Philips Lifeline Review: Speedy Response Times

Philips is a well-known company both in the USA and Canada. Founded by two doctors, it still provides medical alert services for anyone who needs them. From medication dispensers to pendants, they have a great variety of products. They don’t fall short on packages and plans, either. No matter which one they decide to buy, clients will know for sure they have a quality product. If interested, keep on reading this Philips Lifeline review to know more.

Natalie Mitchell - Editorial Staff

Updated: January 18, 2021

Philips Lifeline Review: In-Depth

So, this reliable system works in a very simple way. Owners need to acquire the product, set it up, and start using it. There is no other requirement. By paying a monthly subscription, they will have access to a qualified team of professionals. These people are going to support the patient. Plus, they can call emergency services in case of need. In any case, this review can help readers find the info they need about the provider.

Key Features:

  • Fast and effective response in 12 seconds
  • Monitors through landline
  • Mobile app available
  • Detector of falls
  • Location through GPS
  • No contracts needed

Background Information

Philips Lifeline Background Information

Lifeline is a business that started more than 30 years ago. It was created by a doctor from the USA. He used to take care of people of old age. So, he knew the issues they faced. For example, most of them lived alone. Meaning they did not have anyone to talk to or call in case they needed anything. With the help of his wife, he started to develop a product that could help all of them.

Ever since 1983, Philips Lifeline medical alert system has been providing services to millions of people in the country. They claim they are the first business in the field to be active here. They have also expanded to Canada. The team strives every day to give people the best service possible in the field of security.

Features: Health Always Goes First

For products to be truly high-quality, they need a lot of features and perks to work well. Some of them are standard in the industry, like 24/7 attention. But others are specs of Philips Lifeline only. For example, the medication dispenser. The one that will give the patients reminders for them to take their pills on time.  Those interested can take a look at those specs in detail next.

24/7 Emergency Response: Efficient Attention

Philips Lifeline 24-7 Emergency Response

This is one of the most important things for this type of product. If there is no constant attention, accidents or other issues might happen. So, the team is always there for owners, 365 days a year, 24 hours a day.

Medication Dispensing: Friendly Reminders

It might be hard for people to remember what pills they have to take. In particular, if they have to take a lot of meds at the same time. Or if they have to do that at a certain hour. But they don’t need to worry: this company will give them alerts.

Free Equipment: No Extra Payments

This service doesn’t charge extra for the equipment. Instead, what they do is to give the product on lease. In exchange, the client has to pay a monthly fee.

Automatic Weekly Test: Safety to the Next Level

No camera is good if they do not work. So, to save the owners the hassle of having to check on their own, Philips lifeline medical alert system includes a self-testing feature. And it happens weekly for more safety.

Water-Resistant: Protection at All Times

Some accidents can happen in the shower. Or on the streets, under the rain. So, the thing that makes Lifeline unique is that it resists water. Meaning that the owner never has to take it off.

Fall Detection: Even More Protection

Those who want extra protection can pay a fee to get fall detection. It might happen that a person faints or trips and needs help but cannot reach the button. With this detection, they will get it anyways.

Landline and Cellular: Always Working

Those who have a landline already will get the service for sure. But even those who don’t can benefit from these plans. They only need cellular service from any carrier to make it happen.

Location Technologies: Keeping Track of Users

This company does not only apply the classic GPS. Instead, they include 6 different technologies in their devices. As a result, in case one of them fails, the operators will always know where the owners are.

Automatic System Testing: Clients’ Reassurance

Again, the system will test itself at least once a week to check if it needs to be maintained. For example, the devices might have to be dusted to work properly. And it will chime if that’s the case.

Multi-Language Support: Attention for Everyone

It doesn’t matter where people are located; they will surely find support in their language. The agents speak more than 200, so it is sure that clients will get the help they need.

2-Way Voice: Calling for Help

In case people need help, they have to communicate with the Response Center. These pros will be able to hear the owner, and the same happens the other way round.

Equipment & Installation

In terms of equipment, Lifeline is a prolific company. Every year, they do their best to come up with new devices. Or even to improve their existing ones with new versions.

HomeSafe Standard (Landline): Great Value for Money

Philips HomeSafe with AutoAlert (Landline)

This is the most classical option available. Actually, it is best for clients who already have a landline and want to take advantage of it. For less than 30$ a month, families will be sure they can rest in peфace knowing their elderly are protected.

  • $50 one-time activation fee.
  • Includes a pendant or a wristband.
  • 24/7 attention using the button.
  • Fast delivery in less than one week.
  • DIY set up or pro installation available.
  • 30-day return policy.

HomeSafe Standard (Cellular): Available to Anyone

Philips HomeSafe Standard (Cellular)

This option is quite similar to the one above. What changes is that owners do not have wires. So, they prefer to hire cellular services for medical monitoring. So, it’s a bit more expensive. The price for the whole system is a little over $40.

  • The pendant is water-resistant.
  • The battery lasts for years.
  • A low battery indicator is included.
  • The self-testing button is available.
  • Personalized plans.

HomeSafe with AutoAlert (Landline): Extra Protection

Philips Lifeline HomeSafe Standard

AutoAlert is a feature that is most helpful for the elderly. It’s also great for those who suffer from a serious illness and live alone at home. The idea behind this perk is simple. If the person wearing the wristband or pendant falls, AutoAlert will detect it in a second. It will also ask for the help these people need.

  • Rapid response center.
  • Help is dispatched in just minutes.
  • Less than 50$ a month for 24/7 support.
  • The speaker-phone will call emergencies even if the owner does not ask for it.
  • Waterproof product. People can use it in the shower or even the pool.

HomeSafe with AutoAlert (Cellular): Premium Alternative

Philips HomeSafe with AutoAlert (Cellular)

Finally, this is the priciest product within the options of the company. As it doesn’t need cables, anyone can just hire the plan. Yet, it is not cheap at all. Owners will need to have almost 60$ per month to afford this package.

  • Accurate detection when a person falls.
  • Emergency contact of the family (in addition to calling the Services).
  • Great two-way voice.
  • Wide range of operations within the house.
  • Multi-lingual support for those who don’t speak English.
  • No taxes added to the price on the display.

Added Extras

In addition to the classic equipment, Lifeline designed extras. These will make the owners’ lives easier, helping to protect the patients even more with their medical systems for the home.

GoSafe (Landline)

The service offers extra support to those who decide to buy this equipment. Of course, they cannot do it without paying for the monthly fee. As it includes an automatic fall detector, it gives people an extra layer of safety. Plus, it has a battery in case of a power outage.

GoSafe (Cellular)

This, in turn, takes care of clients using their mobile networks. This also means that Philips can take care of the owner no matter where he or she is. Inside or outside the home. Also, cellular does not mean that it’s less reliable than the classic option.

GoSafe2 (Cellular)

Philips GoSafe2 (Cellular)

According to Philips’ lifeline reviews, this is one of the most efficient devices of the company. The product fee is pricey for sure. But it’s worth the money. Mostly because the pendant protects the owner not only inside the house. But also if they go outside, as it depends on the cellular network.

How It Works

The product works in a very simple way. First, of course, buyers need to choose the variety that suits their needs. Then, they have to decide if they want the setup process to either be DIY or professional.

Those who can find their way around tools, for example, might prefer to install the product on their own. Instead of having to pay the company for a setup.

Finally, the owner just needs to turn the device on and wear the wristband or pendant at all times. Deciding which will be the emergency contacts is the last step. This means that the support team will call those people in case the patient has an accident.

There is nothing left to do: the person only needs to wear their device at all times to prevent medical issues from happening.

Packages & Prices

So, the prices of the equipment are quite similar. The only one that is cheaper than the others is the standard with wires. In terms of installation, this can be the most expensive perk. Anyway, customers will find different options for their requirements.

Table of Plans’ Comparison

In the following figure, readers can find the costs and details of each Philips Lifeline’s plan and product. The complete one is, of course, the one which includes AutoAlert, as it guarantees total protection for the patient.

HomeSafe Alert Devices Cost per Month Cost of Installation Cost of Device
Standard Landline $29.95 $19.95-$99 $50
Standard Cellular $41.95 $19.95-$99 $50
With AutoAlert Landline $44.95 $19.95-$99 $50
With AutoAlert Cellular $56.95 $19.95-$99 $50

Packages

The GoSafe version of these devices has a similar cost of installation and monthly fee. But they differ in their specs and how they connect to the power source. In any case, these are important features to consider when making a buying choice.

GoSafe Equipment Cost per Month Cost of Installation Cost of Device
Landline $54.95 $19.95-$99 $149
Cellular $64.95 $19.95-$99 $149
GoSafe 2 $44.95 $19.95-$99 $99.95

HomeSafe

This plan is the classic coverage for medical alert systems. As shown above, those who want to can also choose to include the option of Auto alert. Meaning that the devices will detect whether the person fell down and call 911.

Equipment & Services

  • Pendant or wristband. It’s the choice of the owner
  • Less than 30$ a month for the service
  • The coverage includes the whole house. Even the patio.
  • The billing takes place every 30 days.

GoSafe

This is the first version of the system designed by Philips with location technologies. The idea was to provide 24/7 help to those who called them. And to provide these people with a custom plan they can modify at will.

Equipment & Services

  • Pendant or wristband. It’s the choice of the owner
  • Less than 30$ a month for the service
  • The coverage includes the whole house. Even the patio.
  • The billing takes place every 30 days.

GoSafe2

This is the best version of the same device. It increased a bit more the fee, but it’s worth the effort. Again, it does not offer a wristband; only the pendant is available. But it covers people in or outside their homes. On the grey side, there is no option of installation for those who have a landline. The connection is wireless only.

Equipment & Services

  • Personalized packages.
  • No contracts, users only have to pay the fee month by month.
  • Constant access to help for those who hired their services.
  • Crisp sound for the two-way voice device.
  • Fall detection improved.

Ease of Use

Philips Lifeline reviews show this equipment is easy to use. To begin with, users can just go for the DIY set up. Meaning they do not have to pay extra or hire anyone to get started with the security system. Plus, even the landline version is not hard to install. People do not require any tools or other things to utilize it. They just have to plug it to the electricity, utilize the landline wire, and that’s it.

Philips Lifeline Customer Service

Customer Service

For more than 30 years, Philips Lifeline center has been providing high-quality products and services. One of the main features of this is their support and sales team. Their terms and privacy policies are also tight.

Terms and Guarantees

Lifeline’s terms of use are quite clear and tight. For starters, users must be at least 18 years of age. Minors cannot hire a plan or package. In terms of returns, they have a money-back guarantee that lasts for a year. But only in case, the product was faulty. Or if the company had an issue when delivering medical alert systems. The business also promises to protect the clients’ private info of their homes. Such a thing means they would not disclose their data to any third-party. Finally, the page also shows the ways of contacting Lifeline and purchasing a plan, together with their reviews.

Customer Support

Their customer support is quite efficient. It has 3 sections for different clients. One of them has to do with ordering and billing. The other one is for general questions and doubts. The last one is related to shipping and returns, in case owners are not happy with their purchase and want to change their home systems.

Philips Lifeline Reviews

Most people praise the service and claim the button has a very fast action. In just minutes, they get the attention they require from the support team. Those who decide to use a pendant, for example, also say it’s quite comfortable. The home system is also waterproof, so they don’t have to take it out when taking a shower. The two-way audio system also works loud and clear. Making sure nobody fails because of tech issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How Does Lifeline Medical Alert Work?

    It works in a very simple way.

    1. Owners just have to buy the product and install the hub. They can do this with or without any help.
    2. This system also comes with a GPS product that tracks the persons’ location, which can be a wristband or a pendant. And that’s it.
    3. The only thing owners have to do is to never take the product out. So, they will always be protected. Plus, they can contact the support center 24/7 in case of an emergency.

  • How Do I Test My Philips Lifeline?

    This medical alert device comes with two ways for families to know it’s working.

    1. The first one is a low-battery level indicator. In case the pendant or wristband is about to expire, it has a light and a siren that will start ringing.
    2. This way, clients will know they have to charge the battery.
    3. The other one is a self-testing button. When people push it, the system will try and work.
    4. If it doesn’t, then the person knows he or she has to ask for support.

  • How Do I Connect My Philips Lifeline?

    Setting up the Lifeline is quite easy, in theory.

    1. The first thing to do, of course, is to acquire the product.
    2. Then, plug it to electricity and then to the phone.
    3. The cellular option, on the other hand, requires an Internet connection.
    4. The owner just needs to know a bit about how to use the Internet and the buttons to press.

  • Is Philips Lifeline Waterproof?

    Yes, it’s water-resistant. But careful, this means that it can get in touch with liquids. For example, under the rain or in the shower. But it cannot be under the water for a long time. If it is, it will break, like under the sea or in the bathtub.

Philips Lifeline Pros & Cons

So, Philips Lifeline is a professional company that gives services to individuals and families. And has been doing so for many years. Meaning that their reputation precedes them. Let’s take a look, then, at the good and not-so-good points of Philips Lifeline medical alert system.

Pros:

  • The response is very fast, as medical emergencies require.
  • The support team is multilingual and is based both in the USA and Canada.
  • Plans can be custom according to each clients’ needs.
  • Those who want to can opt for the medication dispenser perk.
  • Both landline and cellular connections available.

Cons:

  • The plans are a bit pricier than the competitions.
  • It’s not compatible with one’s mobile phone.

Take Your Families’ Health to the Next Level

All in all, this medical alert provider is quite well-known in the USA. Not only because the devices are durable, but they also have a very fast response if something happens. On the good side, it does not have any activation fees or long-term contracts.

Plus, the customer care team is nice and quick. Those worried about the safety of their family members should not hesitate to hire a medical alert service. And Philips Lifeline is a decent option in the field.


Editorial Staff

Natalie contributes her expertise by her professional writing and years working in editorial offices and with online publishers. Natalie is a true leader who has exceptional skills to be a team player. She excels at conducting research on robberies and thefts using open police data and is inspired by her husband’s work as a detective. With such interests, she continues to write excellent articles about security systems in general and Securing Home in particular.


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