Medical Alert Review

Overview

Medical alert systems are incredibly useful tools that go a long way in making seniors, and those with severe medical issues, live a more independent life. Instead of being stuck at home, or always relying on a caregiver, these systems equip you with an easy to operate button that will send out a distress alert when pushed. Constantly monitored 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, these systems ensure that you can continue to live your life while always being protected in case of an emergency. 

Medical Alert is one of the better known companies, and their simplified systems are a popular choice for those who aren’t looking for complicated gadgets and just want to be able to alert someone in an emergency. They have multiple plans available to suit your preferences, and their helpful customer support team is always available to answer any questions you may have. 

How Does It Work?

Medical Alert works in a very similar way as the other alert companies, by providing individuals with an SOS button that they can push in case of emergency. These types of systems are designed to give you independence again, as no matter where you are you can always connect with someone who can help you. Monitoring centers are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and there is always a live person at the center who is waiting for an alert. Once you push your button, they will be notified, and will connect with you directly to find out what is going on. The two-way talk feature lets you speak to an agent wherever you are located, and you can tell them what has happened. From there, the agent can then dispatch emergency services, such as an ambulance, straight to your location.

There may be times when a crisis takes place and you are unconscious or otherwise unable to respond. This is why all of Medical Alert’s systems feature built-in fall detection so that you are protected no matter what. If you happen to fall, your SOS button will automatically trigger and alert to the monitoring station, and they will be able to connect to see if you need assistance or if it was a mistake. When they get no response from you, the support agent will dispatch an ambulance to you using the button’s GPS system to pinpoint where you are.

This easy to use system is available in 3 plan options, and customers can choose what the best fit is for them, both in terms of equipment and cost. With choices to fit any budget, and equipment that matches your activity level, Medical Alert has something for everyone.

At Home

Medical Alert offers two distinct systems: those meant for when you’re at home, and those that are meant for people outside of the home. If you are someone who is not mobile, or, if you never leave your home without a caregiver, then having an at home system can save you money while also keeping you safe.

The at home systems are available in two styles, either by connecting to your landline or by running off of a wireless signal. What you choose will simply depend on what type of phone set-up you have at home, and no matter the system you will have complete coverage inside your house.

Included in your purchase is both the home base unit, as well as a waterproof pendant that you can wear in a variety of ways. As a necklace, bracelete, or simply clipped onto your shirt, your pendant is the direct lifeline to help. Your pendent is connected to your base unit, which will sit somewhere central in the home. There is a very large and visible emergency button, as well as speakers so that you can talk directly to someone through it. 

Because your pendant or bracelet is fully waterproof, you are able to wear it at all times, even when bathing. The only restriction you have with your pendant is that you need to remain within 600ft. of the hoe base in order for it to connect. Depending on how large your home is, or if you spend time outside on your property, this could affect whether or not this is the right choice for you.

On The Go

Having a home-only system can save you a bit of money, but if you enjoy being out and about, then you may want to consider looking at one of Medical Alert’s mobile systems. The added feature of mobility means you can enjoy your freedom once more without any concern that you may run into an emergency and not be able to call for help. These systems do not require you to have your own personal cell phone, and instead, the mobile systems work based off of their own network that is provided via AT&T. As long as you are in an area serviced by AT&T, which includes 97% of the USA, then you are protected.

Similar to the at home set-ups, you will have both a base unit as well as a pendant or bracelet for you to wear. However, the main difference is that the base unit is significantly smaller so that you can place it in your pocket or purse whenever you leave the house. Now, you can go to the store, travel to see friends and family, or enjoy a day out while remaining fully connected and protected.

Each on the go system includes a built-in GPS tracker which will update the monitoring team if necessary. Any time you fall, or press your SOS button, an agent will be able to see exactly where you are and then contact the emergency services that are closest to you. Saving precious time in cases of emergencies, this means someone can get to you right away, even if you can’t tell them where you are.

Fall Detection

One of the downsides to getting older is that falls become a more common occurrence. In the USA, the emergency room treats a fall-related injury every 11 seconds, making it a very real and unfortunate risk. Not only do falls have the potential to lead to serious and life threatening injuries, but they also increase your risk of hitting your head and becoming unconscious, making it impossible for you to pick up a phone and call for help.

Medical Alert’s fall detection helps minimize some of the risks associated with falling, and the automatic fall detection ensures that if this does occur then you will get the help you need right away. When you fall, you can easily push the button on your device in order to be connected to an agent, but if this isn’t possible because you are not conscious, an agent will still be contacted on your behalf. Your device will register that a fall has taken place and send an alert. Then, an agent can ask if you are ok, and if they get no response, they will dispatch an ambulance to your location.

Since falls happen more often in the shower than any other place, Medical Alert has created a fall detection pendant that is 100% waterproof. This means you can wear it in the shower, in the bath, or out in the rain without any worry of damaging it. While fall detection is not automatically included in your base package, you can add it on to any plan for only $10 extra per month.

Caregiver App

Designed for the family or caregiver in your life, the 365Access Caregiver App is their window into your health and wellbeing. Instead of wondering if you are safe, the app will display your location and status at any time so that family and loved ones have the ultimate peace of mind. Easy to use with a simplified design, the app connects to your GPS enabled system as will display exactly where you are at all times. 

If you push your button for help, those who have access to the app will be notified immediately, both with an update on your status as well as where you are located. This can help family members or caregivers get to your location quickly, and if needed, meet you at the closest hospital that you are taken to. 

There are also additional features available, such as setting up medication reminders, as well as inputting your preferred pharmacy and doctor information. For individuals who may be more forgetful, this is a good way to ensure that the right medications are sent to the right place, and that doctors can be contacted when needed.

Plans & Pricing

Plans and pricing is heavily dependent on what system you opt for, as well as what features you want included. For example, those who want fall detection on a mobile system will ultimately pay more than those who only want a landline based system with no fall detection. However, knowing the exact price you will pay is only possible by contacting Medical Alert and receiving a personalized quote. Their knowledgeable staff will work with you to understand your needs and preferences in order to design the system that works best for you. 

For those who are interested in general pricing, Medical Alert does offer some guidelines. 

Bottom Line

Medical Alert stands out for a number of different reasons, but the main point is that they are designing systems that work for you. Simplified terms, no lengthy contracts, and easy to understand plan options means that you don’t feel overwhelmed and confused throughout the process. There are no hidden fees or activation costs, and you can even cancel whenever you’d like without being penalized. This company works hard to make sure that each customer is satisfied, and that you constantly feel happy and protected while with them.

Their emergency response staff are available 24/7, and there are never any service gaps where you lose coverage. They are backed by one of the best cellular networks in the USA, and their coverage is wide-ranging so that you are protected wherever you go. 

If you are looking for a medical alert company that will give you back your safety and your freedom, then Medical Alert is a great choice. By reaching out to their staff today, you can design the perfect system for your lifestyle, and have it set-up and activated in no time at all. Reasonably prices and extremely effective, Medical Alert is a top choice.