Medical Alert Systems Review – Best 2016 Help Devices Guide

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The Complete Medical Alert Review

Choosing the right Medical Alert System can seem frustrating. There are so many options out there – and so many different price ranges.

Today, in our Medical Alert Guide, we’re going to explain everything you need to know about buying the right medical alert systems, bracelets, and products.

Medical Alert Devices

Medical alert devices come in two basic forms: land-line based medical alert systems and mobile (cellular)-based medical alert systems.

Land-line based medical alert systems are typically cheaper, but limited in range. Cellular-based medical alert systems may have a wider range – but also a higher price point.

Landline-Based Medical Alert Systems

These systems rely on a base that is connected to your home’s phone line. These are the medical alert systems that have been around for decades: they rely on technology that has been around for a very long time.

Typically, these systems have a radius of about 300 to 500 feet around your base station. You can activate the base station in a medical emergency. Or, most systems come with a wearable device (like a bracelet or pendant) that can be worn around the home and is easily activated in a medical emergency.

When you activate the emergency beacon, the system sends a signal through your home’s phone line. That signal notifies the medical alert system company’s call center. If the call center cannot reach you, they will dispatch emergency services immediately.

Cellular-Based Medical Alert Systems

Modern technology has made it easier for companies to offer reasonably-priced cellular-based medical alert systems.

Just like you get a signal on your cell phone most places you go, these medical alert systems get a signal from mobile networks.

Over the past few years, this segment of the market has exploded with growth. Seniors enjoy the freedom of being able to travel further than 600 to 800 feet from their home (like going on hikes or long walks) and still being able to access emergency services.

The only real downside of cellular-based medical alert systems is that they’re larger than the pendants or bracelets worn with landline-based medical alert systems.

Cellular-based devices also require the use of a mobile network, which means you’ll need to pay for a mobile subscription just like you would when buying a new mobile phone.

Medical Alert Bracelets and Pendants

Both cellular-based and landline-based medical alert systems often come with wearable devices. Bracelets and pendants are particularly popular.

Typically, these wearable devices are basic and have two main functions:

— They Feature An Emergency Button
— They Have A Speaker You Can Use To Communicate With The Call Center

More expensive medical alert systems will have a speaker phone, but cheaper ones may only have the emergency call button. If there’s no speaker on the device, then the call center will typically call your home phone or mobile device instead of reaching you through the wearable device.

Medical alert bracelets and pendants are typically identical. The only difference is how you choose to wear it: some people don’t like to have things dangling from their wrist, which is why they prefer a pendant, for example.

Some medical alert systems feature a convertible bracelet/pendant. You simply remove the speaker/button device from the pendant and attach it to the bracelet when you want to use a new wearable.

Medical Alert Product Buyers’ Guide

Ready to shop around for a medical alert system for you or a loved one? Whether this is your first medical alert purchase or you’ve purchased a product before, here are some important questions you should ask before signing a contract:

Does The Medical Alert Company Maintain A 24/7 Call Center?

Not all medical alert systems notify a call center when the button is pressed. Some systems simply call a list of your contacts in descending order until someone picks up. They might call your cell phone, family members, friends etc. These family members can check on you or call emergency services at their discretion.

Does The Medical Use VOIP Or My Landline?

There’s a big difference between using your landline for your medical alert system and using VOIP (voice over internet protocol). Medical alert systems that use VOIP will not work when your internet is down. In an emergency situation, your internet might go down. If the electricity goes down, then neither VOIP nor landline-based medical alert systems will work – which is why you might want to consider mobile-based medical alert systems if you live in a hazardous area prone to power outages and dangerous weather.

What Is The Range?

Cellular-based medical alert systems will typically work anywhere you get a cell phone signal. Landline-based systems, however, may only work within 400 to 600 feet of your base station. Range typically varies according to your home and property. After you receive your medical alert system, try testing out the range inside and outside your home.

How Does Installation Work?

Some medical alert system companies will send a professional to your home to install the system. Others will ship the system in a box, and you install it yourself. Typically, installation comes with a one-time setup fee. Installers will also test the device for you.

What Is The Average Response Time Of The Call Center And Where Is It Located?

Many low-cost medical alert companies maintain call centers in overseas countries. If you have trouble understanding Filipino or Indian accents, then you may want to avoid working with these low-cost companies. Medical alert companies that operate call centers in America will always advertise that advantage. While you’re asking about the call center, ask what their average wait times and response times are. You can’t afford to wait if your life is on the line.

How Do I Fix The System If Something Breaks?

Like all electronic devices, medical alert systems can break down over time. When this happens, some companies will send a technician to your home immediately. Others require you to ship in the system or try to fix it yourself.

Are There Additional Features Like Automatic Fall Detection?

Most medical alert systems are a basic emergency call button with a speaker. Some modern devices, however, have bonus features added on. Automatic fall detection is one popular feature. The device uses mathematical algorithms and an accelerometer to determine if you suddenly slipped or fell. Some buyers appreciate features like this, while others find them unnecessary.

Do I Own My Medical Alert Device?

Some buyers are surprised to discover that they never actually own their medical alert device: they’re just leasing it from the company. That’s not necessarily a bad thing. You may be able to avoid upfront costs and pay a simple monthly fee. Some medical alert system companies will let you keep the device after a certain period of ownership – like 3 or 4 years.

Can You Give Me A Total Annual Cost?

Medical alert system companies love giving out fees and extra charges. Setup fees, installation fees, monthly rates, annual discounts, and other terms can all start to blend together. Cut through all of the pricing confusion and ask a salesperson to give you a total annual cost. If possible, lock into that annual rate long-term to avoid being shocked by a price jump in the future.

What Happens When The Power Goes Out?

Most modern medical alert systems have a backup battery. However, not all of them do. A good backup battery lasts for about 30 hours. Make sure you know what happens to your medical alert system when the power goes out.

How Does Cancellation Work?

Some medical alert system companies make it purposely difficult to cancel your plan, while others are more generous and allow you to cancel at any time. Make sure you understand what you’re locking into when you sign the contract.

Top Medical Alert System Products and Companies

Some of the most popular medical alert systems on the market today include all of the following:

LifeStation

— $27.95 per month ($23.95 per month if paid annually; $25.95 per month if paid quarterly)

— Free Self-installation That Takes About 5 Minutes

— Cancel Any Time With 30 Days Notice

— 400 Foot Radius Range (3500 Square Feet)

— 32 Hours Backup Battery

— Waterproof Device Wearable On Neck Or Wrist

— Weekly Testing

— 24/7 Call Center

Life Alert

— $49.99 per month plus $96 shipping and installation fee (you get one free month if paying annually)

— 3 year contracts (cancel after 3 year term is over, or if you can prove that 24 hour care is required for your loved one or if they have passed away)

— 300 Foot Radius Range (3000 Square Feet)

— 48 Hours Backup Battery

— Waterproof Device Wearable As Pendant Or Bracelet

— No Automatic, Regular Testing

— 24/7 Call Center

Medical Guardian

— $29.95 per month (one free month when purchasing annual subscription)

— Free Shipping With No Activation Or Handling Charges

— Cancel Any Time After First Three Months

— 600 Feet Outdoor Radius (3000 Square Feet In-home Coverage)

— 72 Hours Backup Battery

— Waterproof Device Wearable On Neck Or Wrist (can Choose Both When Ordering)

— Weekly Testing

— 24/7 Call Center For Emergencies Only (9am To 9pm Daily Est Otherwise)

By taking all of the above factors into consideration, you can find a medical alert system that works perfectly for your needs – or the needs of a loved one.

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