Life Alert Information

Quick Stats:

LIKES: Installed By Company – Although these systems are typically very easy to install yourself (see our Basic Installation & Set-Up video) some might find it convenient to have it professionally installed, especially if you live a long distance from your loved one. Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Options – Life Alert provides solutions for monitoring smoke and carbon monoxide. This long time service is not being offered anymore. Mobile Options – Life Alert Mobile which is also used for GPS location services. No Phone Line Option – They do offer a cellular model in case you are without traditional land-line phone service Smartphone App – If you have a smartphone, you can install this app to connect you with their call center We were told this has not been being offered anymore. Discount For Advanced Payments – If you pay annually, you can receive one month free.

DISLIKES:

Life Alert Cost – We found the Life Alert start-up costs to be higher than most in the industry. for similar services. They also do not seem to follow a set pricing strategy when it comes to the installation charges or credit for a self-installation option which makes it difficult to compare medical alert systems. Cancellation Policy – If you are not happy with your system or service, you can only cancel (without penalty) with proof that 24-hour care is required for your loved one (in-home, nursing home, or a long-term care facility) or if your loved one passes away. Remember, you’re signing a 3-year contract. No Automatic System Tests – Most system consoles will automatically test weekly or monthly to the monitoring station, but per the Life Alert sales reps, they offer no automatic testing but the system will send a trouble signal if there is an issue. No Activity Monitoring – Activity monitoring typically requires the user to check in with the system by pressing a button once every 24 hours. This is very beneficial as it allows you to know that your loved one is active and about each day. This is a great option that is not offered by Life Alert. No Fall Detector Option – Since diabetics can have the tendency to faint, fall detectors can be helpful because the user would be unable to press their medical emergency button. Unpublished Rates – With the rates not being published online, the quoted cost of life alert service could vary depending on the sales rep you speak with. In past calls, when we told the rep we spoke with some competitors, they said the one-time charge for enrollment, shipping etc. would be substantially lower than previously stated.

BOTTOM LINE:

If you feel more comfortable working with a medical alert company that is one of the most well known brands in the industry and don’t mind paying a bit of a premium for their service, then Life Alert may be the right choice for you. You will have to keep in mind that you will be signing a multi-year contract while most other well known medical alert providers typically have 1 to 3 month service agreements. Since most seniors typically only require a medical alert monitoring system that has a simple wireless button to press for help, two-way talking communication with the monitoring station, and automatic system testing of the main unit, then know that most other reputable companies can provide these service as well. Further, there is no pricing information on Life Alert’s website, so to get information on Life Alert’s services, many times we had to provide a mailing address and phone number before we could be told about their products and pricing. For many people, this may or may not be the shopping experience you’re looking for. You could be on the phone for quite a while and may have to make multiple calls to get the best price. Although our experience with this company had these results, your experience may be different. If you’re interested in this company’s services, contact them to judge for yourself