FYI: Costco isn’t the only brick-and-mortar retailer selling popular medical alerts. Read my CVS Symphony Review to learn about their medical alert device.
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June 29, 2023
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We picked out a few more recommendations worth considering:
You may not be aware that Costco carries medical alert systems. For a time, they used to offer just one – the MediPendant, which is an adequate (traditional) medical alert system offering good value. However, fast forward to today, and you’ll see that Costco’s new medical alert partner is Medical Guardian, with the retailer carrying it as their preferred medical alert system.
As such, Costco carries the Active Guardian medical alert system from Medical Guardian. Active Guardian is a medical alert with GPS that can be worn by older adults inside and outside of the home.
Active Guardian provides added peace of mind for those who are homebodies. However, the device really comes into its own for seniors who are active in their local communities.
Now they can go out to see friends or family, walk the dog or go for a drive, attend local events or go for a meal, or simply enjoy the sunshine — knowing that if they need help it’s only a button press away.
FYI: Costco isn’t the only brick-and-mortar retailer selling popular medical alerts. Read my CVS Symphony Review to learn about their medical alert device.
Active Guardian, like most mobile medical alert systems, uses cellular phone networks (in this case, Verizon) to provide service both in the home and outdoors. However, unlike most mobile medical alert devices which rely solely on GPS, Active Guardian uses a combination of GPS and Wi-Fi hotspots to accurately pinpoint the location of the wearer.
No matter where the wearer is, Active Guardian’s technology searches for the nearest hotspots to provide seamless service. That also means that users can benefit from Active Guardian’s protection with no need to rely on a cell phone network.
If the wearer needs assistance, all they have to do is press the button. Their wearable device immediately connects them to the Active Guardian call center where operators can assess the situation and dispatch help as needed.
We especially appreciate that callers can request help from the people they’ve listed on their account as contacts, such as a nearby family member, friend, or caregiver. In fact, sometimes a trusted person who lives close is the best person to offer assistance, and Medical Guardian understands that calling EMTs isn’t always the right answer. We think users will appreciate the flexibility.
We’re particularly impressed with the extras that come as standard with this package. Many medical alerts include automatic fall detection or a lockbox as an extra, with an extra fee to match, too. With Active Guardian, both are included with the price. Let’s take a look at what’s inside the box:
Active Guardian is an exclusive online offer from Costco, but this isn’t the first time we’ve discussed this premier mobile system, along with its parent company, Medical Guardian. Read our Medical Guardian review to learn more, as well as our Active Guardian review to find out about the product’s ins and outs.
Medical Guardian prices are a bit different than those of Costco. When purchased at Costco, the system, including the medical alert device, fall detection, and lockbox, costs $129.99 from Costco online. This also includes shipping and handling, and three months of service.
Ongoing service starts at $44.95, but Costco offers monthly savings for people who buy through them.
The MediPendant Alert System (cost is $109.99) also includes six months of service (call center monitoring), which saves the user between $120-$150, depending on the contract term. Here’s what you can expect in the box when it arrives at your door:
The MobileAlert from Connect America (cost is $139.99) provides two options. One is the traditional medical alert system (like the MediPendant above), and the other is the MobileAlert with fall detection (cost is $129.99 with a $20 off coupon). The medical alert with fall detection will provide an alert when a person has fallen, and is unable to depress the pendant button. Both products include six months of service, which can provide some savings over the life of the service contract.
Here’s what you can expect in the box when the traditional unit arrives at your door:
It goes without saying that you should do your research before taking the plunge into the medical alert world. To get started, I’d recommend taking a look at my medical alert guide, in addition to my list of the best medical alerts.