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COVID-19 Update: Medical Alerts are considered essential devices during the COVID crisis, so monitoring and customer service centers are still open and ready to help. To learn more about how these and other essential products can keep older adults safe and connected during this crisis, take a look at our list of 10 essential products. |
Based in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, and formerly known as AlertOne, Alert1 has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, and its U.S.-based call center is UL-listed and TMA 5-diamond certified. Alert1 provides coverage in all 50 states and offers a variety of options with medical alert systems, ranging from basic in-home devices to mobile, GPS-enabled help buttons and two-way communication.
As with many other medical alert companies, Alert1 monthly monitoring services include unlimited help button activation, and new subscribers can cancel their service within 30 days without penalty. While there are no contracts, subscribers do need to choose an annual plan in order to get the lowest possible monitoring prices and special offers, such as free shipping and additional services.
In this guide we take an in-depth look at the medical alert packages offered by Alert1. We’ve researched their devices, monitoring plans and pricing to help you decide if Alert1 is the right medical alert company for your particular needs.
Alert1 Features
Alert1 offers a number of features designed to provide subscribers with additional protection when at home and out in the community, such as GPS location tracking, unlimited button pushes, free equipment use and automatic fall detection. Subscribers also have the ability to specify who they’d like contacted if they activate their help button, and the Alert1 operator remains on the line with a caller until help arrives.
Note that Alert1 leases all the required medical alert devices to its subscribers, and devices must be returned upon cancellation. Customers who cancel their service before their plan expires, and after the 30-day trial period, don’t qualify for a refund, however, they can opt to donate the remainder of their service plan to the Alert1 Cares Program for veterans and low-income individuals.
Alert1 Plans for Seniors
Alert1 has five medical alert plans that range in price from $19.95 to $52.95 per month when purchasing an annual plan. Activation and shipping is free for annual subscribers, and Alert1 often runs time-limited promotions on monitoring costs and accessories.
| Home | Home Fall Detection | On-the-Go | On-the-Go Fall Detection | On-the-Go + Fall Detection | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Month-to- Month Cost (with annual plan) |
$19.95 | $30.95 | $36.95 | $46.95 | $52.95 |
| Device type | In-home base unit plus a water-resistant medical alert pendant | In-home base unit plus a water-resistant fall-detection help pendant | All-in-one medical alert pendant | All-in-one medical alert pendant | All-in-one medical alert pendant plus an in-home base unit with an at-home fall detection pendant |
| Speaker in help button | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes – for On-the-Go device |
| Connection | Landline | Cellular | Cellular | Cellular | Landline + cellular |
| Fall Detection | No | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Battery |
Non-rechargeable battery in button Backup battery in base unit lasts up to 24 hours |
Non-rechargeable battery in help button lasts up to 2 years Backup battery in base unit lasts up to 24 hours |
Battery lasts for 30 days between charges | Up to 5 days between charges |
Up to 5 days between charges for on-the-go device In-home base unit has a 24-hour battery backup In-home medical alert pendant is non-rechargeable |
|
Optional Accessories/ Add-On Services |
One additional user in the same home can be added for $10/month Up to 10 help buttons can be linked to one base unit |
One additional user in the same home can be added for $10/month | N/A | N/A | Up to 10 wall-mounted help buttons can be linked to the base unit |
Alert1 Home
Device Information
Alert1’s home medical alert system is an entry-level system that provides basic medical alert protection for seniors who have an existing landline phone. It includes a base unit equipped with a speaker, microphone and help button that’s paired with a wireless, water-resistant medical alert pendant. The battery in the pendant has a lifespan of over 2 years and replacements are provided free of charge.
The range between the base unit and the help button is just 600 feet, so this system is only suitable for subscribers who live in a small 1-2 bedroom home or apartment.
Pricing
At $19.95 a month (based on an annual prepaid plan), Alert1’s home system is one of the least-expensive medical alert systems on the market. Subscribers can add a second user in the same household for $10 per month.
Alert1 Home Fall Detection
Device Information
The fall-detection system combines an in-home base unit with a medical alert pendant, which automatically calls the Alert1 command center if the wearer suffers from a fall. The base unit is equipped with a speaker, microphone and help button, and subscribers must activate the help button within 400 feet of the base unit in order to complete the call.
The water-resistant pendant doesn’t need to be charged, and users can choose between a landline or cellular-connected base unit.
Pricing
The fall-detection system costs $30.95 per month on an annual plan, and adding a second user in the same household increases the monthly cost to $40.95.
Alert1 On-the-Go
Device Information
Alert1’s on-the-go system uses a cellular-connected pendant that is equipped with a speaker, microphone and help button to enable two-way conversations between the subscriber and the emergency call center without the need for a base station. The device is safe for use in the shower and is powered with a rechargeable battery that lasts up to 30 days between charges.
Alert1 uses the Verizon cellular network to provide coverage anywhere in the United States where Verizon service is available.
Pricing
The on-the-go system costs $36.95 per month on an annual plan, while the cost for two users who reside in the same household is $56.95 per month.
Alert1 On-the-Go Fall Detection
Device Information
Designed to provide optimal protection for active seniors, the on-the-go fall detection system includes a small, water-resistant medical alert pendant that works on the AT&T cellular network. The device contains a speaker and microphone for clear two-way communication with the command center, and GPS and WiFi location technologies to pinpoint the exact location of the subscriber in an emergency.
The on-the-go fall detection pendant also includes sensors that automatically call for help if the wearer suffers a sudden fall. Subscribers need to recharge the battery using the included charging cradle every 5 days or so.
Pricing
The on-the-go fall detection system costs $46.95 per month on an annual plan, and $66.95 per month for two users who reside in the same household.
Alert1 On-the-Go + Home Fall Detection
Device Information
This system combines the basic Alert1 landline home medical alert system with a GPS-enabled, cellular-connected fall-detection pendant to provide subscribers with access to all of the options, services and devices offered by Alert1.
Pricing
The price for one user is $52.95 per month on an annual plan, while the price for two users in the same household is $82.95 per month.
Who Should Use Alert1 Medical Alert Systems?
Alert1’s wide range of medical alert systems are designed to meet varying needs.
Seniors Who Want Added Peace of Mind at Home
Seniors who spend time alone in their home may worry about what might happen if they should trip and fall or suffer from a medical emergency that prevents them from using a phone to call for help. Alert1’s home medical alert systems may provide independent seniors with the peace of mind they need to feel safe and comfortable in their own home by ensuring help is always close at hand.
Seniors Who Are Active in the Community
Alert1’s on-the-go systems can be a good choice for seniors who like to visit with family and friends, take care of their own errands or simply enjoy a walk around their neighborhood. Unlike a cell phone which can be awkward to use and difficult to reach in an emergency, the on-the-go help buttons can be activated quickly and easily, while the fall detection system provides the added protection of GPS-locating technology.
Pros and Cons of Alert1 Devices
Before committing to an Alert1 subscription, consider the pros and cons of the devices, services and features.
Alert1 Pros:
- The company is headquartered in Williamsport, Pennsylvania
- Alert1 operates two U.S. call centers
- Service is available in 190 languages
- All wearable help buttons are water-resistant and safe for use in the shower
- Subscribers can add a second user in the same household
- There’s no limit on the number of times the call button can be activated
- Fall detection is available
- Subscribers can arrange to have trusted contacts, such as a neighbor or family member, contacted in case of an emergency
- No service contracts, and subscribers are free to cancel at any time
Alert1 Cons:
- Subscribers must prepay for 12 months of service in order to get the lowest monthly monitoring cost and a free PIN-protected lockbox
- Wearable help buttons are available as pendants only — no wrist-worn option
- The range between the in-home base unit and the fall-detection pendant is just 400 feet, which may not be sufficient for many users
- Alert1 doesn’t have a mobile app or online caregiver portal
The right medical alert system can provide added peace of mind for seniors, people with disabilities and their loved ones. With so many companies now offering medical alert services, it’s important to take the time to research your options before choosing the system that provides the best combination of reliability, useful features and affordability.