Your first choice is whether you want to have a monitored system that calls a central alarm monitoring station or a unit that dials just 911 or a few of your family and friends.
Both systems work. It’s largely a matter of personal preference and cost.
No-Fee Alerts:
As explained elsewhere, a no-fee alert is programmed to dial the numbers of your friends and family in case of an emergency. If it can’t reach the first one, it goes on to the second until someone answers.
Pro: Once you buy the equipment, there are no more charges. Plus, you’re not sharing any of your personal details or medical history with strangers.
Cons: There’s no guarantee any of your friends and family will be available, or that they’ll be able to help you in a fast moving emergency. You have to pay upfront for the full cost of the equipment.
Expect to pay between $160 and $300 for a good no-fee alert system.
Monitored Alerts:
When you activate a monitored alert, it calls a monitoring station with trained responders. The responder talks to you to find out what you need and dispatches appropriate help. That might be your neighbor, in case you’ve simply fallen and can’t get up, or it could be the fire department or ambulance if that’s what you need. In most cases the responder can stay on the phone with you while they activate your emergency plan, and some can even do a three-way call with your child or with the emergency crew.
Pro: Monitored alerts provide quick and competent response in emergencies. The responders know your medical needs and can make sure anyone who comes to help you knows about them. You’re usually leasing the equipment, so you don’t have a big lump payment.
Con: Monitored systems require monthly monitoring fees, so your long term cost is much higher.
Expect to pay between $25 and $40 a month for your equipment lease and monitoring service, or between $240 and $480 per year.
Ready to choose?
Can’t decide? Go with the monitored alert.
