Product Review: SureResponse Medical Alert (from Verizon)
The new Verizon SureResponse is one of the newest medical alert systems on the market today. This entry (which Verizon calls a mobile emergency response system) gets closest to we at The Senior List envision as an ideal offering in this space. It truly is mobile (cellular network driven), offers GPS tracking, and can connect you to caregivers (or loved ones) if necessary.
Product Info: SureResponse Medical Alert
- Name: Verizon SureResponse
- Website Info: Verizon Wireless – SureResponse
- Auto Fall Detection? : No
- Equipment Cost: $229.99 (retail) OR 19.99 with a 2 year plan (note: early termination fees will apply)
- Monthly Cost: $30 per device (also requires a $35 activation fee)
- Features: Lanyard, Wrist Strap and Belt Clip Accessories Included, Water Resistant Panic Buttons, Untethered 24/7 Monitoring on a Cellular Network (Verizon Wireless), GPS Tracking (must be enabled and shared/volunteered), Convenience Calling, and an Online Portal to help manage lists of caregivers etc. (called SureResponse Online)
Review: SureResponse Medical Alert System from Verizon
As we noted above, Verizon’s SureResponse mobile emergency response system is now at the top of our list when it comes to medical alert systems. First the criticism; We like the form factor but it looks bulky on the wrist (uncomfortable) and we doubt many people would want to wear it there (until it gets much smaller). It’s also bigger than some of the other pendant worn alert systems, and it may look like your loved one is wearing a cellular phone around their neck (because they are). We’re guessing this will be worn on the belt clip OR kept in a pocket for many future users out there, although from an accessibility standpoint we do like the pendant option. It also lacks fall detection, but devices with fall detection haven’t made the splash we thought they would as yet so maybe down the road IF they can get it right (many have failed). Finally we probably wouldn’t trust this in the shower with us… Until Verizon discloses a little more about just how water resistant the device is, we’d keep it away from H2O if we could help it.
OK now for the good stuff… The Senior List thinks this looks like a great option for those in need. The ability to be UNTETHERED is something that many folks have been looking for (at a comparable price point to the tethered solutions). It’s backed by a reputable company with relatively transparent terms and conditions. That seems trivial but try to find details from some of the traditional distributors out there and you’ll agree. Also the (optional) GPS tracking is something that’s been on our wish list for sometime. I say optional because the user/owner designates (or not) the folks that are able to track them (via SureResponse Online). If this feature is not activated, it is only used in the case of an emergency (so emergency personnel can locate the person in need). Here’s another item worth mentioning, and another reason we like what we see so far… IF your loved one needs to go into a nursing facility, under the existing terms and conditions they ARE eligible to opt out of their 2 year agreement. There are specific details associated with this “second right to cancel” so read the T’s & C’s carefully.
The Bottom Line:
We want to see more given this is new to the market, but we really like what we’re seeing here. The SureResponse by Verizon would definitely be worth looking into. It’s near the top of our list, and we’ll be looking forward to monitoring their success with this mobile medical alert system.
If you’ve used the SureResponse Medical Alert System or know someone who has, please give us your opinion in the comment section below!
Video:
Read More:
Mobile Help Acquires Halo Monitoring to expand fall detection offering
Medical Alert Systems: Products and Reviews
The Top 10 Questions You Should Ask Before Buying A Medical Alert System
About TimOnTech
Don’t be duped. I tried this system for my mom. It was a nightmare to dock and charge. The battery dies quickly. Too large, heavy, clumsy and not even the VERIZON store manager could handle it without pressing the alarm button. Save the hassle. Not good for its intended purpose.
To add insult to injury, when I took it back less than 24 hours from purchasing it VERIZON tried to charge me a $35 restocking fee because it would not be good for anyone to use. My response? It wasn’t any good for anyone (target market) to use when I bought it.
Needs to do a whole lot more market research on this. To top it off I rode 350 miles, took 2 days off of work so that I could buy it and set it up for mom. When the store manager tried to disarm it he could not and pressed the alarm button but did not respond to the respondent. My mother was scared too death when EMS, Ambulance and Police showed up at her door at 8:45 pm when she did not even have the device. What a nightmare! Now mom doesn’t want anything to do with med alert systems just when I had finally convinced her to wear one.
Ugghh- So sorry to hear about your experience Ivo. I wish Verizon would address these complaints. As it is, they look like they’ve got a lot of work to do…
I have been wearing the SureResponse system for 2 months now, so far no real negatives. I like having it for my safety since my right hip popped out of place one evening. I live alone, so this is a blessing.
I clip in on to my waist clothes. I am still up and about but home bound. I can understand the one who has a problem getting it in the recharge, I have set mine off several times trying to click it in. It would be difficult for anyone who has had a stroke or otherwise not able to perform the operation of the system.
Right now I am pleased with it, the responders have always been very nice when accidently the button was clicked…
Verizon totally ripped off my aging parents with the Sure Response product. They cancelled their phone and upsold them to a cell line which they couldn’t use. Hundreds of wasted dollars. Verizon should be investigated for Elder Abuse!!
Hi,
Please do not buy a sure response system from Verizon. My mom had a stroke and has limited usage of her right hand. The unit is difficult to charge and does not hold a charge for longer than 36 hours. The unit has to be removed from the necklace and inserted into another clip for charging. I thought the unit was going to stay charged for about 4 days. Both the salespeople at the store and an online Verizon site said about 120 hours of standby power. This was misleading. The first unit I purchased would not hold a charge at all and about 16 days after first purchasing it they gave me the concession of exchanging it after the 14 day return policy time limit. Up to that point, it had never truly worked.
Also I must add that I didn’t even connect it for about 7 days after I purchased it. My mom had come out of rehab and I was very involved with other things. She lives on her own so I needed a dependable device. The replacement phone does charge but only holds the charge for 24 – 36 hours. Verizon will not let me return it without incurring a $200 charge. You would think since I have 5 wireless phones on my account that they would just let it go, but they stand by their no return after 14 day policy and I have been on the phone with about 5 people. I can’t go to her house every day to charge the phone and it takes about 2 hours to charge fully. DO NOT BUY THIS SYSTEM unless the person using it is completely mobile and responsible. It is not an emergency system that will work in an emergency.
I had similar experience. BAD system
My father has the Sure Response and I’m finding it needs a lot more design work. The button is too easy to (accidentally) push, it happens when he rolls over in bed, or when he gets a good hug from someone. The button needs to be more concave I think. Also, the company is difficult to work with as a caregiver. I have to send them my power of attorney documentation to be able to update notification phone numbers and people. I would think that talking to him once on the phone, having him grant permission for me to speak for him, would be sufficient. But they either have to have the POA, or get permission from him each time. This has become enough of a maintenance issue that I’m looking at other options.
Hi Morgan- This is really great feedback, thanks! Interesting to hear about the POA issue. That is very strange… Many of these mobile medical alert companies allow caregivers, family members, etc. to change these emergency contacts online (where you only have to enter in a password for access). Anyone else have experience with SureResponse and/or their customer service folks?