AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan social welfare organization available for all age groups. The organization has over 38 million members, many of which are above 50.
AARP provides opportunities and educational articles for seniors to make the most of their lives. There are also discounts on healthcare services available for members, and the site has a wealth of information on medical alert systems.
Although the membership requires a subscription fee, the overall amount that can be saved with the membership card more than makes up for it. Not to mention that AARP also helps seniors stay safe by uncovering common medical alert scams and explaining how to avoid them.
If you are already an AARP member – or are considering it – and are looking to protect yourself with a medical alert device, then we have three recommended providers worthy of your attention.
Medical Guardian has over two decades of experience in providing medical and security monitoring services. Aiming to help the elderly age gracefully and independently in their own homes, Medical Guardian offers accurate fall detection functionality along with wireless and mobile monitoring units for those without a phone line.
In addition to its array of monitoring equipment, the company’s main strength is the well-rounded personal emergency service that caters to the needs of seniors or recovering patients. Plus, in addition to the U.S., Medical Guardian also works in Puerto Rico (device restrictions may apply).
Although the company doesn’t offer long-term contracts, it still rewards customers who commit for a longer period with numerous benefits like monthly savings, free shipping, and a free lockbox. The payment plans are customer-friendly, with services starting at $27.95 per month, and you can reach out via phone at +1 (800) 863-8985 to get a customized quote.
Bay Alarm Medical offers a wide range of systems, from classic landline-based units to sleek smartwatches, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Regardless of the subscription, seniors get 24/7 monitoring with certified operators who can help in 180 languages.
As well as providing location tracking, fall detection, mobile apps, and water-resistant devices, the company offers extras like a lockbox. You can start monitoring for as low as $24.95 per month. Bay Alarm Medical provides a 30-day money-back guarantee to serve up a genuinely risk-free experience.
Lifeline (former Phillips Lifeline) is a medical alert system company with over 50 years of experience in the industry. It offers multiple solutions to help seniors maintain independence, even if they have medical concerns. The company works with specialized care agents who are available 24/7 and offer at-home and mobile solutions.
Among its features are fall detection, a mobile app, step tracking, and heart monitoring. Choosing yearly or semiannual plans rewards customers with free shipping and a lockbox. For improved accessibility, the company can be reached via its toll-free number +1 (888) 825-6710.
AARP doesn’t directly recommend medical alert systems. The organization looks after the senior community, but its activity emphasizes articles that inform seniors about the importance of medical alert systems for seniors and warn them about the latest scammer trends.
For example, AARP features a comprehensive buyer’s guide for those thinking about purchasing a medical alert device but unsure how to research the options available. Step by step, the guide discusses the necessary actions required for picking a medical alert system that suits the senior’s needs. The guide also goes into detail about the features that are currently trending for personal alarm systems.
Other articles deal with the subject in broader terms. For instance, there is an article that presents the benefits of having a medical alert system and argues why it’s a must-have for any elderly person living alone. It discusses automatic fall prevention and answers some common misconceptions. AARP also points out that help buttons only work if the senior in question is willing to participate.
The attention that AARP dedicates to following the latest scams involving medical alert systems can also be of utmost importance to ensure peace of mind for seniors and their relatives. There are articles on how to spot shady deals and why you should say no to seemingly free offers. However, AARP has also had to deal with scams abusing their name to diddle unsuspecting seniors out of their hard-earned money.
AARP provides an extensive catalog of discounts and bonuses for its members. The paid subscription alone promises a 25% reduction on monthly fees if you sign up for automatic renewals. It’s important to mention that seniors can include their spouse during the registration for free, meaning that the membership card – and its cost – can be shared.
Everyone with an account at AARP (even if they aren’t a paying member) has the opportunity to complete quizzes and use online tools. In exchange, the system rewards them with points, which can then be redeemed for gifts from the catalog or further price cuts on travel or healthcare service fees. As an extra benefit, subscribed members earn 50% more points.
But the most attractive trait of being part of the AARP community is the health benefits. Seniors who have obtained their member’s card receive various discounts on their prescriptions, have access to exclusive dental insurance, and can purchase hearing aids with a 15% discount. The list also includes a guide for cost-effective Medicare plans, 25% savings on glasses, and many other highly beneficial options.
The organization also provides AARP medical alert systems discounts for a few solutions on the market. As mentioned above, it’s possible to get a 15% extra discount on Lifeline, as well as free shipping and free activation by being an AARP member. Additionally, subscribers can get 15% off both ADT’s 24/7 professional monitoring services and its invisaWeal accessories and jewelry.
No, AARP does not provide discounts on Life Alert. In other words, Life Alert’s cost per month for AARP members is the same for non-members. It’s also important to mention that while Life Alert has almost become a synonym for medical alert systems, popularity doesn’t always mean high quality.
For starters, Life Alert locks you in a 3-year contract where you can only cancel if the user passes away or goes to a nursing home. Other drawbacks include the lack of fall detection, high monthly prices, and no pricing on their website. So, we recommend going with a Life Alert alternative.
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