Life Alert Compared to Alert1

Additional Life Alert Facts You Should Know

• Industry Leader since 1987; highly recognizable in the U.S.
• Independent Master Unit: Doesn't rely on landlines or cellular networks (requires professional installation).
• Refund Policy: If a customer passes away without using the system within the first three years, Life Alert refunds monitoring fees.
• High-Quality Monitoring: Five Diamond-designated monitoring centers ensure rapid, trained response.
• Non-Medical Emergency Support: Life Alert systems can also dispatch help during home intrusions.
• Certification: Devices are UL-certified for safety and quality.
• Multilingual Support: Not available — only English-language monitoring offered, unlike Alert1 medical alert systems.
• Flexible Payment Options: Quarterly or annual payments can reduce overall costs.

Key Features to Consider When Choosing a Medical Alert System

• Response Time: Monitoring center speed and reliability.
• Fall Detection: Automatic sensors can save lives — check if included.
• Water Resistance: Essential for bathroom and shower use.
• GPS and Location Tracking: Especially critical for mobile users.
• In-Home Range: Systems usually work within 200–1,000 feet from base units.
• Wearable Options: Necklaces or wristbands for easy access.
• Battery Life: Some devices last up to 10 years.
• Dual Monitoring: Systems that cover multiple people in the same household.
• False Alarm Handling: Important for maintaining peace of mind.
• Smart Features: Some systems offer Bluetooth tracking and caregiver alerts.
• Broader Emergency Coverage: Assistance for falls, fires, or burglaries.

Additional Cost Considerations

When budgeting, watch out for these hidden fees:

• Activation Fees: $25–$100 depending on provider.
• Equipment Costs: $0–$350+ (some providers waive these with annual contracts).
• Professional Installation: May be required for certain systems like Life Alert.

Feature Upgrades:

• Fall detection monitoring ($5–$10 extra per month).
• Medication reminders and caregiver dashboards ($5–$15 extra).
• Shipping & Buried Costs: Always read the fine print.

Finding The Right Medical Alert System: A Simple Guide

STEP 1: UNDERSTAND YOUR SITUATION

• What health concerns do you have?
• Are you an active senior who moves around often?
• Do you have high fall risk?
• Need coverage for more than one person?
• Managing specific disease control needs?

STEP 2: CHOOSE YOUR SYSTEM TYPE

STEP 3: LOOK FOR THESE KEY FEATURES

• Automatic fall detection sensors that detect falls
• Water resistant wearable devices for shower safety
• Strong battery life in all mobile devices
• Responsive monitoring service with quick emergency help
• What specific services Life Alert offers vs. competitors

STEP 4: CONSIDER YOUR BUDGET

• Monthly cost: Can you afford $20-$50 per month?
• One-time equipment fees: What's your upfront budget?
• Contract length: Can you commit to long-term contracts?
• Added costs for fall detection devices
• Different pricing for in-home unit vs on-the-go devices

STEP 5: RESEARCH PROVIDERS

• Check world report rankings of top systems
• Compare features across multiple providers
• Read reviews about reliability of monitoring service
• Confirm coverage areas for on-the-go systems
• Verify how providers respond to emergencies