Table of Contents
LifeFone Review: In-Depth
Ever since 1976, LifeFone has been doing a good job when trying to help people who are sick and need attention. Even doctors and nurses today recommend it as a good choice.
Whenever people need the brand, they can call, press a button, or simply use a voice command to let them know what they require. Let’s take a look at all the details of this equipment in 2021.
Key Features
- Customized emergency alerts
- Cellular coverage everywhere
- 100% warranty for life
- Movable medical alert systems
- Waterproof base station
- Medical alarm
Background Information
LifeFone has been helping seniors be safer and more independent since 1976. Some of the main services they have include daily alerts, reminders, and phone calls. Today, LifeFone is based in the Greater New York Area with 1-10 employees.
In addition to these headquarters, they also have offices in other states of the USA. This is not a non-profit organization; the idea behind it is to make money. For this, they offer services like mobile GPS location detection.
Even though LifeFone’s offices are in New York, they cover the whole of the USA with their landline and cellular programs.
Features & Installation
When shopping around, there are certain aspects to take into account. Some of them include the benefits and the type of setup before getting started. Here are some of the most important ones.
Wearing Medical Alert Systems: A Simple Endeavor
Not everyone wants to be tied to home all day long to be protected. Instead, these persons can use a cell phone to get coverage or just use a necklace with GSP and a two-way voice mobile alert system.
It’s very easy to use, as these medical alert systems will have a look at what the owners are doing and keep track of that activity. Plus, in case they fall, the team will contact the emergency services at once using the base detection.
24-7 Monitoring: Always on the Lookout
This is the most important benefit of such a unit. Without it, the client would be unprotected. Luckily, the person will be allotted a team who will take care of their every need 24/7. No matter what time of the day it is, the seniors can call these services and talk to them about their health concerns.
In case of an emergency, they will get in touch with an ambulance and with the family to let them know what is happening.
Installation & Setup
LifeFone is a great option for those who don’t want to deal with installation problems. Why? Because they don’t need tools or complicated wiring to begin protecting people’s lives. Plus, the activation only requires a message or a phone call on the part of the owners to get started with the services.
Here are some steps on how to do it.
- Those who already have a landline just have to plug the device in. Once they have electricity, it will start working right away.
- Those who don’t, instead, will have to contact a provider to get one before work.
- The solution to these issues is hiring a cellular line. Most of them are compatible with 4G or LTE.
Equipment: the Best Features
What are the alternatives, then, when buying the mobile equipment? LifeFone manufactures four different units, all of them with various technologies. Examine the specs and make a decision taking into account all the benefits.
At-Home Landline: Safety for Classic Clients
The At-Home medical alerts are designed for people who already have a landline and want to take advantage of them. While they can be a hassle, the wires make sure that the connection is always stable. It doesn’t depend on LTE or Wi-Fi networks.
- State-of-the-art equipment with recognition from the Better Business Bureau.
- Optional all-detection center for elders with a lot of needs.
- Free spouse coverage so that families have less expenditure.
At-Home Cellular: Monitoring Everywhere
This type of equipment is a bit more expensive than the last one because it adds a new benefit: cellular connections to the pendant or base. So, the owner can go outside (to the supermarket, for example) and still be covered in regards to their health.
The alerts and sounds will still be coming to both the elder and their family or caregiver.
Options
- Personalized emergency response plan for those with special needs.
- Free activation, no fees required for the base center service.
- Pendant for fall detection for only $5 a month.
At-Home & On-the-Go GPS: Nationwide Coverage
This option comes with a lot of equipment: first, it has a base station, an emergency button, and a portable medical alert device. The latter can be charged using the same wires, and the battery will last for several days without needing a new one. Plus, as the name shows, it has a GPS that works everywhere in the country.
Options
- Free shipping for those who hire an annual plan.
- GPS technology is available to geolocate the owner of the pendant.
- Personalized emergency care instructions for the family who takes care of the patient.
At-Home & On-the-Go Voice in Necklace
This is a simplified option for an entire medical alert system in just one wearable unit: a pendant. It is great for people who don’t want to hire a landline or use a mobile phone to be covered.
The battery life is incredible, as it will last 30 days without recharging for only $39.99 a month.
Options
- Different button styles and designs.
- Carbon monoxide detection and protection for the home.
- Easy relocation in case the owner changes their home.
Add-On Features: The Standard and the Extras
What about extras? Can they be added to the units? The answer is yes, sometimes for free or for a very affordable price. Find below all the add-ons that are possible depending on the type of system the client hires.
Free Monitoring for Another Person
Some of the models by LifeFone offer free coverage for the owners’ spouse and direct family. This is great for those who try to save some money and don’t want to pay the monthly fee twice or even more times.
Make sure to ask for the fee reduction when buying these services for a couple. Otherwise, the family will end up paying the money two times.
Activity Assurance
With this feature, the caregiver can make sure the elder is doing what they do every day. This is only available for those who hire At-home landline clients, and it has to be bought as an add-on for $5.
Beaded Lanyards
Those who like some style can have different options when it comes to the LifeFone equipment. The pendant has beaded and handmade lanyards, for example. But bear in mind that the person cannot shower or swim with them.
Location Service
Such a feature is closely related to the GPS service offered by LifeFone. With this in mind, the family will be able to locate the owner in just minutes or even seconds and know exactly where he or she is.
Daily Check-in Call
Every person who pays for a plan is eligible for daily check-in calls. This means that an agent will check up on the patient every day to see how they are doing and whether they require help with something.
Medication Reminders
Older people usually take a lot of pills per day. Such a thing can be hard to remember, especially if they have to take those medications at certain hours. The only thing the families should tell LifeFone is the times when they have to send reminders and what type of pills the elder requires.
Lock Box
The lockbox is a great idea in case of an emergency. For example, if the elder has fallen and is unable to open the door, then the medics may have to break it to get in. If the family wants to avoid that, they can have keys in a lock box with a password that only the LifeFone medical alert system will know.
Those who decide to use the lock box need to guard the password with care. They will be the only ones who know about it, as LifeFone does not store that data.
Fall Detection
Falling is one of the most common problems in people over 65 years old. This is particularly hard for those who live alone, as they will not receive the attention they require on time. As a result, this can be dangerous for their health.
So, fall detection comes in handy to prevent this from happening. And it’s very cheap. For only $5 a month, people can get all the attention they need 24/7.
Wall Button
The wall button is extra protection for areas that need some help, like the shower or the outer patio. Without a lot of help and just using Velcro, the owner can easily install it to help the elders.
Emergency Care Contacts
This is very important for the family because they will be the first ones to be called by emergency services in case something happens to the patient. Depending on the type of plan they pay for, they will be able to add more than one phone number.
LifeFone Mobile Emergency App
The mobile app is made for both the user and the one who takes care of him or her. It has a panic button for the elder to ask for help if they find themselves in an emergency and a chat to talk to their families or nurses.
LifeFone Packages & Prices
In terms of payments, LifeFone is very flexible. First, because it allows owners to pay per month, per quarter, or per year as they see fit. Plus, if they decide to pay in larger installments, they will get benefits and discounts. All the equipment has different options and prices. For instance, the additional spouse will only require $5 per month in addition to the monthly fee.
Table of Unit Comparison
So, which one is better? It all depends on what the person is looking for. Those who value portability, for example, may want the necklace with mobile tracking and GPS. But they should take into account the price and all the other features it has.
| At-Home Landline | At-Home Cellular | At-Home & On-the-Go GPS | At-Home & On-the-Go Voice in Necklace | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price per Month | $24.95 | $30.95 | $36.95 | $39.95 |
| Waterproof Signals | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Fall Detection | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Needs a Hub | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Limited Range | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| 30- Day Guarantee | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| GPS Pendant | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Landline Required | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Wall Button Included | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Guarantee | Limited for 5 years | Limited for 5 years | Limited for 10 years | No limits |
At-Home Landline
The price per month starts at $24.95, but they depend on the type of service the person wants. For example, the owner can add fall detection.
The signal ranges to 1,300 meters from the base, so it will cover even large homes..
Pros:
- 24/7 available at home
- 32-hour backup battery
- The superior signal range for buttons
Cons:
- Can be hard to manage
At-Home Cellular
The price ranges from $30 and goes up from there. Plus, this unit has a microphone that allows the patient to speak to the customer care team or even with the family in case of an emergency.
Pros:
- It covers the outside in addition to the home.
- Works without a landline.
- Highly sensitive microphone.
Cons:
- Plans are more expensive than other medical options for the home.
At-Home & On-the-Go GPS
As long as there is AT&T coverage, this model will work anywhere in the USA. Be it at home or on the go. Starting at $36 per month, this is a great option for elders with a lot of needs.
Pros:
- Add a pendant for only $10 more a month.
- No additional cell fees.
- Waterproof and resistant to fires
Cons:
- Equipped only with a standard button.
At-Home & On-the-Go Voice in Necklace
This necklace costs $39.95, which makes it the most expensive unit in the spectrum. But it’s worth the money, as it has the latest technology to ensure the seniors’ safety.
Pros:
- High-quality mic for two-way communication.
- Very lightweight and easy to wear.
- 5-day excellent battery life.
Cons:
- No price lock guarantee
Ease of Use
It’s really easy to use all this equipment. The installation is seamless, especially in the cellular systems. No wiring is necessary. People only have to pay the monthly fee for it to work well. Plus, the patient only has to press a button on the wall, base station, or the pendant for help to be on the way. The only thing that can be difficult to understand is how to use the two-voice system. The owner has to activate it before they are able to speak using the unit.
Customer Experience
LifeFone reviews claim that the customer experience is positive. Not only because the terms and guarantees favor the buyer but also because the team is well prepared. Let’s see the details below.
Terms and Guarantees
The terms of use are divided into several categories. The first one has to do with shipping and returns. Depending on where people live and what they order, they can get an exact quote of how much time they will have to wait. The site also has a part where it discusses the privacy policy. Such a thing is crucial when dealing with people’s safety and health. Nobody likes to be exposed. So, they promise to encrypt data and to only share certain details with the authorities if the time comes when that’s necessary.
Customer Support
The customer support is strong and one of the most important benefits of such a service. Thus, they provide 24/7 attention anytime, anywhere. For this, they list a phone number on the site any person can call as long as they are in the USA. In case they are not and they do not require an urgent answer, they can send an email to [email protected]. For those who are not clients yet but would like to get a quote, they can use the webform inserted on the site.
Reviews
The LifeFone reviews are positive overall. The first thing that users praise is their discounts and promotions for paying in advance. Plus, the service is quick, and communication is great. The customer support is always well informed about the state of health. The battery life is very durable and requires little or no recharging during the week. On the negative side, repairs can be a bit expensive, especially when it comes to the remote models or the pendant.
FAQ Section
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How Does LifeFone Alert Work?
It works with a medical alert system. The devices have been specially designed for those who live alone, are sick, or are over 65 years of age. The systems try to check up on them to see they are attended too, and so there are no serious emergencies.
For this, the service has developed pendants and cellular GPS that track people’s activities and see whether they fall, for example.
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Do I Need a Cell Phone to Use the LifeFone Cellular System?
Yes, that’s right. A smartphone with AT&T is required, so the system works in any location as long as they are in the USA.
A tablet or any other electronic device will not do, as the people cannot hire a telco or a communications plan without a phone.
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Why Should One Choose LifeFone?
Because it has a great reputation and a lot of years in the market, plus, the reviews are positive. Most clients are happy with the service they receive. They claim that the prices are fair and that the customer support team is kind and diligent.
Also, the equipment is affordable, and there are plenty of options to choose from to protect the elders as much as possible.
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What % of Falls Will LifeFone’s Fall Detection Systems Detect?
The Lifefone medical alert system will detect up to 95% of falls. Some of them might be subtle and be out of the sensor’s reach.
If that’s the case, the pendant includes a panic button for additional security. In this way, the owner can press it and let the service know they need help.
LifeFone Pros & Cons
Are buyers still wondering whether this brand is the best option for them or their families? Take a look at the following list of advantages and drawbacks and take a pick.
Pros:
- Excellent customer service with 24/7 attention for emergencies.
- 5-year battery life to avoid problems.
- In-home plans can be combined with cellular benefits.
- People can add help upgrades if necessary.
- No long-term contract should be signed.
Cons:
- Sometimes the add-on accessories are expensive.
- The signal can falter outside.
Extensive Offering for More Health
All in all, this brand offers decent equipment at nice prices and great customer support in 2021. The specs are ample and cover a wide range of medical and health needs people may have.
Just consider the relationship between cost and benefit, as outlined in this LifeFone review and start protecting the loved ones. Have you ever considered using medical alerts? Let us know in the comments below.
