The Monthly Cost of a Medical Alert Device Is Less Than You Think
When comparing medical alert system options, cost is likely one of your primary concerns. Although you cannot put a price on peace of mind, seniors on a budget need to balance their safety with the cost of medical alert systems.
HandsFree Health is committed to helping caregivers ensure that their loved ones have access to the resources and assistance they need to stay safe and healthy. Even if they reside in an assisted living community, simple, affordable access to emergency support allows individuals to maintain their independence with confidence.
Because falls are the leading cause of death among adults age 65 and older, anyone who is at a risk for a fall or is living with an illness or condition that puts them at greater risk of a medical emergency should consider a medical alert system. As you compare your options, use our guide to find the system that offers the best value.
Four Questions to Ask When Selecting a Medical Alert System
Although the cost of a medical alert system is certainly an important concern, what’s more important is that the system meets your needs and provides the service that your loved one or resident needs, when they need it. As you begin exploring your options, ask yourself these important questions.
- Does the system need to be home-based or is it mobile?
Many traditional medical alert systems work within a specific radius of their receiver. When the user presses the alert button, it sends a signal to the receiver, which calls for help. For someone who is mostly homebound this type of system — which may be compatible with a cellular network for someone who does not have a landline phone — is still a good option.
However, for active seniors who want reassurance that they can access help wherever they happen to be, a mobile medical alert device may be the better option. These systems work with cellular networks and offer GPS location capabilities, ensuring the user can access assistance anywhere they have a cell signal.
- Does the wearer need 24/7 monitoring?
Medical alert systems typically provide 24/7 monitoring, which allows the user to connect to an emergency dispatch or monitoring center by pressing the button on their medical alert device. A call center can send emergency medical services and reach out to designated caregivers.
Not all users need this type of monitoring, though. Some emergency alert systems are unmonitored and dial a preprogrammed contact when the button is pressed. A select few will allow you to call both a pre-programmed number and medical monitoring.
- Is fall detection a must-have?
Some medical alert systems provide fall detection for an additional monthly cost. With this feature, emergency services will automatically try to contact the wearer if the system detects a sudden fall based on preset criteria. Although these systems have their limitations — sometimes, they incorrectly detect falls — for those at risk of a fall, this service can be a literal lifesaver.
- Is the device comfortable?
No matter the cost of the medical alert system, if the senior won’t wear it, it’s not going to do any good. Many seniors are uncomfortable wearing personal emergency response devices, so it’s important to choose one that is comfortable and discreet as well as within budget.
Answering these questions can help narrow down your choices for emergency alert systems — and ensure you’re making the most accurate cost comparisons.
Comparing the Costs of Medical Alert Systems
Once you have a sense of the type of medical alert system you need, consider the total cost of ownership. To get an accurate picture of what you will spend for the service, take the following into account.
- Device cost. How much does the necklace, bracelet, or pendant cost? Is there an additional charge for the receiver device? Depending on the company, you may pay equipment costs upfront, over time, or the equipment is built into the monthly plan.
- Monthly service charge. Most medical alert companies charge a monthly service fee for monitoring. The provider may also charge activation and cancellation fees or have required minimum contract commitments.
- Phone service. Some systems are designed to work with a landline, while others are compatible with cellular networks. In either case, consider the costs of phone service in the overall calculation.
- Additional service fees. Features like fall detection may incur additional fees that should be included in your cost calculations.
WellBe Medical Alert PLUS Checks All the Boxes
WellBe Medical Alert PLUS offers all of the most important features of a personal emergency response system — and more — at a more affordable cost than other options on the market. In fact, WellBe has the lowest cost of ownership for the first year and beyond and offers many features you won’t find on other systems, including:
- The WellBe Smart Speaker, a voice-activated personal health assistant. In addition to emergency assistance, it can provide medication and appointment reminders, track health information, make calls, play music, and more
- A WellBe SmartWatch, which provides 24/7 emergency monitoring on the go
- The WellBe Pendant, a wearable medical alert device with optional fall detection
- The WellBe Pendant and WellBe Smartwatch allow users to call either medical monitoring or a pre-programmed number like a loved one or caregiver
- An easy-to-use companion app
- 24/7 emergency monitoring and response
- GPS location tracking
- 4G LTE cellular service provided by T Mobile
- No long term commitments or cancellation fees and you own the equipment day 1 along with a 1 year warranty
If you want to learn more about how the WellBe Medical Alert Plus will benefit the seniors in your life without breaking your budget, request a demo today.