Life Alert Medical System in Bloomfield

Life Alert is one of the best known medical alert systems on the market today. They are famous for the “I’ve fallen and can’t get up” TV commercials. They have two major product lines; Life Alert 50+ and Life Alert Classic.

The good:

Life Alert is built around medical alert monitoring and do not have any other product lines. They have been a player in the industry for years and have built one of the best offerings available. They offer several features such as fire, carbon monoxide, and fall monitoring. There is installation service available. They also offer a refund if the user dies alone in their home.

The bad:

The monthly costs are much higher than other services. This is due one of the largest and best known companies in the industry. Purchasing medical alert system is difficult and sales reps seemed to give differing information on each call. They have 24 hour monitoring but customer service is only available during business hours. They require a 3 year contract, which is much longer than any competitor. Additional options are expensive to add and increase monthly fees. They do not have activity monitoring or automated system testing. While they have many features, there is no fall monitor option available.

Founded in 1987, Life Alert has offices throughout the United States. The system was built around standardized medical alert monitoring used in health care facilities to provide individuals with a longer term of independence in their later years. On average, the user of the system is able to live independently approximately six years longer than a person who does not use a system such as this.

The company handles over 2 million calls each year and reports that a life is saved from catastrophic injury every 26 minutes. In a 2004, AC Nielsen Survey 87% of participants reports that the system was a main, or important factor, in their decision to continue living independently. In addition, dispatchers are on duty twenty-four hours per day, seven days per week.

It is reported that the dispatchers per member ratio is approximately 200% or two times the number of dispatchers providing assistance through standard alarm companies. There are two different systems available through the company. The Senior system offers medical, fire and carbon monoxide monitoring. The 50+ system offers home intrusion, fire protection, CO gas poisoning, medical and fire monitoring.

Rating:

As an industry leader Life Alert is a let down. The prices are too high and the sales process is confusing and unclear. The features are somewhat limited, and the lack of automated systems testing is a big drawback. They do offer a good service, but you are probably better off looking at alternatives that offer similar quality at a lower price.

Lifeline Medical Alert System in Bloomfield

One of the largest providers of elderly alert systems in the United States today is Philips Lifeline. Philips Lifeline is probably the most well known name in the market today. These people have a large number of relationships with social agencies and hospitals.. They offer different types of services, in several levels. Besides basic medical alert system services, consumers can also sign up to their medication dispensing service, a service that helps users acquire their medication properly and on time.

The Lifeline company also offers an Auto Alert support, a service which utilizes patented technological innovation which monitors if its user has fallen. If the person is unable to get up by themselves in time, an alert call is instantly placed through their intelligent console device. Like a number of other good packages, the Lifeline service is not going to tie a user into a long-term contract. Rates start at about $40/month for basic services, with a one-time set-up fee.

Many times loved ones force medical alert systems on their elderly loved ones out of fear. If this happens to you, it is pivotal that you recognize the need for the device and really want to wear the medical pendant day in and day out. If you don’t, then chances are you won’t wear the medical pendant and end up wasting your money. But if you are committed to wearing your medical pendant in the home, then you know it is time to do your homework and start looking for a company that works for you.

Most medical alert companies work in the same general way. They all have wearable medical alert devices. This usually refers to a wristband or necklace. They are often discreet and can be worn with anything. The pendant consists of a small transmitter that is activated when you push the button. This is what you do when you want to send a first alert to the monitoring center.

The monitoring center will then make contact with you over the speaker box console. This is your lifeline of your medical alert system. You have the opportunity to tell them you need an ambulance or if it is a false alarm. Of course if you are unable to speak, the monitoring center will treat this as an emergency situation and dispatch the paramedics immediately.

This is how most if not all medical alert companies operate. Now that you know what to expect, how do you choose the right company for you? There are two main components to be considered when making a selection. The first would be the price of the service. Prices can run the gamut from $23.95 a month, to all the way up to $50 a month and higher. Since all of the different companies have the same general system, you certainly don’t need to spend top dollar for it. Conversely, you shouldn’t necessarily go with the absolute cheapest plan either.