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.
24/7/365 monitoring | |
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Medical monitoring | |
2-way communication | |
Fall detection |
Lifeline's medical alert devices provide a reliable monitoring service through its centralized response centers. HIPPA-compliant, professionally trained care specialists are available 24/7, 365 days a year. Its response centers are prepared to remain operational during power outages or unforeseen disasters. Plus, the company serves customers in the U.S. and Canada and is accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Lifeline ensures assistance, regardless of the caller’s language. Most of its agents speak Spanish, and if necessary, assistance is available in more than 150 languages via a third-party interpreter agency. Whenever a help button is pushed, it takes an average of 30 seconds to get in touch with an operator.
After carefully assessing the situation, these care agents might dispatch the closest emergency personnel or contact previously designated family members or caregivers. The agents will also call back the senior in 30 minutes to check whether they have received proper help.
Lifeline's fall detection feature, available on all plans, is meant to negate one of the biggest fears for seniors: becoming incapacitated after a fall and unable to call for help. The automatic fall detection pendant combines accelerometers with barometric sensors and monitors all readings with a special algorithm that differentiates sudden movements from actual falls.
In cases where the wearer collapses, the device sends a distress signal to the response center so that care agents can act accordingly. While fall detection systems aren’t 100% reliable due to their sensor’s blind spots, they significantly enhance the safety of people at risk of falling.
The medical alert mobile subscription comes with My Lifeline – an exclusive app for seniors and their caregivers. The app consists of many features that enhance the system’s monitoring capabilities, providing greater convenience and peace of mind.
Patient | Caregiver |
---|---|
Check the system’s battery status | Check the system’s battery status |
Manage subscription | Manage subscription |
Access to Care Notes | Access to Care Notes |
- | Get real-time push notifications |
- | Check device’s GPS location |
With features like care notes, real-time alerts, and location monitoring, the mobile app allows for a comprehensive safety strategy, creating a supportive environment where both patients and caregivers can feel at ease.
With caregivers in mind, we’d like to highlight Lifeline's all-inclusive approach to preventive care, provided by the CareSage Analytics platform. It’s primarily tailored to healthcare providers looking to keep close tabs on their patients. It offers:
Central units | |
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Wireless/cellular systems | |
Wrist pendants | |
Necklaces |
Lifeline offers a range of medical alert system solutions designed explicitly for homebound and on-the-move individuals. Each includes the necessary features to ensure patient safety, regardless of activity or location.
Lifeline's in-home medical alert system unit is called HomeSafe. It has landline and cellular options. While cellular connections are more reliable, offering enhanced mobility and convenience, landline options are still needed for people living in remote areas with limited cellular service. In this case, the only difference in both packages is its connectivity, as both offer the same equipment.
It includes a base station with two-way communication that works even from a great distance. In fact, the wearable emergency button has a connection range of up to 800ft. Since the company aims to cover the customers in every possible scenario, the hubs also have a long-lasting backup battery that keeps the system running for 30 hours without power.
Fortunately, its buttons are small and designed to be worn as a necklace or wristband. They’re waterproof up to one meter for 30 minutes, so the wearer doesn’t need to worry when showering or washing dishes. The cherry on top is that Lifeline products self-test regularly to check whether the system is operational.
Thanks to Lifeline's On The Go devices, aging adults with active lifestyles can also enjoy the protection of a medical alert system. The system combines the traditional HomeSafe base station and the mobile help button.
The advanced pendant has a button to call for help, which doesn’t require a base station due to its cellular connectivity. Since it’s fitted with the same two-way communication technology as the base unit, the elderly person wearing it can talk and listen to the monitoring agent while staying outdoors.
Customers have two options available: standard and mini. They share most of the features, with the only differences being the device design and size. While the standard device is larger and requires a charging dock to recharge, the mini is more compact and includes a wireless charging station. Both are waterproof, can be worn as a necklace or in a belt clip, are compatible with fall detection and mobile apps, and include GPS location technology.
Lifeline provides a smartwatch as an alternative to traditional medical alert solutions. The package includes a charging cradle, power cord, and quick start guide alongside the smartwatch. This option allows seniors to avoid the stigma of wearing help buttons, offering a sleek and modern design that seamlessly integrates with their everyday attire.
Although it shares features with other products, such as GPS tracking, waterproof protection, and compatibility with fall detection and mobile apps, it offers additional benefits. These include:
Lifeline is one of the few medical alert companies offering professional installation. Seniors who live alone and lack the proper technical skills may call customer support to schedule a visit from a company representative who will deliver the equipment and set it up. While this is an excellent option, it isn’t free; customers must pay a one-time fee of $99.
Alternatively, DIY installation is still an option. In this case, customers receive the package via ground shipping, which includes a user manual with instructions for a smooth activation process. The first step is to plug the base station into a landline connection (if applicable) and into a power outlet, followed by the charging cradle. The second step is to conduct a range test and contact the monitoring center for the first time to confirm the device’s activation and that it’s working properly.
Activation fee | $99.95-$159 |
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Lifetime price guarantee | |
Free spouse monitoring | |
Free shipping |
Lifeline offers straightforward pricing with no lock-ins, hidden fees, or long-term contracts. The company has three billing options for its four medical alert products: monthly, semiannual, and annual. The longer subscriptions offer up to a 12% discount, a free lockbox, and free shipping.
HomeSafe landline is the cheapest option, starting at $27.95 per month. Meanwhile, the cellular version of this home station increases the monthly fee by $7. As usual, mobile devices are more expensive, but the price might be worth it. On the Go Standard starts at $39.95 per month, whereas the Mini is $44.95 per month, with both requiring a setup one-time payment of $99.95.
Lifeline Smartwatch is actually cheaper than the mobile medical alerts (as low as $34.95 per month), but it comes with a one-time fee of $159. Unfortunately, fall detection costs $15 per month, which is higher than the competition.
Lifeline evaluates warranty and refund requests on a case-by-case basis, requiring subscribers to contact its customer service. The smartwatch has a 1-year warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship under regular use.
24/7 | |
Live chat | |
Phone |
Lifeline received an A+ from BBB, highlighting its focus on devoted customer support. The company can be reached by phone or email, and Lifeline customers praise the company for its professionalism, courteousness, and knowledge.
Some indicate that they faced a few challenges in getting hold of customer service, though. In fact, we tried to get our personal experience, but unfortunately, we didn’t hear back from the company. Lifeline is also active on Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
Lifeline medical alert systems offer various products tailored to homebound or mobile seniors, costing as little as 27.95 per month and with discount opportunities of up to 12%. The company has specialized care professionals available every day, all year long, that provide multilingual support. Its GPS technology works well and the mobile app is easy to operate. Plus, all its devices are waterproof, including its sleek and modern smartwatch.
The company offers additional and seldom-seen services like professional installation, which is a great plus for less tech-savvy seniors. Even though these services bring additional fees attached, they’re not hidden, as the company’s pricing is as straightforward as possible.
Unfortunately, fall detection comes at an extra cost, which isn’t always the case with other similar solutions. Also, the one-time device fees and conditional refunds may deter potential customers.
For 50 years, Lifeline has upheld a strong reputation of reliability as a medical alert system provider, offering peace of mind to seniors and their families.
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