Rescue Alert is an established brand in the world of medical alert systems. The company launched its first standalone emergency communication system in 1981 and began manufacturing the kind of medical alert monitoring devices it’s known for today in 1990.
The company produces basic medical alert systems, and its offerings lack some of the bells and whistles commonly seen among the newer brands. However, It has a loyal following of seniors who want the reassurance that comes from choosing a trusted brand. Rescue Alert offers in-home devices using landline and cellular connectivity, on-the-go devices and a fall detection pendant.
This review looks at Rescue Alert’s product range, its pricing tiers, and what reviewers and customers think of the company’s devices. Its purpose is to help seniors make informed decisions about their medical alert services.
Rescue Alert's Device Options
Rescue Alert has three core products:
- MXD Basic Landline Alert System
- MXD3G Cellular Alert System
- Rescue Alert GPS
The MXD devices are in-home base stations that have a 600-foot range. The base stations communicate with the medical alert monitoring center using either a fixed phone line (which can be a landline, VOIP or cable connection) or, in the case of the cellular device, AT&T’s network. The base station has an 80-hour backup battery, and the wearable help buttons are water-resistant and showerproof.
The Rescue Alert GPS is a fully mobile device aimed at more active seniors who want the reassurance of knowing help is a button-push away at all times, whether they’re running errands, exercising or socializing.
The company also offers an automatic fall detection pendant that can be used in conjunction with any of the above devices.
Rescue Alert's Plans
Unlike many other popular medical alert device manufacturers, Rescue Alert doesn’t charge an activation or up-front fee with the purchase of its devices. This makes the service an affordable option for those who may struggle with a lump-sum purchase of a medical alert device.
The company’s monthly fees are slightly higher than average, especially considering fall detection services aren’t built into the cost of the package. Rescue Alert’s plans can still represent good value for money since the company doesn’t charge a monthly fee for lockboxes. In addition, users of the MXD or MXD3G systems can request a second personal help button as their free welcome gift. This button can be used as a spare or given to a spouse or other member of the household.
There’s no extra monthly fee for having two users on the same in-home package. The basic package is $32.95 per month for the landline MXD service or $42.95 for the MXD3G cellular, making them very competitive for a couple who would both like access to a help button. Fall detection costs an additional $10 per month.
Seniors who expect to use their MXD service for a long time can purchase the device outright for a one-time fee. At the time of writing, the fee is $849 for lifetime service, which means anyone who uses the device for more than two years would see savings.
Extra Services Offered by Rescue Alert
Rescue Alert offers subscribers a few optional extras, including a lockbox that can be used to store spare keys so emergency services have easy access to their home, a fall detection pendant and a wall button.
The lockbox is available as a free gift or can be purchased outright for $39.00. The wall button and fall detection pendant are rented on a month-to-month basis. Wall buttons are waterproof, so many subscribers opt to have one installed in the bathroom or shower for extra peace of mind. The contact center used by Rescue Alert has English and Spanish speaking operators. Many seniors who have English as a second language find it hard to make themselves understood in English during stressful moments.
Customer Reviews of Rescue Alert
Rescue Alert receives a lot of praise for the lack of startup costs and the choice of free welcome gifts for new customers. The otherwise bare-bones nature of the products is something some customers find off-putting, however.
What Customers Like
Reviewers praise the brand’s decision to make a second in-home help button available to subscribers at no extra cost. This offer can save some customers hundreds of dollars per year compared to other rival brands.
The lack of shipping, activation and installation fees is also popular. Some major medical alert device manufacturers have a lot of hidden fees and charges that may confuse even the most savvy shoppers. Rescue Alert’s simple, transparent pricing ensures seniors always know exactly what their bills will be and what services they can expect.
What Customers Don’t Like
The higher-than-average monthly fees may make Rescue Alert’s services unappealing to a senior who lives alone. The lack of a caregiver monitoring app and the limited choice of wearables is also something customers criticized. Tech-savvy or very active seniors may prefer a product with a smartwatch or a smartphone app instead of the relatively simplistic hardware provided by Rescue Alert.
Who Should Consider Rescue Alert
Rescue Alert’s range of medical alert devices is good for couples who would like an affordably priced in-home monitoring system that they can both use. The company’s cellular and GPS-equipped on-the-go device is good for seniors who want a dependable system they can use outside of the home. Spanish-speakers may appreciate the company’s bilingual support team.
Rescue Alert’s fees aren’t the lowest on the market, and its devices aren’t the most sophisticated in terms of tech features. However, the company stands out based on its fair and transparent pricing and reliability.
