This is one of the many companies selling in-home alarm systems that are supposed to help the elderly and disabled summon help in an emergency. Some of these systems work better than others; all of them are expensive and, in many cases, the contract terms are objectionable. For example, LifeAlert customers tell us that the company holds them to the three-year contract even if the elderly individual dies before the term is up.
A few recent complaints ...
Leif of Fort Pierce FL (02/23/09) My 90 year old father was also sold the service for a leased 500 box and 49.95 per month bracelet. He now wants to cancel Life Alert and got the same response as many of your complaint letters attest to. He signed a 36 month contract which cannot be broken or cancelled I was told via telephone. The box however can be sent back at our expense via UPS which I believe my father has done but they are still billing him.
I am trying to protect my father as his power of attorney advocate but I get the same nasty or completely clueless and unhelpful telemarketing people who suggest other extensions to call at different hours and the same prompts go round & round. This company should be put out of business by a class action suit. I also pleaded that we cannot afford this. I have never heard of a contract that cannot be broken. I was not present when the Life Alert rep came to my 90 year olds father house and signed him up. I also have not seen said contract, only the month past due bills that are adding up.
My relationship with my father is heartbreaking he wants to assume his independence by making his own decisions and thinks I am accusing him of incompetency. I spend my time putting out all the fires from several fraudulent entanglements that he has been prey to. Where are the laws and protections for seniors and caregivers?
Richard of Austin, TX February 5, 2009
Richard of Austin TX (02/05/09) My mother purchased Life Alert to have the secutory of 24/7 monitoring in her home. Her system is not working and no one is available after 6PM to discuss this with. We pushed the button on her unit several times to try to send an alert and after several minutes with no response cancelled the alert call. I am concerned for her safety. She could have fallen and no one would respond to the alert.
When we purchased the system we were told that the monitoring center would receive an alert and speak with her over the phone if there was a fire or if her monitoring button was pushed on the desk unit or her necklace. We were also told that the monitoring center would receive an alert if her system was disconected. Evidently this was not a true statement since there is no response to sending an alert on her system since it is not functioning and must be disconnected from their system.
She has been paying for this service several years and has not had any real protecton. I am contacting her credit card to stop payment until this is resolved or the service is cancelled.
P. of Spring Mills, PA January 28, 2009
P. of Spring Mills PA (01/28/09) I tried to find information about their product, but only rceived the same answer from their sales rep.-We'll send you a brochure. He refused to answer any questions! That raises a red flag to me if someone isn't willing to give information out over the phone!
Wanda of Charleston, WV January 4, 2009
Wanda of Charleston WV (01/04/09) i signed, without really understanding a three year contract for life aleert just last month at fifty dollars per month. right afterwards, my oldest son moved in with me so i cant afford this. i am 80 yrs old and only thought i was signing for receipt of equipment. i called to cancel aand the man was real rude and told me i signed for it i pay for it. i am sick over this. i am on so much medication that my mind is not clear all the time and i didnt know what to do. my daughter is typing this for me.l i cant hardly talk on the phone. my daughter is very mad about all of this and is going to contact the attorneys office on monday. she paper work to file a complaint with senator darrell mcgraw on monday of next if we cant resolve this. i am a christian and i am sincere that i cannot afford the extrA EXPENSES plus my son is taking care ofr me now.
Rhonda of Henderson, NV October 3, 2008
Rhonda of Henderson NV (10/03/08) I have read many of the stories you have on your website. After having Life Alert for over 6 years, I must say it is the best investment I have ever made. Life Alert has saved my life on 3 separate occasions. Yes that is right! I would not be alive if not for the wonderful people at Life Alert. They have always been nothing but nice and courteous to me. Im sorry if someone else had a different experience, but I must say I think Life Alert is the best and I know my daughter feels much better because i have it also.
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