Fact: MXD’s self-diagnostics can also be hooked up to a medication dispenser to provide medication alerts.
Join for Free
Members get updates like best products for seniors and senior discounts delivered right to their inbox for free.
|
July 8, 2021
Based in South Jordan, Utah, Rescue Alert is one of few family-owned medical alert companies, providing systems for use both in the home and outside. What’s more, with devices for under $20 per month, Rescue Alert is one of the most affordable providers available.
Let’s take a closer look at this company, its devices, and their costs.
| In-Home System | $32.95 per month |
| Mobile System | $44.95 per month |
| Most Affordable System | $15.95 per month |
| Fall Detection | $10 per month |
| Extra Users | $35 one-time |
| Protection Plan | Not available |
Rescue Alert offers two models: the in-home MXD system and a mobile GPS unit. Users may lease plans monthly, quarterly, or yearly, with discounts applied for longer subscription periods. Their equipment is also available for purchase through a one-time fee or monthly installments, which significantly reduces the monthly monitoring fee.
Additionally, there are no activation fees and each system comes with a free gift of a second pendant, wall button, or lockbox.
The MXD unit is Rescue Alert’s central, home-based device. This product comes as a sleek, white console that looks as benign as an answering machine or phone dock. MXD offers two-way voice communication with representatives at their U.S.-based monitoring center. The monitoring center can be reached through a button on the console itself, the personal help pendant, or through a wall button if you decide to order one. This system works only on a landline phone system inside the home, so it is best for those who do not leave the house very often.
What makes MXD unique from other stand-alone consoles is its ability to perform self-diagnostics. In other words, the owner is not fully responsible for monitoring the device’s battery power or connection. The device will detect these things, and any internal issues on its own. If an issue is detected, the monitoring center will be alerted, at which point they will resolve the issue for you, or contact you if it is something you can do on your own (like charging the device).
Fact: MXD’s self-diagnostics can also be hooked up to a medication dispenser to provide medication alerts.
For the in-home system, monthly rental starts at $32.95 per month. However, if you lease the system for a year, pricing is discounted to $27.95 per month. Users can even purchase equipment for a one-time fee of $199.00 and pay $15.95 per month for monitoring service or make a one-time payment of $849.00 for equipment and lifetime service.
To learn more about the MXD system, check out my review of Rescue Alert.
Rescue Alert’s GPS-based mobile system uses AT&T’s 3G cellular network, and it connects you directly to EMD-certified dispatchers should you face an emergency outside the home. It is small and lightweight at 10 ounces. It can be worn on your belt, with the included belt clip or as a necklace with the included lanyard. This system is best for those who are active outside the home and travel often.
The GPS system is a little more expensive than the landline model. Monthly rental starts at $44.95 per month. The price is discounted to $39.95 per month for a quarterly rental and $37.95 for a yearly rental. Unlike the in-home system, there is no option to purchase a GPS unit. You may bundle the GPS unit with the MXD in-home unit at an additional $15 per month.
| System | MXD – Landline Base Unit | Rescue Alert GPS |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price | $32.95 per month | $44.95 per month |
| Initial Fees | $0 | $0 |
| For Use | In-home | On the go |
| Equipment |
|
|
| Connection Type | Landline | GPS |
| Fall Detection | $10 per month | Not available |
| Caregiver Portal | Not available | Not available |
| Additional Features |
|
|
Fact: The cost of patient care for medication is over $40 billion each year.
Rescue Alert systems are available for purchase online and over the phone. The MXD system may be purchased online. You simply choose the plan (lease or purchase), the free gift (keysafe or additional help button), along with any other additional add-ons you would like to purchase. You then enter your shipping and billing information. You may then pay with a credit card or bank account. Rescue Alert offers free three-to-five-day ground shipping. There is an additional fee required for two-day air ($15) and overnight shipping ($35).
Tip: The fall detection add-on must be purchased separately over the phone.
You must order the GPS unit over the phone. In fact, Rescue Alert definitely encourages over-the-phone purchases. The name of their game is communication with real people who are caring and dedicated.
Rescue Alert does not offer any insurance, protection, or warranty plans for their products. For this reason, you may want to start with one of the short-term plans as opposed to a longer commitment. You may return your Rescue Alert system at any time; however, you will have to pay off the remainder of your subscription in addition to paying for return shipping.
When you purchase an MXD system online, you program caregiver or family member numbers into the system. The system allows for multiple caregiver contact numbers. You can also personalize who the monitoring center calls in an emergency (a caregiver or emergency responders) and what to do if there is no voice contact with the user when the help button is pressed.
Rescue Alert owns their own monitoring centers. They have two fully staffed centers in Utah that offer 24/7 monitoring to customers. Rescue Alert also has Spanish-speaking operators available at all times, as well as other bilingual and multilingual responders, which can ease anxiety for those whose first language may not be English, or who would not feel comfortable speaking English during an emergency.
Because Rescue Alert specializes in providing powerful and advanced technology that’s easy to use, these systems are best for those who value simplicity. Rescue Alert doesn’t offer all the bells and whistles like smartwatches, caregiving portals, apps, and other high-tech features, but if you’re looking for a sturdy, no-frills medical alert system, then Rescue Alert is worth it.
To learn more about my favorite medical alert systems, check out my selections for this year’s best medical alert system.
The MXD system offers a fall detection pendant for an extra $10 per month. This comes with an additional MyActive Alert wearable device.
Yes, as long as you have an internet connection. The MXD is VoIP-compatible, and therefore, can be run as long as your home has an established internet connection.
There is no warranty available. However, you may return the system at the end of your subscription period if you are unsatisfied.
The help button iis fully waterproof, though you may not want to wear it in the bath, as it’s not recommended to fully submerge the device for extended periods of time. Primarily, it is designed for shower safety.
The Rescue Alert GPS is strictly for tracking your whereabouts, and giving you the ability to contact emergency dispatchers if you encounter trouble when out of range of the MXD. However, MyActive Alert can be purchased to detect falls inside the home, provided you have the MXD system bundled in your subscription.
