 for setup.
For the smartwatch wearers
If you're a fan of the smartwatch that we've seen some medical alert system companies introduce, then you'll be intrigued by what Lifeline's is like. It has a built-in button to quickly connect you to a care specialist with integrated GPS tracking. The watch also has a heart rate monitor, step tracking, and can display basic information like the date and time. It has nearly identical features to other medical alert watches we've seen, so the main difference is the style, which resembles other smart watches from popular brands. The monthly plan for the watch is $39.95 or you can pay $419.40 annually. You'll also be charged the one-time device fee of $159.
Perks with annual plans
Whenever you sign up for an annual payment plan through Lifeline, you'll get free shipping and a free lockbox.
Not our favorite product pages
We started to get a headache trying to differentiate among the different products here and even get straightforward pricing. You're shown the monthly cost if you pay month-to-month, semi-annually, or yearly, but you have to go to checkout to see what the yearly or semi-annual total would actually be. We also wish there was information about device warranties or refund policies here. They don't list this information on their website, so it is definitely something worth asking about if you give the company a call for more information.
Decent reviews
Lifeline has an "A+" rating from the Better Business Bureau with mostly good customer reviews. Some people say that Lifeline is well worth the cost while others feel the company is a bit disorganized, especially when it comes to product returns and refunds. Overall, people are pleased with their service and don't have major issues to complain about, but their reviews didn't blow us away like the highest-rated companies we've rated have.
Ups and down
We'd say Lifeline is a decent company for medical alert systems. They're reputable and would provide a reliable service, but choosing your device and getting all the information you need straight from their website could be easier in our opinion. They charge shipping on monthly subscriptions to their service and there is a device/setup fee for any device you choose. This isn't our favorite choice, so they've not earned a high 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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