One Call Alert System

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. One Call Alert also provides excellent customer service with no long-term contracts, giving peace of mind for caregivers and loved ones.

One Call Alert is a great system for those looking for simple and effective hardware and service at a low price. Physicians and pharmacists have recommended One Call Alert to their patients for the last twenty years, and their track-record in the industry provides a sense of security that newer brands can’t match.

This article provides an overview on One Call Alert’s systems and services to help you learn if this brand is right for you. I’ll give a rundown of each system, associated add-ons, pricing, and installation information so that you can assess if One Call Alert is the medical alert system for you.

One Call Alert Overview

One Call Alert offers a variety of systems to suit your needs with a flexible pricing structure to accommodate any budget. Their A+ Better Business Bureau rating is nothing to sneeze at (they have hundreds of glowing reviews) and their long track-record in the industry ensures that your loved ones are in good hands with One Call Alert.

I was pleased to see that One Call Alert’s Complete Protection system offers reliable fall detection. In my years as a social worker, I’ve found that falls can greatly impact an older adult’s life. According to the CDC, one out of four older people fall each year, and not everybody reports falls to their doctors. A fall can not only lead to serious brain or orthopedic injuries, but it can also increase anxiety and reduce somebody’s sense of independence. Nearly every one of One Call Alert’s systems have fall detection functionality to help older people feel safe both at home and on the go.

How To Purchase a One Call Alert System

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 equipment cannot be purchased and is leased on a subscription basis, so if you decide to cancel your contract, you must ship the system back to One Call Alert at your own expense. One Call Alert prides itself on customer service so if you have any questions about pricing or purchasing, call or reach out on their social media accounts for more details. When I had questions about warranties, I used the “live chat” functionality on their website and got a detailed and thoughtful answer from a human being quickly.

One Call Alert Systems

Currently, One Call Alert offers five different medical alert systems, including options for both in and outside of the home. Here is an overview of the different systems, their pricing, and features for One Call Alert’s five different plans.

One Call Alert System Pricing

System Rundown

Let’s take a closer look at each of One Call Alert’s systems.

In-Home Landline

Starting at $24.95 for a monthly subscription, the In-Home Landline system is one of One Call Alert’s more affordable options. The system provides basic monitoring protection, and two-way communication 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 are looking for an affordable protection option.

Mobile On-The-Go

The Mobile On-The-Go system operates on a cellular connection to provide monitoring for active older adults 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, a bit pricier than the in-home systems but relatively affordable compared to other mobile units.

Complete Protection

As One Call Alert’s flagship plan, this system provides comprehensive protection for older adults both in the home and on the go. The equipment package includes a base unit, a charger unit, and a lanyard or wrist pendant. The system also includes fall detection and AT&T coverage so you do not need an existing cellular plan for protection. Around 50% of people do not take their medications correctly which can sometimes lead to hospitalization. Luckily, the Complete Protection system offers a free medication reminder option that allows the monitoring system to alert people at the times they should take their medication, a good option for those with memory impairment or have many medications to keep track of.

In-Home Wireless

This option is similar in offerings to the In-Home Landline option but instead of using a landline, it connects users to the monitoring center through AT&T coverage. It does provide fall detection capabilities and medication reminders. Users do not need a cellular plan or internet access for the system to function. However, there is no on-the-go protection. This is best for people who neither have a landline nor leave the house often.

Mobile Duo

The Mobile Duo system includes two all-in-one 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 are also active outside their home. Since 68% 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, as it is considerably less expensive than purchasing two separate subscriptions.

One Call Alert Pricing Structure

Pricing for each One Call Alert system is discounted based on the length of the subscription purchased. For example; the monthly rate for the Complete Protection service is $30.79 for an annual subscription and $41.95 for a monthly pay-as-you-go rate.

Prices are subject to change (unless the Connect Premium add-on is ordered), and additional taxes may apply depending on where you live. The only system that requires a $49.95 one-time initiation fee is the In-Home Wireless system; though this fee is waived with an annual subscription purchase.

Installation

Once you order a One Call Alert system, it typically arrives in the mail in the next few days. Installation is relatively easy and each system comes with a detailed installation guide. The base unit and chargers plug into a wall outlet. Each system also has a 32-hour battery back-up, meaning your system will keep functioning in the event of a power outage. One Call Alert recommends performing a range test, 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. My experience is that the monitoring representatives respond quickly and courteously.

One Call Alert Monitoring

Each One Call Alert subscription provides 24/7 monitoring from a US-based, emergency-certified monitoring center. The monitoring center is very responsive and users can also choose contacts (family, neighbors, emergency responders, etc.) based on individual needs. The monitoring center operator will contact this person in the event of an emergency.

One Call Alert also has a dedicated support toll-free phone number, an email address, and an online live chat function if you have any questions or problems with the system.

One Call Alert Add-ons

Connect Premium

The Connect Premium add-on provides insurance, so there is no fee (sometimes there is a small deductible in certain cases) for replacing damaged or lost equipment. The add-on also provides a lifetime price guarantee so your pricing will never increase for the duration of the service. Connect Premium also provides a second free wearable button, discounts on the cost of the fall button, and 30 extra pings per month for location detection.

Fall Detect Pendant

A useful option for those prone to falls is the Fall Detect Pendant. At $10 per month (or $120 per year), this extra button can be added to every system except for In-Home Landline. Using motion sensors, this device detects falls and automatically connects users to the monitoring center.

Additional Wearable Buttons

Each system with the exception of the In-Home Landline system comes with a second free wearable button. You have the option of choosing a wrist button bracelet (in white or black) or a lanyard neck pendant (only in white).

Lockbox

Every system comes with a free lockbox. This lockbox can safely store your keys outside your home so that emergency responders or loved ones can access a locked home during an emergency.

Cancellation Policy

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 cancelled 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. Termination must be requested over the phone, and deleting mobile apps does not constitute a cancellation.

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.

Recap

One Call Alert provides top-of-the-line monitoring support and has excellent reviews online. Additionally, the lack of upfront fees and no long-term contracts lowers customer risk considerably so you can try it out and easily cancel service if you need to. The systems also provide mobile coverage for those who do not have a cellular device.

While One Call Alert provides reliable products and excellent monitoring, the company does not provide all the bells and whistles. Users are unable to customize pendant design and the company does not offer voice-activated wall buttons, caregiver apps, or other more advanced features. If you’re interested in these sorts of functions, I’d recommend checking out either Medical Guardian or Bay Alarm Medical. This system may also not be for you if you need cellular coverage and AT&T service is not reliable in your area.

All in all, One Call Alert provides all the essential emergency monitoring services at a low cost with a flexible cancellation policy. If you’re looking for a medical alert system that fits within your budget, One Call Alert is the brand for you.