If you live alone and concerned about your safety, living with a serious medical condition or are at a high risk of a fall, a Life Alert system may be worth investigating. It can give you some peace of mind knowing that if you need help, it is just the push of a button away. There are options to consider about the type of system you get and the devices you need to operate it.
Identification
Life Alert, which was founded in 1987, works by connecting you with an agency that can call for help when you need it. This can be especially helpful if you fall and cannot reach the phone or are having a seizure and cannot communicate clearly. In this case you can use the Life Alert system to call for you. This can help individuals stay independently in their own home. Life Alert also has systems that can be used for home protection.
Benefits
According to the Life Alert, their system can also alert you if there is excess levels of carbon monoxide in your home. They can monitor your home in case of a fire or burglary. Your home can be monitored for all of these situations when you are at home and away. Life Alert uses video surveillance and audio monitoring systems to detect when there is a problem and they will respond accordingly. They can use the audio system to announce to intruders that they have been spotted. In the case of high levels of carbon monoxide or fire, they can call for help. Life Alert will try to contact you directly first and then respond as needed if they are unable to reach you.
Features
If you want carbon monoxide or fire protection, Life Alert installs detectors in your home. These detectors are then connected to Life Alert's main office and computer system. For protection against intruders, you need a video monitoring and sound system installed. You will also be given devices to place throughout your home. These devices have a button that you can push for help and a speaker that allows you to communicate with Life Alert. If an intruder is in your home, push the button to get help instead of trying to get to a phone. The same is true for medical emergencies. In this case, you wear the button so you can push it and talk to Life Alert no matter where you are. The device can be in the form of a watch, bracelet or necklace.
Types
Life Alert offers two plans. Life Alert 50+, which is for younger individuals and offers all of the emergency options. The other option is Life Alert classic, which is specifically designed for seniors. In addition, you can also get a special 911 cell phone that provides nationwide coverage. If you have an emergency away from home, the push of a button connects you directly to 911 instead of Life Alert.
Considerations
There are many companies that offer similar services and work very much the same as Life Alert. According to a "Consumers Affairs" report, Life Alert is the most expensive company. Services can range for $20 a month to over $100. Shop around for different systems to find the one that best matches your needs. Check with others in your community, your local police, fire department and senior centers to get recommendations.
