One of the largest medical alert system providers in the industry, Philips Lifeline stands out for its diverse feature set and solid device offerings. Several of its devices include features that go beyond standard emergency monitoring. For example, Philips Lifeline offers optional fall detection called AutoAlert that is designed to automatically detect falls by distinguishing between accidents and everyday activities. Some of Philips offerings also include location tracking in their monthly service charge.
Like other medical alert systems, Philips Lifeline offers peace of mind and allows people to feel a greater sense of security for their loved ones. With a medical alert necklace or wristband, they’ll always have access to help nearby when they need it most. At a relatively affordable price point (although higher relative to its peers), Philips Lifeline offers different levels of service based on needs.
Overview
Philips Lifeline claims to be the very first provider of medical alert systems and services in North America, and it claims to have served more than 7.5m Americans since 1983. Philips Lifeline is on-call 24/7, and its call centre agents are multilingual and professionally trained.
Key Features
Regardless of the system you choose, at the heart of the Philips Lifeline is a discrete call button, worn as a necklace or bracelet. It connects you or a loved one to help in a case of a fall or an emergency. The button is paired with an in-home Communicator which acts as a speakerphone for two-way voice communication with the company’s Lifeline-owned Response Centre in Canada.
HomeSafe is Philips’ most affordable system. With it, you’ll gain access to help 24/7 at the push of a button. It is ideal for older adults who spend most of their time at home. HomeSafe with AutoAlert is a good choice for those with a history, risk, or fear of falling. It’s proven automatic fall detection technology is designed to automatically detect falls, with a low rate of false alarms, and gets access to help quickly. Want to know more about automatic fall detection? Join us as we explore in more detail how fall detection works in this article. The GoSafe medical alert system combines Philips AutoAlert Fall Detection technology and GPS, WiFi and other locating technologies that gives you freedom to be safe while on the go. Lifeline with Wandering is a newer service that is designed to help you track your loved one’s general location when they leave home. While research has not yet brought a cure for dementia, it has brought new technological innovations which can ease the caregiving burden and help keep those diagnosed more comfortable and safe. Lifeline with Wandering also provides all the benefits of a medical alarm service and support for caregivers with a loved one that has a tendency to wander or gets lost easily. SMS texts notify the caregiver via smartphone when their loved one leaves the range of the in-home Communicator. Learn more about these innovations for dementia and how they can help your parents and senior loved ones as we explore other devices that help people living with dementia & Alzheimer’s Disease.
What We Liked
You can rest assured that your call will be answered by Phlips’ highly trained Response Associates who will access your profile, contact the people you’ve identified, and request the help you want. The Philips Lifeline Response Associates will even follow up to confirm that help has arrived. What’s more, Philips Lifeline also offers a free caregiving platform for their customers called Philips Cares. Extending the system’s usefulness, Philips Cares helps caregivers engage and collaborate with family and friends to manage their loved one’s care. The GoSafe Help Button is wearable as both a necklace and a clip; however, it’s a little bulky and uncomfortable to wear in either orientation.
What We Disliked
Philips Lifeline’s monthly rates are higher compared with other medical alert companies in Canada; hence, when it comes to total cost of ownership, Philips is generally one of the more expensive offerings. The company charges device activation fees, shipping and installation fees for most of its devices.
Cost
Philips Lifeline has five different plans to choose from, ranging from $29.95 a month to $58.95 a month. The company charges device activation fees, shipping and installation fees for most of its devices. However, the “GoSafe 2” (Philips’ first all-in-one system) requires a one-time payment of $99. Currently, Philips doesn’t provide free shipping, but no cancellation fees are ever charged.
| Philips Lifeline System | Monthly Fee | Activation Fee | Shipping Fee | Pro Install |
| Homesafe Standard Landline | $29.95 | $50.00 | $19.95 | $99.00 |
| HomeSafe Standard Cellular | $43.95 | $50.00 | $19.95 | $99.00 |
| HomeSafe AutoAlert Landline | $44.95 | $50.00 | $19.95 | $99.00 |
| HomeSafe AutoAlert Cellular | $58.95 | $50.00 | $19.95 | $99.00 |
| GoSafe 2 | $49.95 | $99.95 | $19.95 | $99.00 |
| Philips Cares | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 |
Reputation
Philips Lifeline is a leader in the medical alert systems market with nearly 40 years’ experience, and over 7.5 million customers served. The company began as Lifeline Systems and was founded by Dr Andrew Dibner, a gerontologist who developed the first medical alert system and began selling them in the late 1970s. Lifeline was later acquired by Philips, and became a global healthcare company. Based on subscriber numbers, Philips now claims to be the largest medical alert system provider in the industry.
Summary and Recommendations
In terms of devices, Philips Lifeline offers an in-home traditional medical alert system, an in-home cellular option, a mobile device that offers GPS, all of which can be paired with their fall detection technology. What’s more, their systems are well made and easy to use. The company isn’t reinventing the wheel with their medical alert systems. What they do provide, however, is exceptional equipment and solid customer service.
Explore More Reviews
There are a number of medical alert systems providers in Canada, each promising to deliver peace of mind, independence and security. However, the quality of equipment, reliability and service delivery differ among them. We’ve researched dozens of companies to find the very best. Our expert reviews will provide you with everything you need to know to find the right system for you. Explore the best medical alert systems according to our editors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a contract or any hidden fees?
There are no prepay discounts available to lower the cost, but customers can pay month-to-month and do not have to commit to a long-term contract.
Do I need a phone line to use the system?
Both in-home options can be used with or without a landline phone. Philips Lifeline offers a cellular medical alert system in case you are without traditional land-line phone service or just would like better reliability. This cell option makes the medical alert system more accessible in a variety of situations. All offer two-way communication with response center operators.
Who installs the system?
Philips LifeLine can be shipped directly to your home for you to install yourself. You just have to follow the directions in the instructions—or you may call them for assistance. Alternatively, you can opt for professional installation by a Philips technician and a Philips Lifeline representative will call you to schedule an in-home installation. The installer will walk you through how to use your Lifeline system and will answer any questions you may have.
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