Is Lifeline Right For Me
As an industry veteran with a lineup of high-quality alert systems, we recommend Lifeline for several different users:
- Those looking for a trusted brand name
- Seniors who want built-in fall detection
- Users who want more options for landline systems
- Older adults who want simple on-the-go protection
We tested out all of Lifelines products in this years Lifeline review, so check it out for more details.
Location Technology Features In Our Mobile Medical Alert Systems
Our mobile medical alert products give you complete peace of mind, with a wide array of features.
Assisted Global Positioning System
An Assisted Global Positioning System, or “A-GPS”, works using a network of satellites to quickly identify your location. This is faster than a conventional Global Positioning System , meaning the help you need gets to you quickly.
Wireless Fidelity
Our mobile pendants use nearby Wireless Fidelity wireless networking technology access points to identify your location. Wi-Fi location identification excels indoors and in other areas where an Assisted Global Positioning System may not reach or work well. This ensures youre covered no matter where you are.
Intelligent Location History
GoSafe 2 records regular location history snapshots, or breadcrumbs, and stores them. After you press your button, Lifeline Trained Care Specialists can use these breadcrumbs to determine your location and your direction of travel.
Two-Way Voice Communication
Our GoSafe 2 mobile medical alert system allows you to speak directly with a Lifeline Trained Care Specialist through the pendant. That means you can get the help you need, where you need it, promptly.
Audio Beacon
Lifeline can activate an audio beacon on your pendant. This emits a loud sound to help responders find you when help is needed.
Affordable Medical Care Solutions For Independent Low
When talking about medical alert and health solutions, one could easily overlook those who are in poor financial status. There is an alarmingly large rate of seniors who must get by with a low income, and they have hardly enough money to pay for healthcare, even though they need it. Struggling with poverty often makes elderly turn inwards, refusing help from their environment, stating that they can solve their problems. This stubbornness only causes harm, as there are ways that could help them. There are multiple financial, medical or nutrition programs struggling seniors can benefit from too, not to mention the alternative medical care services that can save them time and money.
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How To Choose A Medical Alert Device
There are lots of things to consider when choosing the best medical alert device, and sorting through all the information can feel overwhelming. The first step is to check for any recalls from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration . Their website lists summaries of information related to medical alert recalls. Once you’ve eliminated any recalled systems, the next step is to ask yourself a few key questions to find the system that best fits your needs.
What Is A Medical Alert Necklace
Medical alert necklaces offer protection on-the go by communicating your critical health information when you cannot speak for yourself. Most of them are extremely easy to use, requiring you to simply press a button in the event of an accident or fall. If you invest in a medical alert system, experts recommend that you also purchase a medical alert necklace to
There are a wide variety of features and service options available when it comes to medical alert necklaces. On our list, some of the top rated brands offer on-the-go options such as Bay Alarm, Medical Guardian, Lively, and Lifestation with different features. For example, while Lively’s mobile necklace is reasonably priced, it requires Verizon connection and does not offer landline-only service so it’s mostly suited for users on-the-go. In this case, it might not be the most affordable option for users who spend most of their time at home but still want a necklace. It’s important to look at the options available and figure out which wearable medical alert device is best for you.
Dr. Courtney Schmidt is a clinical consultant pharmacist and health and wellness writer. Since completing her Pharm.D. at the University of Florida, Dr. Schmidt has worked in multiple clinical settings and has served as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Central Florida.
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Does Medicare Pay For Medical Alert Systems
Unfortunately, neither Medicare Part A or Part B pays for a medical alert system. However, some Part C plans, also known as Medicare Advantage plans, may offer this benefit. Since Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurance companies, your benefits may vary depending on the plan you’ve chosen. Check with your insurance provider to determine whether it offers coverage for medical alert devices.
Are Medical Alert Systems Worth It
Accidents for senior citizens have a lot more serious implications than for any other age group. Many seniors live alone or far from family, so the probability that a fall or injury could occur without immediate help is a lot higher. One of the greatest benefits of emergency alert systems is that they allow seniors to maintain their freedom and stay in the comfort of their own home, all while protecting them and notifying family members when needed.
Medical alert devices offer you and your family members peace of mind at an affordable price. Many people shy away from purchasing these devices because they think costs are too high the truth is, injury or fall protection, combined with 24/7 customer monitoring, is only a fraction of what you would pay for other options such as an at-home nurse or a nursing home. Even in these situations, caregivers have to take breaks and do not offer the 24/7 reliability that some of the top medical alert system brands in our list provide.
Medical alert devices are not only useful for seniors but also for anyone recovering from an injury or disability who needs extra or temporary support.
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How Our Medical Alert Systems Work
Lifeline is an easy-to-use medical alert system that lets you summon help any time of day or night even if you cant speak1. All you need to do is press your medical alert button, worn on a wristband or pendant, and a Trained Care Specialist will make sure you get the help you need as fast as possible. Lifeline not only provides you with the #1 medical alert system4 but we also offer you peace of mind.
Dependability is key to peace of mind. Thats why doctors, hospitals, and professional caregivers trust our medical alert systems.
How Much Does My Budget Allow For Monthly Expenses
Nearly all monitored medical alert systems charge a monthly fee, but most don’t require you to purchase equipment. Prices range from $19.99 per month to $49.95 per month for most services. While some companies require a contract, the companies that topped our list do not, so you can cancel your service at any time. When on a fixed income, however, an added monthly expense can be a hardship. Know what you can afford, then find the service that best meets your needs within that budget.
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Emergency Medical Alerts Systems
Nevada 2-1-1 programs that ensure that seniors and people with medical problems receive the medical attention they need during an emergency.
Keyword Search Instructions: To start a new search, first delete all text and numbers in the keyword search box below and then enter new keyword. You can also click More Search Filters for additional keyword search options.Please note that this will clear the current search and begin a new, unrelated search.
How to Search Using the Map:To narrow the current search to a specific zip code, county, city or service days, use the search filters located below the map. Please click the Apply Filtersbutton below the map to update your search results.
You can also return to the Nevada 2-1-1 homepage to find more search options.
What Components Are Included In The Medical Alert System
- Home System: You will receive a base unit with two-way speaker and a waterproof help button that can be worn on a lanyard or bracelet. For landline systems, a phone cord is included to attach your base device to the phone jack. A medical information card and step-by-step set up instructions are also included. Fall detection is available for this system as well.
- Mobile System: You will receive a handheld mobile device, a waterproof help button that can be worn on the wrist or around the neck, a carrying pouch, a charging cradle and power cord. You will also receive a medical information card and step-by-step set up instructions. Fall detection is available for this system as well.
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As Technology Advances The Range Of Options Has Grown
by Amy Goyer, AARP, Updated October 22, 2021
En español | A medical alert system often referred to as a personal emergency response system , medical emergency response system , health monitor or fall monitor can provide increased independence for loved ones and peace of mind for family caregivers.
How do you find the one that’s best for your situation? It can be complicated. Medical alert systems have evolved far beyond a basic, wearable device with a button that triggers a call to a response center in case of emergency.
Now a medical alert device might include GPS, cellular connectivity, fall detection or prevention, in-home health and well-being monitors, activity trackers, movement sensors and more. Alert services might come with smartphones or as a feature of home security systems.
Start by evaluating your loved ones specific needs and abilities, present and future. For example, if she has dementia, will she understand how to operate a system or is something automatic, like a fall-detection device, more appropriate? Does he have a disorder that could hinder communication with a call center, like aphasia or hearing loss? Will limited fine motor skills make putting on a device or pushing a button too difficult?
Medical Alert System Costs & Payment Assistance For Seniors
Companies typically do not charge customers for the medical alert devices themselves. Instead, customers pay a monthly monitoring fee. A free lease of the actual medical alert device is oftentimes included in this fee, so as long as the user is paying for monitoring, they can continue to use the device. They will need to return the device to the company once they are no longer using the services. The monthly cost for monitoring ranges from approximately $20 to $60 a month, depending on the type of system, company, and add-ons.
On the more affordable end of the price range, an in-home medical alert system connected via landline is typically between $20 and $30 a month. Cell-enabled, mobile units tend to be more expensive. For this type of device, you can expect to pay $30-$45 a month.
Medicare and private insurance typically dont provide coverage for personal medical alerts, making the typical monthly cost out of budget for some low-income seniors. That being said, there are some payment assistance options available. Which specific options are available to you will depend on your income, personal situation, and the state in which you reside.
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Are There Medical Alert Systems Without Monthly Fees
You may have noticed that each of our “best picks” require the customer to pay a monthly charge for service, and you may wonder whether you can find a medical alert system that doesn’t require you to pay each month. There are a few medical alert systems you can buy online or from big-box retailers that don’t require monthly fees, but be sure you know the difference in the services you receive.
All of the medical alert systems we have outlined in this article offer live, 24/7 emergency monitoring services. Whenever your emergency button is activated, you get a trained operator on the line to assess your needs. This operator can call your family if needed, call 9-1-1, and stay on the line with you until help arrives. Unmonitored services may utilize similar equipment, but they will only call 9-1-1 or pre-programmed phone numbers. These devices generally do not offer a fall detection feature, either. You will likely be required to purchase the equipment on your own, and you would be responsible for maintenance and proper functioning of the system.
Landline Vs Cellular Systems
In-home alert systems will either run on a landline or cellular connection. If you live in an area with spotty cellular coverage, a landline system will be ideal for a steady and reliable connection. However, if you dont have a landline or would rather not have to connect your system to a phone jack, a cellular system is a great option. For those looking for an on-the-go system, essentially all mobile systems run on a cellular connection, so again, youll want to ensure that the provider you choose uses a cellular network thats reliable in your area.
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Over 7 Million* People Have Counted On Lifeline To Feel Safe At Home
Lifeline is an easy-to-use personal response service that lets you summon help any time of the day or night even if you cant speak. All you have to do is press your Personal Help Button, worn on a wristband or pendant, and a trained Personal Response Associate will ensure you get help fast. Thats why Lifeline provides the #1 Medical Alert Service to offer you something else: peace of mind.
Dependability is key to peace of mind. Thats why doctors, hospitals, and professional caregivers trust our Medical Alert Service.
The Pro Tips You Need To Know
As you’re making a final decision about which medical alert device best fits your needs, consider the following:
- Before you commit, ask for a better price from your company of choice over the phone you’re likely to get a better deal this way.
- If you’re an AARP member, check to see if you can get an exclusive discount on your medical alert system.
- If English is not your primary language, be sure to choose an alert system that offers emergency service in the language you’re most comfortable speaking.
- Automatic fall detection is usually going to add to your monthly costs. Most companies on our list charge an additional $10 per month for this service so be sure to factor that into your decision.
Once you’ve chosen the medical alert system that fits your needs, remember:
- Let your monitoring company know if you plan to travel, especially if you have a mobile device. Check coverage for the area you plan to visit.
- Test your system monthly to be sure your equipment is in working order.
- Be sure you follow the company’s guidelines for your device when used in water.
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How Does The Scam Work
These scam calls can take on many forms. Often, the callers claim they are with Medicare or a familiar medical provider, or tell you that your âfreeâ medical alert system is ready for pickup if you âpress one.â Once you press a button, however, you will begin to receive more unwanted calls and requests to convince you to disclose your personal information.
In some cases, the caller may try to gain your confidence by claiming that an anonymous person or a family member has paid for the alert system and that you must provide your information for delivery or setup. People who continue on this path are then asked for more personal information, such as a credit card number or Social Security number.
Once you provide private information, the unknown entity may begin charging you for an unwanted or undelivered service. Scam callers who obtain private financial information over the phone may use it to steal money.
How Medical Alert Systems Work
Medical alert systems function by triggering a signal which will send out a signal to monitoring devices. The call can go out to family, caregivers, as well as an emergency response team. The situation will be assessed, and medical workers can be sent if required.
There are some medical alert systems that feature wireless voice, data, and GPS technology. This allows for monitoring in real-time, location tracking, as well as provide fast emergency support services when required.
Medical alert systems have a button that can be pressed when assistance is required. Pressing the button will send an alarm out to a 24-hour emergency call station. An agent will answer the phone call while being able to observe the individuals medical background and a list of emergency contacts. The help switch can be put on by the person either on the wrist or as a pendant. The buttons are normally waterproof so that they can even be worn in the shower.
GPS technology permits the agent to identify the locality of the user. This gives added safety for the user who may be away from the home when assistance is required.
Many systems even include automatic fall detection. The switch can detect a fall and then turn on the emergency call.
In short:
PRESS THE BUTTON.
TWO-WAY COMMUNICATION.
A two-way communication is established with the monitoring centre. Your operator will assist you with your needs.
HELP IS ON THE WAY.
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Final Personal Emergency Response Systems Considerations
After choosing the emergency response service best-suited for your situation and needs, the only thing left to do is set it up in a way that offers you the most efficient help possible. This begins with choosing the person you want the monitoring agency to contact, other than first responders of course, if a medical emergency occurs.
Ideally, you want to identify more than one person in case the first person on your list isnt available to take the call. Create a group of contacts thats aware of who they should contact if something occurs, so you can keep your loved ones informed of what may have happened.
Its also extremely important that they know your complete medical history. To make this easier, create a simple list of the medications you take , any allergies you may have, and other health conditions you have to share with a doctor.
Personal medical alert systems systems serve a valuable purpose for the elderly by providing a number of benefits to those who use them. While there are a lot of different options available at varying price ranges, selecting the best system and service for you can help dramatically in the event of a medical emergency. Hopefully, youll never need to use it.
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