Many people who live alone, including seniors and adults with disabilities, depend on medical response systems to get help in an emergency. In 2006, LogicMark entered the personal emergency response system market, changing the industry by adding two-way voice communication into the pendants themselves. FreedomAlert, one of LogicMark’s medical response systems, is the first programmable, two-way voice communication pendant and system in the world.
FreedomAlert allows the wearer to quickly summon help in an emergency, talking directly to a friend or family member from the pendant. This is a self-monitored system, so users pay no monthly fee for monitoring. Families looking for an emergency medical response system who don’t want to be locked into a contract or monthly monitoring fee benefit from the simplicity and affordability of this system.
Before choosing a medical alert system, families need to know what the system they’re considering can and can’t do. Here’s a detailed review of FreedomAlert by LogicMark.
FreedomAlert: What You Should Know
FreedomAlert is the first two-way voice pendant communicator that has no monthly fees and allows the user to program up to four personal contact numbers directly into the pendant. When the button is pressed, the device starts with the first contact, then moves through the list until someone answers. Personal contacts can be family, friends, neighbors and medical providers. The pendant can also dial 911 for emergency assistance.
FreedomAlert doesn’t require cellular service. It connects to a telephone line, either digital or standard, and comes with an extra telephone jack.
The pendant itself is small, measuring 2.75 inches tall by 1.5 inches wide by 0.75 inches thick. It weighs just 1.4 ounces, making it compact and lightweight for the wearer. Each pendant has three custom modes. The first mode calls the four programmed contacts, while the second mode calls the contacts and then emergency 911. The third mode connects directly to 911 without contacting personal contacts first.
This system also comes with a 911 forwarding feature. This allows the personal contact to dial 911 while remaining on the line with the pendant’s wearer. By using this feature, friends or loved ones can continue talking with the person while summoning help at the same time.
The FreedomAlert pendant works from anywhere in the person’s home as long as it’s within 600 feet of the base. It has a system test and battery test function that makes it easy to know if the system is working or not. FreedomAlert comes with a lanyard and a belt clip, so the wearer can wear it where it’s comfortable.
| Feature |
Benefit |
| Wearable pendant with one-touch call capabilities |
The wearer can easily summon help in an emergency |
| Two-way communication |
Eliminates the need to be near a speakerphone to communicate |
| Programmable pendant |
Program up to four personal contacts directly into the pendant |
| Rechargeable batteries |
Keep the unit fully charged at all times for safety |
| Four call modes |
Call contacts, 911 directly or both |
| Test function |
Test the device to know if it is working properly |
| 600-foot range |
The device works anywhere in the home within 600 feet of the base |
| Emergency base station battery backup |
A backup battery kicks in for 24 hours if the batteries die, so the unit is always usable |
FreedomAlert Cost
FreedomAlert costs $249.95 for the entire system, and that’s the only cost. This includes everything needed to start using it, such as:
- Two-way programmable pendant
- Base station
- Belt clip
- Lanyard
- Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries
- Backup base station battery
LogicMark allows buyers to divide the purchase into three payments of $84.95, which is $254.95 total, or pay the slightly lower $249.95 in one payment.
FreedomAlert has no monitoring, which means no monthly fee and no contract. It does have a few accessories users can buy if they wish, but none are required to operate the device.
| Accessory |
Use |
Price |
| FreedomAlert Extra Pendant |
Add an extra pendant to replace a lost one or to use for a spouse or family member |
$99.95 |
| Emergency Wall Communicator |
Mount a two-way communicator in areas where the user may not wear the pendant, such as near the shower |
$99.95 |
| Lockbox |
Hang the lockbox from the front door to give emergency services access to a spare house key. |
$29.95 |
| Replacement Batteries |
Keep replacement pendant and base station batteries on hand. |
$19.95
|
Pros and Cons of the FreedomAlert System
Like all medical alert systems, FreedomAlert has both pros and cons. Families need to weigh these to make the best decision for their loved ones.
Pros of FreedomAlert
With the FreedomAlert system, simple setup and programming are benefits. This system’s one-touch calling makes calling for help accessible for the wearer, and the fact that the pendant itself has the communication built in means there’s no need to try to move after a fall or other accident.
Its 600-foot range is another benefit of FreedomAlert. This large range fits most standard American homes and can even reach outside on many properties. Families can use the test feature to test the range in their homes for larger or multistory properties.
Another perk of the FreedomAlert is that it’s a one-price system. The lack of monthly monitoring charges helps families or individuals on fixed incomes afford the device.
Cons of FreedomAlert
For some families, the lack of monitoring is a drawback. Monitoring provides peace of mind, especially for families who live far from the loved one who is using the system or if they cannot answer their phones easily throughout the day.
Another potential drawback of the FreedomAlert system is its battery operation. Because the base unit doesn’t plug into the wall, it can run out of power. The user needs to remember to replace the batteries regularly to keep the system functioning at all times. It does have a 24-hour emergency backup battery to help protect against this problem.
Features That Can Be Pros or Cons
The fact that FreedomAlert doesn’t use a cellular signal can be either a perk or a drawback. If the home doesn’t have a landline, the user must sign up for landline service or VOIP to use the device. This can be a con of the system. However, if the user doesn’t have a cell phone, the fact that the device plugs into a standard phone jack and doesn’t require cellular coverage is a perk.
