Medical Guardian and Bay Alarm Medical alert services are designed to offer seniors a sense of security whether they are at home or away. Each company offers medical alert pendants and other devices that allow subscribers to send alerts if an emergency occurs. Both companies offer fall detection with their higher end packages. No contracts are required and the systems can be installed easily by the consumer without the need for tools or professional assistance.
Medical Guardian vs Bay Alarm Medical Differences
The main differences between Medical Guardian and Bay Alarm Medical involve the types of equipment they offer to the various features and services they provide. Each company offers its own trial period, guarantees, and discounts. Bay Alarm is known for offering special incentives and discounts to members of AARP, AAA, and USAA, among others. Medical Guardian, on the other hand, offers a 30-day money back guarantee. While there are no long-term contracts, Medical Guardian requests that new subscribers commit to at least a 90-day service agreement.
Bay Alarm Medical vs Medical Guardian Similarities
Medical Guardian and Bay Alarm are similar in both their response times and the level of protection they offer in their “at home” and away packages. Both companies have proven response rates of less than 45 seconds and offer a fall detection feature for their “at home” packages. No lengthy contracts are required and for the most, there are no activation fees. The systems are designed for simplicity and can be easily installed by the subscriber in less than 30 minutes. Both offer at least some type of trial period or money-back guarantee.
Features
Medical Guardian supports over 200 languages and provides nationwide monitoring that allows for coverage while you are at home, as well as when you are away. As an added feature, they offer medication reminders. In addition to the devices already included in their packages, Medical Guardian also offers a lockbox and medical history card that can be placed outside the home. The box will hold a key and your medical history card. Responders will receive the code to the lockbox so they can retrieve the key and enter your home without having to break in.
Bay Alarm Medical provides service in your home and while you are away through the use of medical alert pendants and a mobile help button. The system supports over 170 languages and uses either AT&T or T-Mobile cellular service for emergency connectivity. Bay Alarm offers fall detection with its “at home” packages, but not for its mobile help button.
Systems & Devices
Medical Guardian offers a wrist/bracelet or a necklace waterproof device. All equipment is UL certified and has up to 32 hours of battery backup. Batteries can last anywhere from 3 to 5 years and have a low-battery feature that reminds you when it needs to be replaced. The Classic Guardian has an approximate range of almost 1300 feet from the base. The system tests itself on a monthly basis to ensure it is functioning properly.
Bay Alarm Medical offers equipment that is UL Certified. Both the necklace and the wrist button are waterproof and have a range of up 1000 feet indoors and 800 feet if you venture outside. The location of the base station will determine your exact range. Batteries can last up to 5 years and have at least 32 hours of back up if needed. The system tests itself on a weekly basis and reports to the monitoring center. Bay Alarm does not offer 24-hour technical support.
Costs & Contracts
With Medical Guardian, most of the equipment is free. There are no installation or activation charges. While they do charge $9.50 for shipping, that is waived if you choose the annual payment option. You can also get free shipping if you agree to sign their 90-service commitment. Advance payment discounts are available. There are six product/package options. The Classic Guardian starts at $29.95 per month. Prices gradually increase with the highest priced package being the Family Guardian with a cost of $79.95 per month. The newest addition is the Freedom Guardian that starts at $44.95 per month. The Freedom Guardian also requires a $99 activation fee.
Bay Alarm Medical does not charge for their equipment. Medical alert systems start at just $19.95/ month. There is a 30-day risk-free trial which can be canceled at any time. The monthly cost per month is $29.95. To replace a device, it will cost $200 unless you have the replacement warranty in place. The replacement warranty costs $49.95 and only needs to be paid one time. If you need to replace a button that has been lost or damaged, it will cost $34.95 with $9.95 shipping and handling. Bay Alarm Medical offers a $1 a month discount to members of USAA, AAA, AARP, and AMAC.
Emergency Response & Call Centers
Medical Guardian uses cellular service to maintain contact with their Five Diamond Certifies call center. It can take staff at the monitoring center anywhere from 30 – 45 seconds to respond to an emergency.
Bay Alarm Medical uses AT&T or T-Mobile cellular service to maintain emergency connectivity with their call center. Their call center is Five Diamond Certified and has a 45-second response time if an alert is received.
Our Conclusion
Medical Guardian offers a reliable solution for seniors who want waterproof devices backed by a reputable 24-hour monitoring service with multiple package options.
Bay Alarm Medical is a good choice for individuals who don't want to worry about service agreements, but also want protection at home and while they are away.
