Pro Tip: Are you new to the world of medical alert systems? Check out my comprehensive guide to medical alerts to learn about this technology, its uses, and where to find them.
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We picked out a few more recommendations worth considering:
Solidly constructed, uniquely featured, and affordably priced, RescueTouch is a great option for a medical alert system. I most appreciated the ability to monitor my system professionally or through family members, a feature unique to RescueTouch.
I’ll take a closer look at RescueTouch, a relative newcomer in the world of medical alert systems. How does it stack up to the competition? Keep reading to find out.
Pro Tip: Are you new to the world of medical alert systems? Check out my comprehensive guide to medical alerts to learn about this technology, its uses, and where to find them.
Before I dive into my experience with RescueTouch systems, here’s a quick overview of the product.
What sets RescueTouch apart from its competition is the variety of subscription tiers that fall under two distinct monitoring plans.
Instead of connecting users to a professional monitoring center when a fall is detected or the SOS button is pushed, the device connects you to family members or caregivers. The device first sends a text to the designated caregiver(s), and then calls their phone number. You can then speak to your family members and caregivers through the device’s built-in speakerphone to determine what care is needed. Here are the family monitoring plans:
FYI: Before you purchase a RescueTouch plan, make sure your home is in the AT&T coverage network.
This plan calls the RescueTouch monitoring center when the SOS button is pressed. The two premium professional monitoring plans also include the family monitoring plan features, so the device will also contact your designated family members or caregivers. Here is an overview of the professional monitoring plans:
Two-way talk | Yes |
---|---|
Connectivity | Cellular |
Average response time | 35 seconds |
In-home range | Unlimited |
Fall detection | Included |
Caregiver portal | No |
My RescueTouch system arrived quickly through free priority shipping with the following items:
The RescueTouch comes in four colors: pink, green, blue, and black. I chose a lime green device. The device arrived fully programmed and activated, so I could immediately use it once it was charged. Unlike other systems, RescueTouch requires no base station or landline for activation.
I ordered the Whole Shebang plan to try both the professional and family monitoring systems. I provided my designated contacts’ phone numbers to Florida Telehealth before receiving the device, and it came fully programmed with that information. I can still change my designated contacts whenever I need by contacting the company.
My favorite things about the RescueTouch system are its small size and design. The pendant easily fit in my hand, and it was not heavy when I wore it around my neck. It’s not cluttered with unwieldy buttons and screens, and I could take it in the shower since it’s waterproof. The battery lasted approximately five days.
When I pressed the central SOS button, my designated contacts immediately received a group text reading, “Help me.” About 35 seconds later, I was connected with a RescueTouch representative. That’s not the speediest response time, but it is not the slowest I’ve encountered.
I chatted briefly with the incredibly nice representative, who asked about my situation and talked me through whether I should call emergency responders, a designated contact, or both. You can choose the response that best fits your situation, so you’re not stuck with a hefty emergency-room bill if you don’t need that level of care. ER visits cost up to $690 for people age 65 and up.
RescueTouch uses the AT&T cellular network, and it essentially acts as a cellular device. The audio quality was clear and crisp, and it picked up my voice even when I held it away from my body. I appreciated the ability to make direct calls to loved ones (as opposed to monitoring agents), because not every situation requires emergency responders. For example, if you simply run out of toilet paper and need someone to bring more, a RescueTouch device could facilitate that call.
What separates RescueTouch’s fall detection from other leading medical alert devices is its adjustable sensitivity levels, which helps prevent false alarms. I tested the feature by jogging around the house — an activity that can set off more sensitive medical alert devices — and it did not trigger an alert. When I dropped the device from five feet high on the same sensitivity level, however, it triggered the family and professional alert. No fall detection is 100 percent reliable, but I was pleased with RescueTouch’s performance and capabilities.
Overall, I liked the system. I appreciated that I could program the device to connect me with either 911 or a family member based on the situation, which helped me feel more in control. Its unlimited range also offered greater independence.
RescueTouch offers six pricing plans. One nice thing about its pricing system is that fall detection is included in the monthly base price, as opposed to an add-on charge. The straightforward pricing system is transparent and spares you the danger of a bloated monthly bill.
I paid $60 a month for my Whole Shebang package, which included fall detection. The least expensive professionally monitored plan is $40 per month, but it connects users with 911 as opposed to a professional monitoring center. The family monitoring plan starts at $45 monthly. You can qualify for a discount of up to 10% for purchasing a year-long contract.
Did You Know: RescueTouch offers discounts for AARP members, veterans and their family members, individuals with disabilities, and first responders.
RescueTouch includes a one-time $99 equipment fee at sign-up, but you will then own the device instead of leasing it. This means you won’t have to send back the equipment or pay for a lost or damaged unit if you decide to discontinue your service.
RescueTouch is not your everyday medical alert system. The device is small and compact, and I like its style, versatility and that the fall-detection technology is embedded in a single device. Other systems have separate fall-detection pendants that may be hard to keep track of. RescueTouch, however, does not offer the bells and whistles that other companies do. I wish it had more advanced features, such as medication reminders or a dedicated caregiving app.
What you get with RescueTouch is freedom. You can choose a family monitoring plan or a professional monitoring plan based on your needs and circumstances, which allows you greater control of the care you receive in an emergency. That can provide profound independence and peace of mind for you and your loved ones.
To learn more about my favorite medical alert systems, check out my list to find the best medical alert system of 2023.
All RescueTouch devices use the AT&T cellular network for service and do not require a landline for use.
The premium subscription plans include fall-detection technology.
All RescueTouch devices have an unlimited range, so you can use them at home and on the go.
According to its terms of service, RescueTouch will replace or repair any malfunctioning device. There is no warranty for lost or damaged devices.
There is a 30-day trial period, during which users may return the equipment for a full refund.