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June 24, 2021
In operation for over two decades, Florida-based One Call Alert serves over 100,000 customers. The company offers a wide variety of emergency devices that provide around-the-clock monitoring to users with both cellular or landline connections.
Overall, I think One Call Alert is a great system for those looking for simple and effective devices at low price points with no long-term contracts. Let’s take a look at each of their systems and what else One Call Alert offers.
| In-Home System | $24.95 per month |
| Mobile System | $37.95 per month |
| Most Affordable System | $19.95 per month |
| Fall Detection | $10 per month |
| Extra Users | $44.95 per month |
| Protection Plan | $5 per month |
One Call Alert offers five different medical alert systems, including options for both in and outside of the home. Their Mobile Duo system is an especially great deal for a two-person household. Each system is leased for a monthly subscription base price, which can increase if you order add-ons like fall detection or a protection plan.
Tip: One Call Alert annual subscription plans cost less than paying month-to-month.
Most One Call Alert systems do not have any activation fees except for the In-Home Wireless system, which requires a $49.95 activation fee that is waived if you purchase an annual contract.
Starting at $24.95 for a monthly subscription, the In-Home Landline system is one of the system’s more affordable options. The system provides basic monitoring protection, and two-way communication through a help button with One Call Alert’s monitoring center representatives. The range for this system is 1,300 feet, so it will comfortably accommodate most homes. This option is best for those with a landline connection who do not leave the house often.
The Mobile On-The-Go system operates on an AT&T cellular network to provide monitoring for active seniors who leave the house often. This system also supports the automatic fall detection feature (the fall detection pendant is an extra $10/month) and GPS tracking that keeps you fully protected outside the home. This system starts at $37.95 per month, which is a bit pricier than the in-home systems but relatively affordable compared to other mobile units.
As One Call Alert’s flagship plan, this system provides comprehensive protection for older adults both in the home and on the go. Starting at $41.95 per month, the equipment package includes a base unit, a charger unit, a mobile unit, and a lanyard or wrist pendant.
Fun Fact: One Call Alert has a dedicated blog that covers such topics as nutrition, aging in place, and other tips for caregivers.
The Complete Protection system even offers a free medication management tool that allows the monitoring system to alert people at the times they should take their medication. Medication errors account for 700,000 emergency room visits each year, so this is a good option for those who have memory impairment or many medications to keep track of.
To learn more about this system, check out my One Call Alert review.
This option is similar in its features to the In-Home Landline option, but instead of using a landline, it connects users to the monitoring center through a cellular network. Users do not need a cellular plan or internet access for the system to function, as that is included in the $19.95 per month subscription fee. It does provide fall detection capabilities (for an extra cost) and medication reminders. However, there is no on-the-go protection. This is best for people who neither have a landline nor leave the house often.
The Mobile Duo system includes two all-in-one mobile devices with a combined two-way speaker and help button at a single $44.95 price point for the monthly plan. This system is best for two people living at the same residence and is also active outside their home. Since 68 percent of falls occur in the bathtub or shower, it was good to see that the devices are water-resistant. This plan also provides GPS tracking and AT&T cellular coverage. I would recommend this system for couples or roommates, as it is considerably less expensive than purchasing two separate subscriptions.
| System | In Home Landline | Mobile On-The-Go | Complete Protection | In-Home Wireless | Mobile Duo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price | $24.95 per month | $37.95 per month | $41.95 per month | $19.95 per month | $44.95 per month |
| Initial Fees | None | None | None | $49.95 fee (waived for annual subscriptions) | None |
| For Use | In-home | On-the-go | On-the-go | In-home | On-the-go |
| Equipment | -Waterproof wearable button
-Home base station |
-Waterproof wearable button
-Mobile device -Charging cradle |
-Waterproof wearable help button
-Home base station -Mobile device -Charging cradle |
-Waterproof wearable button
-Home base station |
-Waterproof wearable help button
-Two water-resistant, All-in-One Devices -Two charging cradles |
| Connection Type | Landline | Cellular | Cellular | Cellular | Cellular |
| Fall Detection | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Caregiver Portal | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Additional Features | -Free Lockbox
-Connect Premium ($5 per month) |
-Free Lockbox
-Connect Premium ($5 per month) -Fall detection pendant ($10 per month) -Additional wearable button |
-Free Lockbox
-Connect Premium ($5 per month) -Fall detection pendant ($10 per month) -Additional wearable button |
-Free Lockbox
-Connect Premium ($5 per month) -Fall detection pendant ($10 per month) -Additional wearable button |
-Free Lockbox
-Connect Premium ($5 per month) -Fall detection pendant ($10 per month) -Additional wearable button |
Tip: Unlike the prices of ResponseNow systems, pricing is not locked in for One Call Alert systems and can increase year over year. If you want a price guarantee, I recommend purchasing the Connect Premium add-on.
The easiest way to purchase a One Call Alert product is through their website with either a credit or debit card. You may also order one of their systems by calling a toll-free number and speaking with a customer service representative. Their products can also be ordered through pharmacies and traditional stores such as Walmart, CVS, RiteAid, and Publix.
The pricing is discounted based on subscription length. An annual subscription will knock a few dollars off the monthly price of your system. Users can try each system risk-free for 30 days. A full refund will be provided if the user is unsatisfied with the system at that time.
Equipment is provided on a lease basis. Service may be canceled at any time and remaining balances over $15 will be refunded to the user when One Call Alert receives the system. Upon cancellation or the end of service, users must ship all equipment back to One Call Alert at their own expense. If the user fails to return the system, One Call Alert will charge a $650 fee plus any unpaid service fees. One Call Alert will replace systems if damage occurs under normal “wear and tear” conditions and in other circumstances when the Connect Premium add-on is ordered.
Each One Call Alert subscription provides 24/7 monitoring from a U.S.-based, emergency-certified monitoring center. The monitoring center is very responsive and users can also choose emergency contacts (family, neighbors, caregivers, emergency responders, etc.) based on individual needs. The monitoring center operator will contact the designated individual(s) in the event of an emergency.
One Call Alert has a great variety of systems that fit many different lifestyles and budgets. Additionally, they’re one of a handful of companies that offers bundled systems, making them a great alert for spouses.
One Call Alert systems are waterproof so you can stay protected in the shower, rain, or in the swimming pool.
The company offers a dedicated caregiver portal, as well as a blog with tips and guidance for caregivers.
There is no internet connection necessary. The In Home Landline system requires a landline phone connection while the wireless and mobile units work with AT&T network coverage.
Installation is relatively easy and each system comes in the mail with a detailed installation guide. The base unit and chargers plug into a wall outlet. One Call Alert recommends performing a range test, a GPS lock test, and signal test on a monthly basis. For testing, all you have to do is press the help button and inform the representative you are performing a test.
Each system also has a 32-hour battery backup, meaning your system will keep functioning in the event of a power outage.
