When selecting a device, it’s a good idea to determine the monthly cost and ask for a rundown of what it covers. Nearly a third weren’t sure if it included additional services. Many people were unsure about what their fee covered. Those with Bay Alarm Medical devices were the most likely to pay fees (98 percent), while those with Medical Alert devices were the least likely (75 percent). additional service fees: Eighty-six percent of CR members who rated one of the seven brands said they paid some kind of monthly fee, which isn’t surprising given that a majority had monitored systems. If you’re unsure whether your device may need to be replaced, it’s worth giving your service provider a call to make sure your system is (and will remain) operational.īasic service vs. Bay Alarm Medical, Life Alert, Medical Alert, Medical Guardian, and Lifeline all said they successfully replaced any 3G devices ahead of the transition, without any cost to customers. We reached out to the seven medical alert companies in our ratings, whose devices might operate on the 3G network, to find out how they have been handling this transition. Both Verizon and AT&T shut down their 3G networks in 2022. One recent development is likely a concern for many people who use medical alert systems that operate over a cellular network: 3G networks, which rely on older technology, are being phased out. But a higher percentage of people had devices that used cell service rather than a landline (54 percent vs. Not everyone surveyed knew how their system sent calls-14 percent didn’t know. Today, many systems operate on cellular networks, allowing users to summon help from anywhere. landline service: In the past, medical alert devices were designed to work over landlines, which meant they were largely confined to the home. While there’s an advantage to having a monitored system-you’re guaranteed to connect with a trained professional, no matter when an emergency occurs-it typically comes with a monthly fee.Ĭell vs. (Ninety-four percent of members said their devices were monitored.) Unmonitored systems can be programmed to dial an emergency contact. unmonitored: The seven reviewed brands all offer monitored systems, meaning the device’s call button connects to a live person, 24/7. CR members who had Lifeline, MobileHelp, and Medical Guardian were the most likely to say their device includes this feature. Fall detection usually comes with an additional monthly fee. (Some systems included both.)įall detection: Over a third (36 percent) of the devices came with fall detection, which uses sensors to register falls in order to automatically contact a dispatch center. Below, we highlight features to look for when choosing a medical device and mention relevant offerings from some brands.Ĭall buttons: A vast majority of surveyed CR members said their medical alert devices had a portable call button, while less than half of the devices featured an in-home call button, to be mounted on a wall or placed on a table. There are many important specifications to consider when shopping for a medical alert device, like call buttons and service fees. That said, there were some notable differences both in functionality and in satisfaction scores for individual features. The brands included in our medical alert system ratings, each of which received at least 100 member reviews, are (in alphabetical order) Bay Alarm Medical, GreatCall Lively Mobile, Life Alert, Medical Alert, Medical Guardian, MobileHelp, and Philips Lifeline (Lifeline).Īcross the board, all seven brands received fairly high overall satisfaction scores (between 80 and 85 out of 100). In addition to sharing details about their devices’ features, members rated their satisfaction on variables such as price, customer service, and response speed. To help consumers sort through all the available information, we surveyed 1,869 Consumer Reports members who rated their satisfaction with seven different medical alert device brands. There are a number of factors to consider when choosing a device. Medical alert devices, systems that allow users to summon help with the press of a button, are useful for people at risk of falling or experiencing a health emergency.
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