Stemming from the desire for independence and reluctance to recognize their increasing frailty, seniors are often resistant to the idea of owning a medical alert device. However, for older people living at home alone and unmonitored, an emergency button for the elderly may mean the difference between life and death.
One of the most popular medical alert systems is Life Alert, known for its 90’s slogan: “Help! I’ve fallen, and I can’t get up!” Yet popularity doesn’t always mean quality. The competition is intense, and there are many worthwhile Life Alert alternatives to consider. However, each service’s features need to be closely analyzed to see whether it’s appropriate for your needs before making a commitment.
Life Alert’s success and popularity aren’t news to anyone. Its ad campaigns, product placements, and memorable commercials featuring scenarios of seniors in distress using a life alert button have become a part of popular culture. Plus, with more than three decades of medical alert systems industry expertise, the brand has established its name and is seen as credible and trustworthy.
Nonetheless, when laid out alongside its competitors, Life Alert falls short in some respects. It’s expensive and doesn’t include a free trial, money-back guarantee, or automatic fall detection. It has an obligatory minimum 3-year contract and charges high cancellation fees. Luckily, many Life Alert alternatives are now upping the stakes with better deals and features.
Whether it’s because of poor signal range or a lack of features – there are many reasons why seniors may want to cancel their Life Alert subscription. However, this is not an easy task. Its lengthy minimum contract can only be canceled if the user passes away or is relocated to a nursing facility.
Even then, there are penalty fees depending on the subscription that can go up to $200. Unfortunately, none of this information is available on Life Alert’s website, implying poor transparency. The only way to request the termination of a Life Alert contract is by calling the company directly.
There are plenty of medical alert systems to choose from, and while most of them share core features like emergency response or 24/7 assistance, it’s essential to delve deeper into the product. To make sure we found the best Life Alert system alternative, we established the following set of criteria:
Taking these points into consideration will result not only in a comprehensive evaluation of a life alert system but also in helping discover any extras that can enhance the quality of service. So, we highly recommend to following the same list of criteria when shopping for a medical alert system. Of course, you should personalize it to cater to your needs.
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.
With MobileHelp's medical alert system, wherever you go, you’ll be protected. One convenient characteristic shared by most of its products is that they don’t need a landline to function.
When it comes to on-the-go options, the MobileHelp Solo station and lightweight two-way-communication Micro button works with a cellular network. Family members can use their computers or smartphones to locate the device’s wearer via the caregiver tools, granting them extra peace of mind.
MobileHelp aims to be a supporter, not just a protector, and its wide range of additional accessories can help improve aging adults’ everyday lives. All these come at reasonable prices, with the service starting at a mere $22.80 per month with a yearly subscription. There are also several discounts and even one month for free. Readers can contact the sales team through the toll-free number +1 (800) 809-9247 to know more.
Connect America has over 45 years of experience in the medical alert system industry under its belt, with its Medical Alert more than exemplifying this impressive track record. The service provides reassurance to loved ones while also offering seniors the ability to maintain an independent and safe lifestyle. Its one-touch SOS buttons connect the user to a monitoring agent, who evaluates the situation and provides help accordingly.
Medical Alert helps users in any situation with portable devices that include GPS and fall detection. Its cheapest plan is $19.95 per month, billed annually, and includes free shipping, a lockbox, and its mobile app. To top it off, the company also provides thorough product guides and a toll-free number – +1 (855) 578-9807.
Saves Lives When Seconds Count®️ is LifeFone‘s motto when it comes to medical alert care. In business since 1976, the company’s services have earned widespread recognition in the U.S. In addition to landline and cellular home base units, the medical alert system provider also offers several on-the-go solutions for the more active customers. While the at-home units include room temperature detection, the mobile devices come with all the bells and whistles. Of course, the monitoring team works around the clock to make sure LifeFone members get instant help from the operators when needed. Plus, the VIPx®️ Caregiver Mobile App can offer extra peace of mind to users and their loved ones. All products are also reasonably priced, not to mention that there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee to try out LifeFone without instant commitments. It’s worth getting in touch with the company at +1 (855) 203-4697 to get a free quote.
When shopping for jeans, you would never choose the one-size-fits-all pair. Instead, you would likely hunt for your size and style to ensure you buy the most comfortable and affordable option. The same approach should be taken when selecting a medical alert system for seniors.
Research is an essential part of this process, and there is a wide variety of personal emergency response systems out there that can be perfect for any kind of user and their health condition. We recommend that you try out some of the free trials and promotions offered by these Life Alert alternatives, which will help you get one step closer to finding the most suitable solution for your specific needs.
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