The
global medical alert system market is predicted to grow from USD 5.9
billion in 2019 to USD 9.5 billion in 2025, growing at a CAGR of 7.9%
during the forecast period 2020–2025. The personal emergency response
systems (PERS) is majorly used by the elderly individuals who are prone
to various chronic diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, dementia, diabetes,
weakening of reflexes, heart diseases, and other health issues. The old
aged people are more susceptible to falls, which is a major reason for
severe injuries among the elderly. If not treated on time, it could lead
to a disability or death. The medical alert system market is praised by
hospitals, doctors, and healthcare organizations such as the American
Heart Association (US) and the American Association of Retired Person
(US).
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Medical
alert system or PERS ensures that people are getting assistance during
any emergency quickly. This system provides help for 24x7 with a press
of button for many devices or through calls. These systems are usually
user-friendly and are trending in the market. With help of these systems
people feel safe and live freely. With this system it is also possible
to add levels of safety so that based on it the quick emergency service
is delivered by the vendor. There are various medical alert systems
available in the market that are affordable for implementation. The
system is mainly used by senior or old age people and the people who are
living alone or people with disabilities in their home. The medical
alert system can be chosen from the variety of options available based
on the requirement. There are various trends in medical alert system
like mobile-based medical alert, gps integrated system, and many more.
The
best medical alert systems are used by the geriatric population or
people who need special care such as to send an emergency signal to
contact emergency services or caregivers. The personal emergency
response systems (PERS) consists of a hardware device, monitoring
platform, response center, and a caregiver. The system’s hardware
consists of a console along with a transmitter for communication between
the user and the monitoring response center. The response centers are
majorly responsible for dispatching the emergency team soon after an
emergency signal is received from the user’s end. The ecosystems
comprise are givers, which can be family, friends, or any other person
assigned by the user.
The Standard system consists of two different base units, a landline and a cellular line, with corresponding help buttons that are also different. The AutoAlert Philips Lifeline HomeSafe medical alert system provides automatic fall detection. It uses the same base units as the Standard system but consists of one fall detection pendant for both.
The landline base unit is a white, wedge-shaped device with remarkably positioned buttons. On the top right side, there is a big grey reset button, while the smaller red help button is located on the lower right side of the device.
b) Feature Design
On the top left, there is a speaker; the microphone is placed on the bottom, and it also has power, reset, and help LED indicators. Additionally, there is a volume controller on the left side of the device. On the back, there is a prominent antenna, power & phone jacks, and a power switch.
Overall, the base unit looks quite dated compared to the ultra-modern-looking cellular base unit, which looks similar to devices such as the Apple HomePod. Both systems offer a 32-hour backup battery and a 500-foot range.
Philips Lifeline Fall Detection & Accessories
a) Fall Detection
In addition to the AutoAlert feature present in Philips Lifeline’s automatic fall detection technology, users need to pay an extra charge of USD 15 per month as an add-on. This costs 50% of the basic landline subscription.
Though it is more expensive than most in-home systems, Philips Lifeline fall detection technology is the most reliable in the market. But it should be noted that no system is 100% accurate.
b) Monitoring and Lockboxes
Philips Lifeline provides affordable multiperson monitoring options. Though there is no charge for an additional Lifeline pendant, the monitoring charge is USD 10/month for the landline option and USD 12/month for the cellular option.
Its lockbox is cost-effective and just requires a one-time payment of around USD 30. Additionally, it offers voice extension at an additional cost of USD 10/month and acts as a secondary communicator.
c) GPS and Security
Philips Lifeline does not offer fire and smoke monitoring and does not have a check-in service either. It does not provide wall-mounted buttons but encourages customers to wear their water-resistant help buttons at all times, including in the shower.
To avail of GPS technology, users must opt for either the Philips Lifeline GoSafe, which is a blend of in-home and mobile systems, or the GoSafe 2, which is a standalone mobile system. These add-ons are on the more expensive side.
Monitoring Services
a) Response Center
Lifeline’s emergency response center is the most skilled in the medical alert space. Its agents offer 24*7*365 support in 200 languages, which is quite impressive.
b) Response Times
Response times are very quick, averaging around 35 seconds. The system provides excellent audio quality, and communication by support personnel is smooth and professional.
Philips Lifeline Cost & Contracts
a) Fees
The fee for the landline option is around USD 30/month, which is an average price for an in-home system. The AT&T cellular option is nearly USD 42 per month. It does not charge any device fees, and no long-term contracts are required; however, there is also no option to choose a more extended payment plan with a more affordable monthly fee.
Installation process through a Philips technician costs around USD 100. There is also a one-time activation fee of around USD 50.
b) Cancellation and Returns
It offers returns within 30 days of purchase only if the device has not been activated and used. The equipment must be returned in an unused, ‘like new’ condition, with the manual and all the original packaging and accessories. Else, a cancellation fee of up to USD 50 may be charged.
c) Setup and Installation
Philips Lifeline comes with a user manual that explains the simple setup process. Users can also refer to the voice-guided instructions from the base unit that will explain what needs to be done as soon as the power is plugged in and the phone line is turned on.
Overall Summary
Lifeline is one of the best medical alert systems segment in the US. Being a super-reliable service provider, its products & services are on the more expensive side—the monthly subscription for this popular brand’s setup is steeper than that of its competitors.
For instance, opting for automatic fall detection increases the monthly costs by up to 50%. Also, there are activation and cancellation fees that other companies generally do not charge. However, as projected, its premium equipment and professional services performed great during our tests for the Philips Lifeline HomeSafe review.
MobileHelp
Design & Major Features
a) Design
MobileHelp Classic base unit has a very distinctive look. The white device provides huge buttons that glow all the time. This makes it unmissable and easy to find, even in the dark. However, they cannot be turned off or dimmed.
The MobileHelp Classic device has three buttons, of which the largest is the red emergency button placed on the left, while on the right, it has a smaller blue reset button. It also has a small test button in the middle, which enables users to test the equipment without calling the response center. All the buttons are surrounded by an LCD panel that displays the time and date, room temperature, cellular signal, and battery levels.
b) Feature Design
It has a choice of a help buttons in a white neck pendant or a black or white wristband. All of them are water-resistant and suitable for use in the shower. It has a discreet grey help button and an LED indicator.
MobileHelp Classic has a high ring distance of 1400 feet, which is pretty good. The cellular base unit can be moved in and around the house to get a longer range.
MobileHelp Fall Detection & Accessories
a) Fall Detection and Tracking
The addition of the MobileHelp fall button enables automatic fall detection and costs around USD 10/month. This also enables user activity tracking.
Moreover, regular help and wall-mounted buttons are just USD 2/month. Therefore, multiperson monitoring is also cost-effective.
Monitoring Services
a) Response Times
MobileHelp has a satisfactory response time. Generally, the live agents take up to 40 seconds to pick up—response times averaged at around 35 seconds.
Communication with the help agents is very professional and they are pleasant to talk to, even after numerous test calls.
MobileHelp Cost & Contracts
a) Fees
MobileHelp does not charge a device fee for the Classic; however, there is an activation fee of about USD 50. The monitoring service costs around USD 20/month. By selecting the quarterly, semi-annual, or annual payment plans, a user can save USD 33, USD 30, or USD 60, respectively. All these plans offer free medication reminders and free ground shipping, while the annual plan also offers a free 13th month of service.
c) Setup and Installation
As it is a cellular system, only the base unit needs to be plugged into a power outlet, and it will be ready to go! After running a test call, MobileHelp Connect can be set up—this is a set of online tools designed to help users and authorized caregivers, who can actively participate in the health and well-being of a user.
Overall Summary
Based on numerous MobileHelp reviews, it is found to offer a great medical alert system. MobileHelp Classic has the cellular option by default, permitting users to carry the system anywhere they go. The base unit has big, illuminated buttons and two-way communication with the 24*7 excellent response center.
The major advantages of
MobileHelp Classic, such as inexpensive add-ons such
as multiperson monitoring and a GPS system, overshadow the
cons. After a thorough examination of each feature, MobileHelp
Classic is recommended for users looking for an affordable alert
system.
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