MedicalAlertBuyersGuide.org is an independent review site. We may earn compensation from the providers below. Learn More
If your senior loved one is living independently in their home, a medical alert system can be the difference between sleeping peacefully at night and worrying about life-threatening falls or other accidents. Having that extra security that comes from even the most modestly-priced product can be a game changer for the family of an older friend or relative. With so many commercials and ads for various systems, however, it can be confusing to determine if you need the extra support of a monitored system with 24/7 customer and emergency services.
Let’s take a look at the difference between those medical alert products that carry no monthly fee for customer support and those that do.
No Monthly Fee Medical Alert Systems
Is it possible to use an in-home monitoring system without a monthly fee? Yes, although your experience will be very different. When purchasing one of many available medical alert systems for seniors with no monthly fee, you are getting just the product. There will be no ongoing support, so your loved one will be relying on 911 or other local emergency operators to field all of their calls (even those that may not be life-threatening.) This can be problematic, as some areas of the country have disappointing access to emergency services, and your loved one could be waiting a long time for help, if they can get through, at all.
Another drawback to using a system that connects directly to emergency services is that seniors are often reluctant to call for help if there is a doubt that their need can be categorized as an emergency. Fear of “crying wolf” or just plain pride can be reasons for older loved ones to avoid requesting assistance. Many are just needing help with something far less than what a 911 call would require.
Finally, some systems do allow for other emergency contacts to be set up. A loved one’s son or daughter, for example, can be programmed as the first emergency contact to be called when the “help” button is pushed. Up to five emergency numbers can be placed in the queue to be reached out to before that 911 call is placed. For family members who are busy, traveling, or not in a position to assist, however, being set up as a contact can be difficult. Some seniors may need emergency services right away, and these extra calls to loved ones can delay help when minutes matter most. Still, others don’t have a close network to lean on in times of trouble.
Monitored Systems (Monthly Fee Required)
Some brands on the market require you to pay for service monthly. Depending on the brand, this monthly fee can cover some features. Some brands that require a monthly fee also require a contract, although the length of the contract will vary by provider, and some do offer month-to-month payment options for a higher equipment fee. Check each provider’s summary to determine if a cancellation fee will apply for early contract termination.
Here is a rundown of what’s included with the most popular brands:
Bay Alarm Medical
The monthly service fee for their products includes 24/7 support based in the U.S. Two emergency service call centers cover all 50 U.S. states (including Alaska and Hawaii) for home using regular landline service, VOIP, and most digital cable service lines. Three customer support centers are available to field technical questions, as well. For those who need bilingual support, Bay Alarm provides translation support for 54 of the most commonly spoken languages.
Price: In-home plans start at $19.95/month. Additional monitoring services are available for outside the phone, in the car, or optional fall detection services. Bay Alarm offers monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, and annual billing plans with no penalties for contract termination once the equipment is returned.
This company offers U.S.-based 24/7 emergency monitoring for all of its in-home and GPS-based products for a monthly fee. No landline is required, and there are no long-term contracts or equipment to purchase. MobileHelp offers a good variety of products for the active and home-bound senior, and their products work with a number of communication technologies.
Price: There are no contracts or activation fees. Basic plans start at $19.95 when you pay the $49.95 “lock in” fee to protect the price for life. Upon cancellation, simply return the equipment, and MobileHelp will refund any remaining amount on your prepaid plan. Plans range from monthly to annual, with longer plans giving the best per-month price.
LifeStation
Like the other companies on our list, LifeStation has adapted their products to meet the needs of seniors with landlines and other cable or internet-based phone technology. There is no equipment to buy, and support is always live and available for everything from small questions to the most time-sensitive emergencies. LifeStation also offers the popular fall detection technology devices for an additional charge.
Price: With the annual plan, fees are most affordable. Starting at $19.95 a month, customers get access to customer and emergency support, as well as the most basic equipment package. There is no contract fee or early-termination fee for unused months.
Today’s medical alert services aren’t like those of twenty years ago. There are choices for those who don’t want to be locked into an expensive multi-year contract, without sacrificing the live support that monitoring services offer. If your senior loved one is still in their home and wants the added protection of a professional at the touch of a button, it’s possible to get basic services for around $20 a month, without contract hassles and expensive up-front equipment fees. Monitoring is more affordable than ever before.
AARP strongly recommends the use of medical alert systems, without endorsing any specific product. So check our 2018 Reviews page for more ways to compare medical alert systems.
