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Medical alert systems have come a long way over the last decade. While the first-generation models only worked inside the home (at a limited range of just a few hundred feet), technology advances have given seniors the ability to feel secure and protected outside the home, as well – and AARP has for several years strongly recommended medical alert systems. For those who want to be able to get help at the touch of a button from the furthest point in their yard, while driving in the car, and during shopping trips, GPS equipment offers the best protection at a low price. Instead of having to sign expensive or lengthy cell-phone contracts, they can bundle GPS protection into their existing medical alert system bill. These services use the same call centers and functionality that the senior is used to, and they don’t have to learn to use a smartphone or be forced to remember to take their phone with them when they go out.
Since many of the major medical alert companies now offer this GPS option, how can shoppers know which device is appropriate for their unique situation? We compare medical alert systems with GPS, so you don’t have to.
Bay Alarm Medical
This company has made it super simple for your senior loved one to go out and about and get help with just the push of one single button. The device is designed to work with AT&T’s GPS technology (the same that you use to track your cell phone and provide turn-by-turn directions on your maps app.) No cell phone contracts are needed, however, as Bay Alarm Medical handles all of that for you (and includes any service costs into your low, monthly price.)
Similar to the in-home unit, pushing the button will connect you to the live 24/7 customer support at Bay Alarm Medical – located right here in the United States. Reps can communicate in over 170 languages, too, so there is no need to be concerned about language barriers when help is needed most. The tiny unit is the size of a small beeper and has just the buttons to power on and off, as well as call for help. It provides support anywhere you go for up to 72 hours on a single charge. The charger, carrying case, and other accessories are included for the low, monthly price. Fall alert tech can be enabled, as well, for an additional fee. With no contracts and high-tech monitoring software that tells loved ones where the user is at – any time of day or night – it’s a powerful tool to keep your senior loved one in the home longer, especially when they are still very mobile and want to continue their social activities without intrusion.
LifeStation
This company has earned its reputation for being there when seniors need them the most. Their GPS-location services allow even those with no landline or broadband service to get access to trained professionals any time – day or night! The low monthly fee comes with no contracts or penalties for cancellation, the GPS tech can pinpoint your senior loved one’s activity and real-time location any time it is needed for their health and safety (not just when they push the help button.)
Calls for help can be placed anywhere in the U.S. that GPS services can reach. Since this is the same coverage area as the most popular cell phone providers, senior loved ones will get a live customer rep on their device within 20 seconds of pushing the help button – anywhere they travel. The same GPS technology can also work inside the home, and the GPS system can be upgraded with fall technology for an additional fee. This gives loved ones extra peace of mind when a loved one falls; the device will alert family or authorities immediately, and the GPS information will tell them where to send help.
This company has several in-home packages to choose from, but their most popular combines the landline in-home tech you are traditionally accustomed to with state-of-the-art GPS tracking tech. Their system is already informed of your loved one’s personal details, so that – when the help button is pushed – emergency professionals can respond appropriately without the need to gather additional information. GPS sends location data instantly, so there is no guessing as to where your senior loved one may be in the home or on their property. When traveling, this is especially useful for getting help to the exact location, day or night.
MobileHelp is a trusted brand for GPS support, not only for adults. Parents have found the GPS tracking service to be useful for children, as well. (Placing a unit in a backpack, for example, allows parents to know where their child is at all times. The help button offers 2-way communication that children too small to work a cell-phone successfully can easily master and use in emergency situations.)
Conclusion
As you can see, some companies are tied for best medical alert system with GPS. They all offer the up-to-date tracking data used by our car’s GPS units and data providers to give real-time information when needed. Because the medical alert companies handle all of the contracts and service agreements with the GPS providers, it’s nothing you have to worry about. Simply sign up for the often risk-free trial with any of our recommended companies, and they can get a unit shipped out to you that will provide GPS location security within minutes of set up. There is no additional equipment to purchase, service to buy, or companies to deal with.
Have you considered GPS service for your medical alert needs? With protection both in-home and on-the-go, it makes the best sense for active seniors who want to remain independent for as long as possible. These companies have a variety of single products and bundles to meet your specific location needs throughout the senior years.