There are so many medical alert system providers… That’s why InHomeSafetyGuide exists!
The problem is, it isn’t enough for there to be so many choices. Some of the choices sound so similar it can be hard to tear apart what each provider has to offer! In this article, we’re comparing Life Alert Reviews vs Philips Lifeline to learn the main ways in which they are different. We’ll also talk about which system we recommend.
Philips Lifeline offers a free online Independent Living Assessment
Customer service is one of the many ways Philips Lifeline is a better choice than Life Alert. One way that they help their customers is by offering a free online Independent Living Assessment.
Instead of trying to convince you that you or a loved one really needs a medical alert system, Philips Lifeline takes the time to help you understand whether a medical alert device is truly needed. The assessment identifies key areas that include the ability to move about freely, manage life skills, and perform daily tasks.
In addition to this unique assessment, Philips Lifeline offers many more resources that Life Alert doesn’t. The Decision Tool makes it easy to narrow down your choices, if you’re interested in a medical alert device. There’s even an entire section of the website that’s dedicated to caregivers which includes a blog, tips for having ‘the talk’ with a loved one, and more.
Life Alert has decades of experience and name recognition
Experience definitely counts for something in this day and age, and Life Alert has plenty of it. This medical alert system provider was one of the first on the market and has decades of experience. They have amassed over 30,000 customer testimonials, and they are quite famous for their popular slogan, “Help, I’ve fallen and I can’t get up!”
When most people start their medical alert system search, they often start with Life Alert.
So, which one is the best choice for you or a loved one?
Of course, there are many other details that each system offers that haven’t been discussed here, but the quality of the differences listed above should give you a clue.
The only thing Life Alert really has going for it is name recognition. Their unit has a very short coverage range, requires a lengthy contract, and even with decades of experience, their equipment and customer service haven’t entered the 21st century.
In contrast, Philips Lifeline offers a much better buying experience, a better value for the price, and much better customer service than Life Alert, right down to the fact that you can compare plans and make a purchase online. You have to call in and talk to a service representative if you choose Life Alert.
Philips Lifeline is definitely the more attractive option when comparing these two medical alert system providers. However, Philips Lifeline did not take our number one spot for the best in-home medical alert system. It’s far from the number one spot, in fact! To learn more about various in-home medical alert systems, and to find out which one we recommend above all others, check out our recommended buyers page.
4 Signs That You or Someone You Love Needs Fall Detection
We’ve talked about the signs that you or someone you love needs a medical alert system. You can even use the Independent Living Assessment tool on Philip’s Lifeline’s website to determine if you can continue living alone safely. But, there’s a lot more to medical alert systems than just the basic in-home unit and pendant. How are you supposed to know which features are right for you?
One important feature you should consider is the fall detection pendant. Here are 4 signs that you or someone you love could greatly benefit from this cool technology.
- A fall has already occurred
The biggest indicator that a fall detection pendant is needed is if a fall has already occurred. Chances are, if a fall has occurred in the past, it will happen again. When it does, it would be extremely beneficial to have a fall detection pendant. That way, if you’re unable to push the button, an emergency response customer service representative will still be able to send help your way.
You should still consider a pendant even if the fall you experienced wasn’t severe. It’s easy to explain the fall by saying, “There was a bit of water on the kitchen floor,” or “The ground was just uneven.” Everyone falls! There’s no reason to be ashamed! The question is, will you be able to get help if you fall down again in the future? What will happen if the fall you experience is more serious next time? This brings us to item number 2 on our list.
- A fall will result in a hospital stay
Regardless of whether you have fallen in the past, if a fall in the future is likely to result in a hospital stay, you should seriously consider a fall detection pendant.
As many as 1 in 4 women in the United States have osteoporosis, which means a fall is likely to cause serious bone fractures. Not only is this painful and uncomfortable, a simple fall could mean you spend months in the hospital, assisted living facility, or rehabilitation.
For some, a severe fall means losing the ability to live independently altogether. Although a fall detection pendant can’t prevent a fall, addressing a fall quickly can increase your chances of a speedy recovery. The quicker you receive help, the quicker you can get back on your feet, and the more likely you will be to remain in your own home.
If you want to learn more about your risk of serious medical complications as a result of a fall, make sure you check in with your doctor. He can provide you with the health information you need to decide if a fall detection pendant is necessary.
- Unsteady feet
As we age, we lose some of our fine and gross motor skills, which means walking can become a bit of a challenge, especially when it comes to smooth, slick surfaces or uneven flooring. If you or a loved one finds themselves tripping or is otherwise unsteady on their feet, a fall detection pendant could be the right choice.
Not only can you become more unsteady your feet as a general symptom of aging, some medications can cause dizziness, which in turn can make someone more prone to falling.
- Worried about falling
Even if you haven’t fallen in the past and you are fairly steady on your feet, the fear of falling and enduring a long hospital stay can cause a lot of worry and anxiety. For some seniors, the peace of mind of a fall detection pendant is well worth the extra money.
Ultimately, using a fall detection pendant is a personal decision. Just make sure you compare various providers to find the one that’s right for you.