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We picked out a few more recommendations worth considering:
| Time Spent Testing | 168 Hours |
|---|---|
| Starting Price | $29.95 per month |
| Contract Minimum | 1 Month |
| Average Response Time | 15 Seconds |
| Customer Service Response Time | 14 Seconds |
Lifeline has helped 7.5 million users with lifesaving emergency-assistance systems. Founded in 1974, it was the first company to provide a personal alert service in North America, helping seniors achieve both independence and peace of mind as they go about their daily routines.
I’ll share my overall thoughts about Lifeline medical alert systems, and how they compare to similar devices from competitors.
Pro Tip: If you want to learn more about this technology and the protection it offers, then check out my guide to medical alert devices.
Lifeline offers both at-home and convenient on-the-go medical alert systems. Its products include HomeSafe Standard, HomeSafe With AutoAlert, and On the Go.
FYI: The HomeSafe options require a one-time $50 activation fee, and the On the Go option is $99.95.
After receiving my HomeSafe With AutoAlert system for my landline connection, I opened the box and found the following items:
Did You Know: Lifeline offers self-installation or technician-installation options during checkout.
I was impressed by how easy it was to set up my Lifeline HomeSafe With AutoAlert.
First, I read the instruction manual to ensure I had all the necessary products for setting it up. I then placed the in-home communicator in the kitchen, an area of my home I use frequently. After plugging it in, I simply switched it on and within seconds it let me know power had been detected.
Now for the tricky landline part, which ended up being easier than I thought. I unplugged the phone cable from the wall jack and inserted the clear end of the in-home communicator’s phone cord into the wall jack. I then inserted the cable from my landline phone into the back of the in-home communicator. (Make sure you plug it into the device’s blue jack.) The in-home communicator detected the connection and let me know it was successfully plugged in.
If you’re not sure whether you properly installed the in-home communicator, you can test the connection by picking up your phone. You should hear a dial tone to let you know the connection was successful.
Pro tip: If you want to be free from a landline, you may want to consider a cellular connection, which costs $14 more per month. All you need to do is plug the in-home communicator’s power cord into an electrical outlet and slide the power switch to “on.” From there, you can test the help button pendant and check its range.
Now for the fun part: testing my Lifeline medical alert system.
I started by pressing the blinking reset button on the in-home communicator, which began the range test on my AutoAlert pendant. I put on my lightweight and waterproof pendant, walked around in the kitchen, and pressed the help button. I then did it again in all the other rooms I frequent. My in-home communicator responded right away with a beep, letting me know the help button was in range.
When the device is in range, the in-home communicator can send an emergency help call and connect you to a responder. Since I was just testing the system, I hit the reset button and help button again after checking whether the device was in range in all the rooms. Pressing the reset button a second time connected me to a Lifeline trained care specialist, who let me know the setup went well.
Overall, I was pleased with the customer service and helpful information the specialist provided about range and navigating other features. They also reminded me about the waterproof help button on my AutoAlert pendant. If I were in the bathroom and not able to get to my help button, the fall-detection feature on my wearable device would automatically alert a response center and send help.
I was impressed with how responsive the system was and how easy it was to install a streamlined medical alert system in my home. Instead of worrying about adding additional equipment, I had everything I needed in my Lifeline box. The best part is that it took an average of 14 seconds for a response from a Lifeline trained care specialist. When you have an emergency, time is of the essence.
It’s always a plus when medical alert providers have an accompanying caregiving portal or app that lets your loved ones check in on you. If you live alone, the Lifeline Cares app can be helpful for communicating with your loved ones in real time.
What sold me on this app is that I got to create a Care Circle of caregivers, including close friends and family members. Some features of the app include managing your Lifeline account information, sharing notes with your Care Circle, and managing availability for your personalized care plan.
I’d suggest downloading the Lifeline Cares app once you activate your medical alert system. Once you download the app, you’ll need to connect it to your Lifeline account and include an email address. Lifeline Cares is available for download from Google Play or the Apple App Store, or you can set it up on a web browser. Overall, it’s a great app that lets your loved ones stay updated on your care needs.
Mobile app: The Lifeline Cares mobile app helps you manage and update your Lifeline service and stay connected with friends, family, and caregivers in your Care Circle.
Lifeline’s prices are on the high side, but you’re getting a comprehensive at-home and on-the-go system that provides peace of mind. With no contract, Lifeline offers monthly pricing and a one-time activation fee.
The HomeSafe Standard is the least expensive system, and it starts at $29.95 a month for the landline connection and a one-time $50 activation fee that lets you select your preferred wearable style. Unlike providers that have you add features during checkout, Lifeline has you pay the up-front activation fee along with the monthly fee.
If you’re debating between HomeSafe Standard and HomeSafe With AutoAlert, I’d suggest going with AutoAlert if you are prone to falls. Upgrading costs only $15 more per month.
In addition to at-home systems, Lifeline also offers the all-in-one On the Go, a single mobile alert service that starts at $49.95 per month, plus a one-time $99.95 device fee. It’s like a compact version of the in-home communicator, except in mobile alert form with auto fall-detection capabilities.
If you’re not satisfied with your system, items can be returned within 30 days of purchase. For more information on pricing, check out my rundown of Lifeline costs.
Lifeline offers responsive, personalized care options that give users the freedom to live independently without fear of an unexpected fall. With Lifeline, you’ll get a quality medical alert system that performs as advertised, along with a user-friendly app to stay connected with loved ones.
The responsive customer service, waterproof pendants, and system durability are some of the features that make Lifeline stand out. In an emergency, the system can easily detect falls even if you can’t reach a help button in time. All these features add up to Lifeline being one of the best medical alerts.
Pro Tip:To learn more about the differences between Lifeline and Life Alert, be sure to read our Life Alert review and guide to Life Alert Alternatives.
Lifeline systems start at $29.95 per month, in addition to a one-time $50 activation fee, for their in-home landline system. Their cellular in-home system costs $43.95 per month plus a $50 activation fee.
Lifeline’s in-home systems have a range of 500 feet. While this is less than most medical alert systems, it’s more than enough for most home sizes.
Both Life Alert and Lifeline offer quality equipment and monitoring services; however, Lifeline costs as low as $29.95 per month, compared to $49.95 per month for Life Alert. Additionally Life Alert requires a three-year contract.
Lifeline requires no contracts. If you wish to cancel your service at any time, you can return your equipment. Lifeline even provides a return label at no cost to you.
Lifeline’s On the Go has a built-in GPS. This allows you to stay protected outside of your home, as monitoring agents can pinpoint your exact location and send help to the right place.
Yes. You have the option of self-installing or having a Lifeline technician install your system at home. Local affiliates can also help professionally install your medical alert systems. You can contact Lifeline for more information.
