Philips Lifeline vs Bay Alarm Medical Comparison

Philips Lifeline was the first company to incorporate Dr Andrew Dibner’s vision of a medical alert system. Yet though the first product debuted in 1983, the company has kept the concept fresh and relevant ever since. Bay Alarm Medical has an even longer history in providing medical assistance, and as such has remained a highly recognized brand to this very day.

Two companies, both with the same goal: helping seniors achieve independence without sacrificing safety. However, the two of them offer vastly different features.

The service is also strong when it comes to the medical alert equipment. The in-home base station has amplified two-way communication that can pick up faint sounds from the far end of the room, and also performs regular self-tests and supports fall detection. Customers can decide whether they want a single GPS help button or purchase a bundle that includes both the on-the-go button and the in-home station. It may also be valuable to know that Philips Lifeline also sells a medication dispenser that is linked into the monitoring service, meaning that the care agents are notified if the user stops taking their daily pills.

The pricing of Philips Lifeline is a little confusing thanks to the fact that they offer four different product variations, starting from $29.95 per month. On the other hand, only month-by-month payment options are available, meaning seniors aren’t forced into long contracts.

When it comes to the medical alert devices, Bay Alarm Medical only offers two types of products, but both of them represent high quality. The home station has a covering range of 1,000 feet and comes pre-installed with an AT&T 3G SIM card to provide cellular reception for those who don’t have – or would rather not use – a landline connection. The mobile GPS alert button is slick, small and compact; it features fall detection and a microphone so that the aging user can talk directly into it after pressing the button. As for the accessories, Bay Alarm Medical sells a vial of life, a lockbox and a wall-mounted button.

Subscription rates start from $19.95 per month, and there are monthly, quarterly and semi-annual plans. Choosing the longest commitment time earns seniors free shipping and they are also exempt from paying the activation fee for the mobile unit.

Philips Lifeline is a service for seniors who value diverse product bundles or seek high-quality medication dispensers. The company’s monitoring service is reliable, and the four kinds of alarm equipment grant an extra level of freedom. Unfortunately, their base prices are already a bit high. Bay Alarm Medical has less complicated offers, and with only two alarm units it has the option to tailor the pricing strategy to your needs. The prices are more affordable, too, but the accessory lineup is rather lacking.