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January 27, 2023
We picked out a few more recommendations worth considering:
| Time Spent Testing | 168 Hours |
|---|---|
| Starting Price | $29.99 per month |
| Contract Minimum | 1 Month |
| Average Response Time | 18 Seconds |
| Customer Service Response Time | 12 Seconds |
In early 2021, CVS launched their Symphony line of medical alert systems, a range of devices designed to keep people safe in their homes through the use of innovative fall detection and detailed caregiver tracking. What’s more, these systems are among the few available in stores.
By combining traditional help buttons with a sophisticated range of voice commands, CVS Symphony systems provide a unique means of protection. What’s more, their helpful smartphone app allows caregivers to monitor and communicate with their loved ones from afar.
After thorough testing, here are my main takeaways from using the CVS Symphony Essential Bundle.
Learn More: Looking to learn more about my favorite devices? Check out my pick for this year’s best medical alert system.
FYI: CVS Symphony systems are made by Aloe Care Health, one of my favorite medical alert providers. Read my Aloe Care Health pricing page to learn more about this company’s systems.
| Two-Way Talk | Yes |
|---|---|
| Connectivity | Cellular |
| Average Response Time | 21 seconds |
| In-Home Range | 200 feet |
| Fall Detection | Included |
| Caregiver Portal | Yes |
Upon receiving my CVS Symphony Essential Bundle, I opened up my box and found the following:
Once I had everything out of the package, I found the six-digit activation code on the bottom of my smart hub and entered the link listed in the instructions into my web browser. The link took me to a third-party company, Aloe Care, that CVS partners with to monitor its systems. Here, I typed in the code to activate my system and purchased a month-to-month monitoring subscription. I also entered my medical information requested so my profile would be complete in case of an emergency.
Alternatively, you can activate your Symphony bundle and purchase a monitoring package by calling the company (844-741-0826) with your code. While this process wasn’t too complicated, it did demand more of my time than other systems. This was a result of syncing the various pieces of equipment with my Wi-Fi network and smartphone app.
Next, I needed to decide where to place my smart hub. The instructions recommended I select a sturdy surface near an outlet in the room where I spend the most time. Additionally, the Symphony smart hub has built-in motion sensors, so it’s important to place this piece of equipment in a place where these sensors face the room. Since I have an open plan living room and dining room, I selected the behind-the-couch table directly between the two rooms and the midpoint for my entire house.
Then, I pressed the black button in the center of the smart hub and followed the voice prompts to finish setting up my system. In-app instructions, which CVS recommends for caregivers setting up a system, are also available on the CVS Health Symphony app. On the whole, installing this system took about 10 minutes, including mounting my motion sensors.
Connection Tip: While Wi-Fi isn’t necessary for CVS Symphony systems to work, you will need to connect if you want to use the fall and motion sensors.
Getting used to anything new can be a process, so I was relieved when I found out that the CVS Health Symphony app has a learning mode setting. This option allows users, like me, to get familiar with their medical alert and its features without the stress of possibly triggering an emergency call. You can even override it quite easily should an actual emergency arise.
I also used my Symphony app to add my caregivers’ names and information so each of them would receive notifications if I made an emergency call. They can even call you directly using the smart hub. For example, when my father, who I listed as one of my caregivers, received a notification from one of my test calls, he opened the Symphony app and pressed “call.” I accepted his call to my smart hub using a voice command. I enjoyed the ease of these commands and imagine they’re a feature of the Symphony systems that many older adults would find useful following an injury. Alternatively, I could also just press a button on the smart hub to answer his call.
One of my favorite aspects of this system was its array of voice commands. By simply using my voice, I could:
Response agents consistently answered my calls in less than 30 seconds. In fact, after several test calls, my average wait time was 21 seconds, which is one of the fastest I’ve seen. Additionally, the Symphony response agents were polite, courteous, and patient with me, not to mention their team is UL-listed and TMA 5-Diamond certified.
Although I was a bit nervous about using a medical alert with such an abundance of new technology, I can now confidently say the equipment does its job. I effectively made several calls by activating my care button throughout my home and backyard. I also completed several calls to both the monitoring center and my family by solely using voice commands.
Fall protection in the bathroom is essential. After all, it’s where 80% of older adult falls occur. I put this to the test by laying down on the bathroom floor (on top of a clean towel, of course!) to test the wall-mounted fall sensor. I’ll admit, I was skeptical about where the fall sensor would work, but sure enough, it was able to accurately detect my simulated falls, and it reported no false alarms.
Savings Tip: Symphony products are eligible for health savings accounts (HSA) and flexible spending accounts (FSA). Read my medical alert guide to learn more about ways to offset the costs of these systems.
Symphony Basic costs $149.99 in initial equipment fees and $29.99 for monitoring each month. Slightly more expensive, the Essentials Bundle is $249.99 for its equipment and $39.99 in monthly subscription fees. Although the equipment fees are steep, and monitoring fees aren’t cheap, I think it’s important to note that both Symphony systems feature some of the latest innovations in medical alert technology, an investment many people are willing to pay more for.
Aloe Care Health provides additional monitoring for free for spouses or partners who live together. However, if couples choose this setup, CVS recommends purchasing another care button for the second individual for a one-time fee of $29.99.
Despite my initial anxiety about a medical alert system packed with so much new technology, I grew to appreciate and trust my Symphony Essential system, especially its motion sensors and range of voice commands. I did pay a bit more for the equipment than I would have liked, but the monitoring fee seemed reasonable for the high-tech services I received. Plus, as a caregiver, I found the Symphony app to be an exceptional tool.
For those familiar with this website, you might have noticed the similarities between the CVS Symphony and Aloe Care Health’s systems. In fact, from the hardware to the app, the devices appear to be identical. Since Aloe Care Health offers systems for a slightly lower price, in addition to their GPS system, I’d recommend looking into Aloe Care Health for a similar system at slightly lower costs. However, CVS’s range of health tools are always evolving, so if you already use the CVS HealthHub, then a Symphony system might be convenient.
Learn More: To learn more about Aloe Care Health, check out my full Aloe Care Health Review.
