Seniors and people living with disabilities sometimes need a little extra help. Medical alert systems are available to help individuals get immediate assistance and enjoy a more independent lifestyle. Using a small, wearable button with a speaker enables seniors to call for help when a medical issue arises or they feel scared. These systems work over a cellular network or landline phone service.
Connect America is the largest independent provider of medical alert systems in America. They’ve been providing state-of-the-art health solutions for over 35 years. The company’s motto, “Connecting is Caring,” confirms their commitment to keeping seniors and those living with disabilities connected to the people who care about them. They have a large selection of medical alert systems as well as remote patient monitoring and medication management options.
This review takes a closer look at Connect America’s medical alert systems, including options and pricing, and discusses the pros and cons of the products and services provided by this organization.
At-Home and On-the-Go Systems
Connect America offers clients a variety of at-home solutions, On-the-Go mobile systems and optional fall detection pendants, which are compatible with each of its monitoring systems.
For families who choose at-home monitoring, they have the choice between a landline or cellular system to connect to emergency response operators. For homes in areas where cellular coverage is spotty, the landline or VoIP connection plan is recommended.
At-home systems include a large speakerphone alarm base that can mount to the wall or sit on a counter. All cellular systems work through the AT&T cellular network and do not require a cellular phone or cellular contract.
On-the-Go mobile systems have a handheld mobile personal emergency response base that travels easily outside the home. It’s equipped with advanced GPS tracking, so emergency responders can find the user wherever they may be.
Each plan features a simple one-touch emergency response button and two-way speaker system built into a mobile device or lightweight wearable pendant or bracelet. If the wearer has an emergency, they just press the button to be immediately connected to a trained emergency response provider. The operator assesses the situation and summons the appropriate help.
All emergency response operators are EMT trained, and response times are fast. Each system has a 600-foot range from the pendant or bracelet to the base unit.
|
At-Home Landline System |
At-Home Cellular System |
MobileOn-the-GoSystem |
| Connection Type |
Landline or VoIP |
Landline or VoIP |
AT&T cellular network |
| Pendant/Bracelet |
Both pendant and bracelet |
Both pendant and bracelet |
Both pendant and bracelet |
| Help Button |
On pendant or bracelet |
On pendant or bracelet |
On pendant or bracelet |
| Battery |
Both pendant and bracelet have a long-lasting battery that does not need charging. The base unit has a battery backup that kicks in during a power outage. |
Both pendant and bracelet have a long-lasting battery that does not need charging. The base unit has a battery backup that kicks in during a power outage. |
Both pendant and bracelet have a long-lasting battery that does not need charging. The mobile base unit has a rechargeable battery and charging station. A charged battery lasts up to five days. |
| GPS |
No |
No |
Yes |
| Water Rating |
The help button is water-resistant. The base unit is not waterproof. |
The help button is water-resistant. The base unit is not waterproof. |
The help button is water-resistant. The base unit is not waterproof. |
| Two-way Speaker |
The base unit has a two-way speaker that connects to emergency response operators. |
The base unit has a two-way speaker that connects to emergency response operators. |
The base unit has a two-way speaker that connects to emergency response operators. |
| Fall Detection |
Only with optional fall-detection pendant |
Only with optional fall-detection pendant |
Only with optional fall-detection pendant |
Connect America Pricing
Connect America offers free equipment and no installation fees. Users pay only the monthly fee for monitoring and emergency response services, and the price depends on the system chosen.
The at-home landline costs $29.95 per month — the at-home cellular service costs $34.95 per month — and the On-the-Go mobile costs $39.95 per month. If the user wants to buy the fall monitoring pendant, it costs an additional $10 per month. Connect America offers discounts to users who pay semiannually or annually in one lump sum.
|
Monthly Payment |
Semiannual payment (per month breakdown) |
Annual payment (per month breakdown) |
| At-Home Landline |
$29.95 |
$26.95 |
$25.29 |
| At-Home Cellular |
$34.95 |
$31.95 |
$29.45 |
| On-the-Go Mobile |
$39.95 |
$39.11 |
$36.62 |
Pros and Cons of Connect America
Medical alert systems all have their benefits and drawbacks. Understanding these can help individuals and families make the right decision for their unique needs. Here are some of the pros and cons of Connect America.
Pros:
- A trusted, long-standing company that has proven products
- EMT-trained emergency response professionals
- Fast response time
- Straightforward, monthly pricing with no upfront costs
- Simple installation with no programming needed
- Panic button can be worn in the bath or shower where falls are more likely
- No long-term contracts or cancellation fees
- 600-foot range from pendant to base unit
- Option to have a fall detection pendant that automatically connects to emergency response if the wearer falls
- Option to pay annually or semiannually to save money
- No cellular phone or cellular contract required
- Support available 24 hours a day
- Multilingual staff at emergency call centers
- Mobile option keeps the user protected when traveling outside the home
Cons:
- Pendant and bracelet look and feel like a medical device
- Panic buttons are not waterproof, so they can’t be worn while swimming
- Lacks activity monitoring and automatic system tests
- Fall detection is not built into the system and requires additional cost
- Mobile or cellular units will not work outside of the AT&T mobile network coverage area
- No online help center
- 90-day initial service required
