Product Review: The LifeTrac Mobile Protector from SecuraTrac

January 8, 2013 by Leave a Comment

The LifeTrack handset photoProduct Review: LifeTrac Mobile Protector

The LifeTrac MobileProtector from SecuraTrac is a nice looking device that we’re excited about.  We’re seeing a new generation of PERS (personal emergency response systems) that are giving the traditional medical alert system community a run for it’s money.  The newer systems are mobile (cellular network driven) and this is something we’ve been advocating for a number of years.  Until now we haven’t seen a lot of competition in the untethered space, but we’re starting to like what we see here!  This could also be classified as a senior-friendly mobile phone, but it’s very small and offers the best of both worlds (medical alert + cell phone technology).

 

Product Info: LifeTrac Medical Alert System

  • Name: LifeTrac MobileProtector
  • Website Info: LifeTrac powered by SecuraTrac
  • Auto Fall Detection? : No
  • Equipment Cost: $197.78  (retail)
  • Monthly Cost: $34.98 per device (includes 30 minutes of talk time) $44.98 gets you 200 cell minutes per month.The LifeTrac system illustration
  • Features:  Lanyard, Elastic Arm/Leg Band, and Belt Clip Accessories (available for a nominal charge), Easy to use Panic Button, 3 easy to use (prominent) Speed Dial Buttons, Untethered 24/7 Monitoring on a Cellular Network, GPS Tracking (with Geo Fencing ), works in Over 140 Countries, Convenience Calling, and an Online Portal to help manage device features, etc. (called the LifeTrac Dashboard)

Review: LifeTrac Mobile Protector from SecuraTrac

As we mentioned above, we’re excited about the LifeTrac MobileProtector and we’re equally excited to see the medical alert system industry evolve the way it is (albeit slowly).  We’d put the SecuraTrac device in our “must consider” list of PERS devices.  It is mobile (via cellular network) and it allows the user to take it with them to over 140 countries without hassle (like having to swap out SIM cards, etc.).  Geo Fencing is a very cool feature that you can opt for with this device.  Geo Fencing allows LifeTrac Dashboard caregiver/monitor to set geographic boundaries that alert them if the user proceeds outside the predefined area.  This is particularly useful for dementia and/or Alzheimer’s sufferers that are prone to wandering!  The ability to pinpoint the user’s location has obvious benefits when trying to locate the user after the emergency button has been pushed.

The LifeTrac MobileProtector can also be used as a mobile phone just as you’d use your own cell phone.  Your monthly service plan includes cell phone usage/minutes (click LifeTrac alert pricing for monthly service fees.)  There are 4 speed dial buttons on the front of the device that allow for easy dialing.  One of these buttons is reserved for the emergency call center, but the other 3 can be pre-programmed to call anyone (such as a caregiver, son/daughter, or loved one).  Finally this device has an inactivity alert aboard that will send an emergency message to loved ones (or a caregiver) so they can call the unit to check up on the user.  This inactivity alert is a great feature that SecuraTrac believes may be more  reliable than fall detection technology.

The Bottom Line:

Satellite illustrationLifeTrac is another device that we really like, and it is at (or near) the top of our list for consideration.  We’re not sure a user would wear this around their neck… but what the heck, it’s nice to have that option.  This device seems simple to use, operates on a cellular network for freedom outside the home, and doubles as a senior friendly cell phone.  We also like the geo-fencing option as well as the inactivity alerts.  All-in-all this one is worth looking at.

If you’ve used the LifeTrac Medical Alert System or know someone who has, please give us your opinion in the comment section below!

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Product Review: SureResponse Medical Alert System from Verizon

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Product Review: SureResponse Medical Alert System

January 7, 2013 by 8 Comments

SureResponse with Lanyard photoProduct 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.Sure Response docking station photo

 

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

Verizon SureResponse photoAs 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!

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Apple Announces The New Taller Lighter Faster iPhone 5

September 12, 2012 by 2 Comments

iPhone 5 photoWe write a lot about how technology can help boomers and seniors as they age.  Staying connected is important to everyone, and the smartphone market for aging adults is rapidly expanding.  That said, today Apple unveiled it’s much anticipated line-up of devices, and by all accounts they didn’t disappoint.  The star of the show was the new iPhone 5 (yes if you voted “iPhone 5″ as opposed to “iPhone 6″ or “The New iPhone” you won) a taller, lighter and faster version of it’s predecessors.  The iPhone 5 is made of aluminum and glass (ya we knew that) and is 18% thinner than the iPhone 4S.  It’s also lighter… 20% lighter than previous models.  When you combine the fact that Apple set-out to build a better phone with a taller display, that is LIGHTER than before, it’s really quite an accomplishment.

The new iPhone 5 will support LTE and together Sprint, Verizon and AT&T will support the faster network (here in the USA).  This phone does have the A6 processor will will allow graphics etc. to load much faster that the iPhone 4 or iPhone 4S.  As for the battery, Apple reports that the battery in the iPhone 5 will exceed what is capable with the iPhone 4S.  8 hours of talk time or browsing, and 10 hours on WiFi.  The camera sounds like it’s been upgraded a bit as well.  There is better image stabilization and a front-facing 720p camera.

Siri on Apple iOS

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The new Apple headphonesGoogle maps may have a competitor now, as iOS maps will have 3D satellite generated imagery.  It will be interesting to see if iOS maps are ready for the big time, as there’s been some speculation as to the market readiness of the application. Lot’s of folks will be watching this eagerly… Siri (as if I have to introduce her) is naturally on the iPhone 5, but no word on how refreshed she is on iOS 6.  Apple says Siri will continue to get better and better with more languages coming aboard, and even better speech recognition down the road.

iPhone 5 comes in white or black (surprise, surprise) and is the same price as the existing 4S ($199 for 16 GB, $299 for 32 GB, $399 for 64 GB) subsidized by your local carrier.  Expect to see these new iPhones fly off the shelves like never before!  Pre-orders for the iPhone 5 start Friday the 14th with shipping commencing on September 21 (in the US and Canada).  Click through to read about our Top iPhone Apps for Seniors (and add your favorites to the list)!

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Top 10 iPhone Apps for Seniors

August 18, 2012 by 5 Comments

NPR iPhone AppWe’ve written extensively over the past year about senior friendly cell phones AND the ever evolving smartphone revolution.  Dumb phones and smartphones alike have a a niche in the digital ecosystem when it comes to active older adults.  For those seniors who have taken the plunge, and bought into the iPhone or iPad, we thought we’d focus on a few of our favorite iOS apps for 2012.  Here are some of those that we love:

The Top 10 iPhone Apps for Seniors

1.  NPR – This is a great (free) app that features current news stories that NPR is following.  You can read stories, listen to them and even share them using the NPR app.  One of the most popular features is the ability to listen to your favorite shows on-demand.  You can catch the latest “Wait, Wait… Don’t Tell Me!”, “Talk of the Nation”, and “All Things Considered” right at your fingertips.

2.  Facebook – More and more seniors are utilizing social media these days.  Did you know that according to the PEW Internet and American Life Project 1/3 of seniors age facebook app for apple65 and older are using social media sites like Facebook, and 18% are using them daily!  Older adults want to share just like young people want to share.  They want to share experiences, photos, and interact with family and friends.  This is a free app and fairly easy to use.

3.  The Weather Channel – Another free app that is a must have.  It’s on all of our iPhones, and is very easy to use.  It’s extremely easy to program your favorite The Weather Channel app for iPhonedestination cities into the app so you can see how the weather is in Portland, Austin, Denver and Miami (all with the swipe of a finger).

4.  Pandora – Pandora is an app that lets you listen to the music that you want to hear.  This free app lets you create custom Pandora stations that play music in the same genre of the Pandora app for iOSstations you create.  Create a “Neil Young station” and you may get songs from Crosby Stills Nash and Young, Stephen Stills, and maybe a little Fleetwood Mac… You get the picture.  This is one of our very favorites, and it has become a staple for internet streaming music.  This app is to streaming music… what Skype is to video conferencing!  The user interface (UI) is very easy to use.

birthday reminder pro an app for iOS5.  Birthday Reminder Pro – Birthday Reminder Pro is a paid app ($.99) but it does what it says it’s going to do.  It reminds you of friend’s and family member’s birthdays so you never miss them again!  This app lets you import birthdays from facebook, or from your contacts.  You can also program in birthday reminders for those that aren’t in your social networking circles yet.  Provides notifications in advance of special days.

6.  MedWatcher – “MedWatcher was created in collaboration with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Center for Devices and Radiologic Health” (iTunes).  This (free iOS) app pushes safety MedWatcher app for iTunesalerts for medical devices and for drugs to your Apple driven mobile device.  It also allows the user to report adverse events (and side effects) directly to the FDA.  This feature has the potential to make devices/drugs safer for everyone involved.

magnifying glass app for iPhone7.  Magnifying Glass with Light – This (free) app is recommended for those that may need a little extra visual enhancement while reading a menu, or perusing a map.  Acts like a magnifying glass and also has a light associated to help distinguish those little things even more.

8.  CNN – As far as news apps go, this one is very good.  CNN has a free news app that stays up to date and is easy to use.  This app has a live TV option as well as “sharing” capabilities to CNN appemail your friends or post articles of interest on social networking sites. We like apps that just work… and this is one of them.

My Medical App for iPhone9.  My Medical - My Medical is a paid ($2.99) record keeping app that stores your pertinent medical information and history.  My Medical doesn’t just keep one (1) medical record, it allows you to keep multiple records so the user can keep track of a spouse’s info, kids immunization records, and all kinds of medical records.  This app would make sharing medical information with specialists, etc. very easy, and it would give emergency department personnel additional information should they need it.  This app requires users to enter in private information, but we see real benefits to doing so if the app is secure/private.  Interestingly, the data inputs are kept on the mobile device (phone) and not on a remote server (though The Senior List has not confirmed this at this time).

10.  WebMD – A free app that helps with decision support tools that enables the user to obtain information on disease WebMD an app for iPhonestates, diagnose symptoms, and improve upon ones health.  It’s an app with a very high rating on iTunes and can provide valuable information to the person that invests time in it.

If you have other favorites please let us know in the comments section.  We’re very interested in sharing other apps that can make a difference in someone’s life!

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Turns Out Dumb Phones Aren’t So Dumb After All

August 5, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Samsung Jitterbug JLet’s face it… Smartphones are all the rage! The smartphone market has exploded in recent years to total almost half of all mobile phones sold in the US today.  According to Nielsen, this jump in smartphone adoption is a 38% jump over last year.  We’ve long advocated the utility of smartphones, including android phones AND iPhone products.  Bigger screens and more intuitive operating systems make them a great choice for many consumer types (including boomers and seniors).  So I guess we should  just wave bye bye to the tradional “dumb phone” eh?  NOT SO FAST!

A recent article in The Huffington Post Tech Blog caught our eye.  It’s titled “Dumbphones Have Fewer Dropped Calls, Spam Texts And Slow Downloads Than Smartphones: Pew“.  Dino Grandoni reports that dumb phones may not be so dumb after all!  First off… Who knew “dumb phones” were otherwise known as “feature phones”?  Isn’t the point that they have very few features??? (But I digress…)  Grandoni also notes that traditional/dumb/feature phones are less apt to be stolen, they’re cheap, and they have fewer dropped calls.  What’s so dumb about that I say?  (Everybody together now… Nothing!)

Smartphone penetration graph from Nielsentraditional flip phone - Samsung Knack 3

We’re big proponents of smartphones (and tablets too mind you), but they’re not for everybody.  We’ve previewed a number of traditional senior friendly cell phones on The Senior List and one of our favorites is still the Samsung Jitterbug J.  I can tell you that the next time mom or dad pulls out their traditional cell phone, I’m going to think twice about pushing them toward a smartphone.  Turns out they might know something about value that I hadn’t recognized yet…

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Just5 cell phone winner – Karen Bazan Consulting Services

February 10, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Just5 Winner: Karen Bazan Consulting

The Senior List recently performed an in depth review of the Just 5 cell phone for seniors.  If your familiar with The Senior List, you know that we’ve also reviewed 8 other manufacturers of cell phones for seniors.  The good folks at Just5 provided The Senior List with a brand new Just5 phone (in the box) for our review.  Just5 also allowed us to randomly draw a winner from our readers, to receive this great phone and its accessories (at no charge). 

I’m very happy to announce that the winner of the Just5 phone is Karen Bazan of Karen Bazan Consulting Services.  Karen Bazan joined The Senior List on Facebook, and told us she was interested in being eligible for the phone.  Lucky for Karen, her name was first out of the hat and I know that phone will go to good home.  Karen Just5 cell phonehas over 18 years working with seniors and family caregivers, and has earned her CSA distinction (Certified Senior Advisor) from the Society of Certified Senior Advisors.  Karen, your new Just5 phone is on its way… Enjoy!

Visit The Senior List Eldercare Directory to view ratings and reviews for senior services in your local community.

The Senior List also reviews key technologies that help boomers and seniors remain active and independent.  Click here to see a review of popular medical alert systems for seniors.

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Technology Trends Affecting Seniors and Boomers

January 5, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Technology for SeniorsA post in The New Old Age Blog (NY Times) entitled “Elder Tech: What’s Important” (by Karen Stabiner) prompted me to write a brief post about future trending in technology for seniors.  As we get closer to the launch of CES 2011 (The Consumer Electronics Show produced by the Consumer Electronics Association), I’m hoping we get some answers to some looming questions.

Tech Trends: Boomers & Seniors

There is a buzz in the air about the impact of technology on aging adults today.  Perhaps it’s brought on by the recent baby boomer milestone… Where the oldest of the Baby Boomers just turned 65 (as of January 1st, 2011).  We’ve written at length about Senior-Friendly Cell Phones and Medical Alert Systems here on The Senior List.com.  Boomers and Seniors (like everybody else) are interested in keeping in touch with loved ones, remaining independent in their own homes, and taking advantage of the many conveniences the new gadgets provide us today.

I’ll be following CES closely this year from Oregon, as my schedule won’t allow me to be in Vegas this week.  Among other things, I’m interested in the following areas as it relates to seniors:

  • Medical Alert Systems and PERS (personal emergency response systems) -  Have these devices taken the next step in mobility?  Until now, most of these devices require the user to be  “tethered” to a 600 ft. radius (of a base unit).  Though there are a few exceptions, we should be beyond this limitation by now.  The future of medical alert systems will include; mobility beyond the home, fall detection, an extra long battery life, and GPS location services (for emergency personnel and families).
  • Senior Friendly Cell Phones – Will senior-friendly cell phones adapt beyond 2 or 3 leading brands aimed at seniors?  Necessary features must include big buttons, ease of use, an emergency button, compatibility with hearing devices, and easy volume controls.
  • Senior Friendly Computers – There’s a bit of chatter out there about computers with a streamlined OS (operating systems), that will enable easy email,  social sharing (like facebook, etc.), integrated web cams, and more.  If you read the comments in the above noted article (from the NY Times) you’ll see that most seniors today have been around advances in technology their entire lives.  They’re not scared of technology, they just want technology to be intuitive (as it should be).

Other areas we’ll be watching include advances in hearing aid technology, smart TV (internet ready), total home monitoring, and tele-health.  (More on these items at a later date.)  If you’re at CES, or just returning, please let us know what you were looking for… and what you found!

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