RescueTouch Medical Alert Review

Best for New Equipment

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RescueTouch was founded by Scott A. Lepper, a volunteer EMT. In 2019, RescueTouch merged with NurseAlert, which manufactures a medical alert system specifically for healthcare providers. Together, the two companies became Florida Health Alert and Technology. The company now serves both seniors and the healthcare providers who care for them.

Unlike other companies that lease previously used equipment to customers, RescueTouch sells its devices instead. Though customers do have to pay for their device, they never have to worry about returning the device, which can lead to high fees for those who forget. They also know that they always receive brand new equipment so there’s no risk of receiving an outdated device or equipment that is damaged from the previous user. For consumers who prioritize the integrity of their equipment, RescueTouch is a great choice.

Who RescueTouch Is Best For

Caregivers of Seniors with Dementia

Almost all RescueTouch devices offer the GPS Locate feature included in the monthly cost. GPS Locate provides on-demand location information for caregivers of users. They simply text “LOC” to their loved one’s device number, and soon after will receive a link to a map with the device’s exact location. This is particularly useful for caregivers of seniors with dementia who may be prone to wandering.

Active Seniors

Active seniors have their choice of all six RescueTouch devices, as all of RescueTouch’s medical alert systems are mobile- there are no in-home offerings. This gives active seniors more options than any other company in the industry. All devices have an unlimited range, so they provide seniors with protection anywhere they may go.

Spouses and Roommates

Two of RescueTouch’s service plans are “twin packs,” which include two mobile SOS medical alert devices instead of just one. In addition to RescueTouch’s many advanced features including on-demand, GPS location tracking and fall detection, twin packs also come with a “walkie-talkie” feature. This feature allows RescueTouch users to easily communicate with one another through their medical alert devices. Another benefit of the twin pack plans is that the users will save $14-$25 per month, which adds up to significant savings over the course of the year.

Device Pricing and Starting Costs

RescueTouch plans range in price from $30 to $75 a month. All devices may be paid for on a monthly, quarterly, or annual basis. The quarterly plans save users 10% compared to the month-to-month price, and the annual plan saves users 17%. There are no long-term contracts and users may cancel their service at any time without paying a penalty.

RescueTouch offers discounts on all of its devices for AARP members, veterans, nurses, first responders, and those with disabilities.

Starting Costs

All RescueTouch users must purchase their device, rather than lease and then return it. There is a one-time purchase fee of $99 for a single device, and $178 for twin packs, which include two devices. Shipping is included with all plans and there are no additional one-time costs.

Plan Features

All RescueTouch plans use the mobile SOS pendant. The mobile device has a built-in two-way speaker and is fully waterproof and shower-safe. It has a battery life of 2.5-5 days, depending on whether the user has GPS location tracking turned on. While all users have the exact same device, it is programmed based on the plan which they select.

01

9-1-1 Direct

Plan Features

This unique plan connects users directly to their local 9-1-1 rather than to an emergency monitoring center. It can save time during a life-threatening medical emergency but eliminates the possibility of using the monitoring service for non-medical emergency situations. As the most basic RescueTouch plan, it lacks certain features like GPS location tracking and two-way communication with friends and family.

Pricing

The 9-1-1 Direct plan costs $30 a month, making it the least expensive RescueTouch plan. The quarterly and annual payment options are even less expensive at $27 a month and $24 a month, respectively.

02

Family Response

Plan Features

This is an unmonitored plan, meaning it connects users with pre-programmed contacts such as family members or a caregiver when they press their emergency help button, rather than the monitoring center. Users can select up to 5 people to set as emergency contacts. The same 5 people may also initiate contact with their loved one through the device. Fall detection is not available with this plan.

Pricing

The Family Response plan costs $35 a month when paid for on a monthly basis, $32 a month when paid for on a quarterly basis, or $29 a month when paid for on an annual basis.

Family Response with Fall Detect

Plan Features

This plan offers all of the same features as the standard Family Response option, plus automatic fall detection. It is still an unmonitored device that connects users to their preferred contacts when they press their help button, or when the fall detection feature senses a fall, rather than directing the calls to an emergency operator.

Pricing

This plan costs $40 a month including the cost of automatic fall detection. The quarterly plan costs $37 a month, and the annual plan costs $34 a month.

Chit Chat Twin Pack

Plan Features

The Family Response-Chit Chat Twin Pack includes two mobile SOS pendants programmed with Family Response-Fall Caller features. In addition to all of the features as the Fall Caller plan, the two devices in the twin pack can be used as “walkie talkies” to directly communicate with one another. This is a great plan for couples, siblings, or close friends, as it makes it easy to check in on each other.

Pricing

The Family Response- Chit Chat Twin Pack costs $65 a month, which covers both of the devices. The quarterly plan offers a 5% savings, bringing the monthly cost to $62, and the monthly cost with an annual plan is $59.

01

“The Whole Shabang”

Plan Features

This plan, referred to as “The Whole Shabang” by RescueTouch, is a monitored device, so users connect with the emergency monitoring center when they press their personal help button. As the name implies, this plan has it all, so it also includes automatic fall detection. Users can still program up to 5 contacts with whom they can connect through their device by pressing a side button rather than the main personal help button. When users do contact the emergency monitoring center, their listed contacts will also automatically receive an SMS message letting them know that their loved one may need assistance.

Pricing

The “Whole Shabang” costs $50 a month with a monthly plan, $47 a month with a quarterly plan, or $44 a month with an annual plan.

Chit Chat Monitored Twin Pack

Plan Features

This is a twin pack plan, so it includes two devices. Both of the mobile SOS pendants are programmed as EMS Response- Maximum Monitored Callers, so users have access to all of those features. They also can use the two included devices as “walkie-talkies” to easily contact one another.

Pricing

The EMS-Response- Chit Chat Maximum Monitored Caller Twin Pack costs $75 a month with a monthly plan. The quarterly plan saves users 4% per month, and the annual plan saves 8% per month. The cost includes monitoring service and fall detection for both devices in the twin pack.

9-1-1 Direct Family Response
Family Response with Fall Detect
“The Whole Shabang”
Chit Chat Twin Pack Chit Chat Monitored Twin Pack
Monthly Cost $30 $35 $40 $50 $65 $75
One-time fees $99 $99 $99 $99 $178 $178
Type of Device Mobile Mobile Mobile Mobile Mobile Mobile
Connection Cellular Cellular Cellular Cellular Cellular Cellular
Battery Life 5 days 2.5 days (5 days with GPS off) 2.5 days (5 days with GPS off) 2.5 days (5 days with GPS off) 2.5 days (5 days with GPS off) 2.5 days (5 days with GPS off)
Water Resistant Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Shower-proof Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

Optional Devices

RescueTouch currently does not offer any add-on devices. Features like fall detection and on-demand location tracking, which other companies may offer as “add-ons”, are included in the monthly cost of RescueTouch devices.

Monitoring

RescueTouch devices are monitored by AvantGuard monitoring, a third-party service with 40 years of experience in the monitoring industry. The centers are located in Washington and Idaho and are fully redundant so they can provide their own power during emergency situations. AvantGuard is accredited by the Better Business Bureau, UL-listed, and TMA 5 Diamond certified.