As adults grow older, maintaining balance becomes difficult at times. Hearing loss can make it difficult to hear verbal warnings, while vision impairments may cause seniors to trip over items they didn’t realize were in their path. Prescription medications make some elderly adults feel dizzy or lightheaded, which can also lead to trips, bumps or falls.
Many seniors dislike the thought of giving up their independence, so they rely on medical alert systems for constant monitoring. Medical alert systems provide convenient access to emergency care; with the press of a button, help is quickly dispatched. Some medical alert devices detect falls automatically, so elderly adults receive help even when they are unable to contact a medical crew.
Rescue Alert is a reputable company located in South Jordan, Utah, that offers medical alert devices for seniors. The company has more than three decades of experience providing safety services for elderly adults, and in 2013, it introduced the industry’s first cellular medical alert system. Current products range from a classic in-home system compatible with landline connections to an on-the-go unit backed by GPS technology. Prices begin at $27.95 for monthly subscription plans, making Rescue Alert one of the most budget-friendly options available for seniors seeking a medical alert system.
If you’re thinking about purchasing a medical alert system for yourself or a loved one, you might be wondering if Rescue Alert is the best company for your needs. We’ve compiled information about features, pricing, pros and cons below to help you decide.
Rescue Alert Features
Rescue Alert products aren’t loaded with features, but online reviews show that many seniors don’t mind. Consider enrolling in a plan from Rescue Alert if you’re looking for a simple, reliable medical alert system. Automatic fall detection is available via myActive Alert, and you can request a PIN-protected key safe to prevent emergency workers from damaging your door during an emergency.
Request a mounted wall button if you need extra peace of mind with the in-home landline or cellular units. One notable feature about the in-home MXD unit is that it works with a cellular or VoIP connection as well as a traditional connection. Very few companies offer similar products, as options are generally limited to landline connections or cellular connections.
Many of Rescue Alert’s products are water-resistant, so you can safely use them while you bathe, wash dishes or water the garden.
Rescue Alert Plans and Pricing
Rescue Alert subscription plans begin at just $27.95 per month if you choose annual billing for the MXD in-home unit, but costs start at $32.95 for monthly plans. You can save money on most device plans by requesting a quarterly or annual subscription rather than a monthly one.
The MXD and MXD3G are also available for purchase, an option not offered by most medical alert device providers. If you buy the units directly, you pay a reduced monthly fee for monitoring. You can also avoid monthly fees completely by paying a one-time fee for the MXD.
You can add automatic fall detection to the in-home units for $10 per month, but this option isn’t available for the on-the-go mobile device. Customers also have the option to request a wall-mounted help button for $5 per month. A PIN-protected lock box is available for a one-time fee of $39.99 plus shipping costs, and seniors can receive a wearable myActive Alert pendant for $10 per month.
There are no shipping fees for the MXD, MXD3G or Rescue Alert GPS, nor does the company charge activation or installation fees. You can cancel your plan without penalties, and there is a 30-day trial period for new devices.
|
MXD |
MXD3G |
Rescue Alert GPS |
|
|
Monthly Cost |
$32.95 |
$37.95 |
$44.95 |
|
One-Time Fees |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Type of Device |
In-home |
In-home |
Mobile |
|
Connection |
Landline |
Cellular |
Cellular |
|
Range |
600 feet |
600 feet |
N/A |
|
Water Resistant |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Battery Life |
80-hour backup |
60-hour backup |
48+ hours |
|
Fall Detection |
$10 a month |
$10 a month |
Not available |
MXD Plan
Device Information
The MXD is an in-home unit that uses a landline, cable or VoIP connection. Landline units are common in the industry, but this is one of the only devices on the market that also works with cable and VoIP connections. However, cable and VoIP hookups aren’t always as reliable as traditional landline connections, so you may need to rely on the device’s battery during a power outage.
This water-resistant device has a range of up to 600 feet, and it includes an 80-hour backup battery.
Pricing
Subscription fees start at $27.95 for the MXD if you choose an annual plan. Quarterly billing raises the monthly price to $29.95, and a monthly subscription costs $32.95. If you decide you’d rather buy the MXD than rent it, you can pay a one-time $199 fee for the device, plus a reduced monthly subscription cost of $15.95. You can also avoid the monthly plan completely — unless you want any add-ons — by shelling out $849 for the device.
MXD3G Plan
Device Information
The MXD3G is another in-home unit from Rescue Alert, but this one is powered by a cellular connection. Like the MXD, it has a 600-foot range, but its battery backup only lasts for approximately 60 hours. The MXD3G is water-resistant, so you can wear it while bathing or swimming.
Pricing
Pricing options for the MXD3G are slightly higher than the MXD. Expect to spend $42.95 for the monthly plan; a quarterly or annual plan may save you some money. The device is also available for a one-time $299 fee, plus a $25.95 monthly subscription.
Rescue Alert GPS Plan
Device Information
Choose the Rescue Alert GPS device if you need an on-the-go unit powered by a cellular connection. The Rescue Alert GPS is water-resistant, but it doesn’t have fall detection. You can generally get at least 48 hours of use from this battery-powered device before recharging it.
If an emergency occurs, your call gets routed through the AT&T network and answered by EMD-certified Dispatchers. GPS technology helps medical workers find you quickly.
Pricing
The annual plan for the Rescue Alert GPS costs $37.95 per month. It jumps to $39.95 per month for subscribers with a quarterly plan and $44.95 for monthly subscribers.
Pros and Cons of Rescue Alert
Rescue Alert devices have numerous benefits, but they may not be a good fit for you. Before renting a device, weigh the following pros and cons of Rescue Alert products.
Rescue Alert Pros:
- Landline and cellular options available
- Choose from in-home or on-the-go devices
- No installation, activation or cancellation fees
- Some devices are available for purchase
- Discounts for long-term subscriptions
- 30-day trial period lets seniors test drive devices
- Affordable monthly subscriptions
- Bilingual operators are available
- Calls are answered by certified emergency professionals
Rescue Alert Cons:
- Limited range for in-home devices
- No caregiver tools
- Fall detection requires an additional monthly fee
- Shipping charges for PIN-protected lock boxes
Shopping for a medical alert system can get stressful, but finding the right one may offer life-saving protection during an emergency situation. Explore your options carefully, whether you go with Rescue Alert or another company, and consider your budget, lifestyle and personal preferences. Rescue Alert offers a full refund for all devices returned within 30 days, and other reputable medical alert companies have similar return policies. It’s okay to try a few different medical alert systems until you find one that meets your needs — after all, your safety depends on the device you select.