Medical Alert

Friday night & Saturday morning, had trouble getting air when I tried to breathe. Finally pushed the alarm button on wrist unit. First responders (Fire Dept. and ambulance) arrived in less than 5 minutes. Transported to ER. Oxygen at 83%... pneumonia and COPD. Massive antibiotics and breathing apparatus. If not for Medical Alert/Mobile Help... could have died. Cannot recommend your service highly enough. You are a "guardian angel" for this 67-year old retired military lady!

I had fallen and broke my left shoulder and my right wrist. I also had to have knees operated on. My husband decided that I should have a Medical Alert device in case I fall again. Luckily, I have not needed it, but it's there when I need it. I like that I have the one with the receiver that I can bring with me when I go shopping. It helps. In the house, I'll wear my device when I'm not feeling well. Sometimes, I forget that it's there, but a lot of times, I put it on in case I'll need it. The Medical Alert is a very good idea and a very good thing to have especially if one is getting older and has medical or physical problems. Having the necklace or the watch won't make a person feel alone knowing that somebody can help sooner.

I had a similar experience to others. My father died, and we notified the company by phone, then returned the equipment ten days later, per their instructions. Two months later, they were still billing us for a monthly service charge. When I called to complain, and told the woman that I had proof that they had received the equipment, the woman said she would check the warehouse. Apparently, if you don't call to complain, they never bother to "check the warehouse", and simply keep billing the deceased customer. This is a horrible thing to do to a family that just lost a loved one. There are other medical alert companies. Avoid this one.

After my 86 year old mother fell twice, both times necessitating a trip to the emergency room, I looked into alert systems with fall detection for her. Medical Alert seemed to have good reviews so I ordered the system. When it came she found the pendant heavy and uncomfortable to wear. The alternative wrist monitor was flimsy and scratched her wrist. And it was then I discovered she had to wear a second device for the fall alert. They hype their no contract feature so I questioned the customer service rep several times about canceling if she didn't like it or didn't need it and was told to simply return the system and request a refund. We were supposed to receive a lockbox which never came even though I called and requested it again after the system came.

During a home visit the nurse mentioned Life Alert which requires only one pendant so I ordered that system and it did come with one lightweight pendant for both emergencies and fall detection. It cost a little more but was worth it for my mother's comfort and to make sure she would wear it. And they sent someone to her home to install and test it.

I then called Medical Alert for instructions on how to return their system. I pushed the number for returns and was kept on hold an inordinately long time. When the customer service rep finally came on she was hostile and argumentative and told me my mother only had to wear the fall detection pendant and not the emergency pendant. What??? The fall detection does not allow her to call for help in an emergency. I guess if she had a heart attack she would have to remove the fall detector and throw it on the ground so they know she needs help??? She finally gave me the return address and I shipped the system back to Medical Alert. After two weeks with no refund to my mother's credit card, I called Medical Alert and was told it takes two weeks to log the return and then another two weeks to process the refund unless they are called with the tracking number.

I had the tracking number and asked why I wasn't told that when I first called and was told "I should have been" and it would take another two weeks. It has been over the second two weeks and I just called to check on the refund and was told it was in process and would be "expedited" to be processed in the next five days. They have held almost $500 of my mother's money for over a month. Nice people to deal with getting in but watch out when you try to get out.

I purchased a Medical Alert ID bracelet. The ID bracelet rusted and fell apart in less than two months. One year later, the company charged me for a year of "services" without authorization. They claimed that by purchasing the original bracelet, I had automatically opted in to "services". They also claimed to have sent me a notice of the charge. This was not true. They agreed to cancel the account, but refused to refund the charges. I went to my credit card company to receive a refund and block Medical Alert from having access to my account in the future.

My therapist prescribed a piece of medical equipment. They called leaving a message to call them a week later. I tried calling them 4xs each time the call was answered by a machine stating they would get back to me the next day. Each time they called they did not use the cell number I left them to reach me but called my home. 4xs they stated the order was in progress. I finally talked to someone. They stated that the doctor's order had not been signed and they were waiting for a new prescription.

I contacted my doctor's assistant. She remembered the doctor signing the order and sending it along. She also stated they had not been contacted by Connect Medical and had not received any requests for a new prescription. She gave me her direct line number which I promptly gave to Connect Medical. We received another call stating things were in progress. It has been more than 3 weeks now. I called today. Surprisingly had an actual person answer. She checked and stated they were waiting for a signed doctor's order. She confirmed that they had the direct phone number for the doctor's assistant. She was not able to help. That they have another department that handles contacting providers. If you can go elsewhere to get your medical equipment...

My mother passed away trying to get help from medical alert. On January 23, 2016, my mother hit her Medical Alert button for the first time. The operator called out to my mother through the device and asked if she needed help. My mother tried to respond twice. Both times it was not clear, however, it was obvious she was trying to respond. After the second time, the operator heard my mother trying to respond. Although her response was unclear, the operator's tone clearly shows that she heard something and then she began asking if it was my mother. My mother also hit her button multiple times. I was told that the last time she hit it she kept hitting it.

I spoke with Susan ** and she told me she "may have panicked." The operator still waited 2 more minutes before calling EMS. The operator called her house and cell phone and took the time to leave a voicemail message. In all, it took 6 minutes for Medical Alert to call EMS. The operator then spent approximately 4 minutes relaying mostly irrelevant information to EMS. 911 had to cut the Medical Alert operator off to dispatch EMS. It took EMS less than 4 minutes to reach my mother, however, because of Medical Alert's incompetent operator and company policies my mother got help 13 minutes and 52 seconds after she first hit the button. My mother died that night.

Medical Alert claims that protocol was followed. 2/11/16 Susan ** said, "It is protocol to call all numbers on the list before dialing 911." 2/12/16 I spoke with Jonathan (another Medical Alert rep.) "They didn't call 911 because they could not hear your mother's voice. So it was not an emergency. They had to call the numbers on the list." 12/21/16 The attorney representing the company claims that protocol was followed. Claiming there was no response from my mother both times the operator called the device. "The operator then followed protocol and began attempts to obtain a GPS fix and also called the house and cell number."

In response to their claim that there was no response from my mother. How would you explain the following? 1) I have a copy of the audio and I can hear my mother's attempts at responding; 2) 2/11/16 Susan ** - She told me she listened to the recording. She said that my mom was talking but it was very faint, she couldn't make anything out. Later in the conversation in reference to the recording, she said, "I don't think I'm going to let you listen to that. You don't want to." I questioned her about it and asked her why if you really couldn't hear anything. She responded, "Because it's sad, someone taking their last breath." So if Susan ** could hear my mother taking her last breath, why would it be necessary to send out and wait for a GPS signal. My mother was clearly at her home. And mind you it was almost 11:00 at night. Most 68-year-old women are not out and about at 11:00 PM.

2/2/16 Natacha ** (Customer Care Supervisor) sent an email to Linda ** (VP Central Station Services). The email reads, "6 minutes is still a bit too long. We inform customers that operators will assume the worst case and dispatch if we do not hear from the subscriber." I have to say Natacha ** was probably the most professional person that I spoke with. Just a few other pieces of information to share. You would think that it would be protocol to send out a GPS signal as soon as the button is pushed by a customer. Instead Medical Alert claims that it is protocol to try and contact the customer multiple times without a VERY CLEAR response before sending out a GPS signal. Then they don't inform you that it could take five minutes to get a fix on the GPS. Yet they claim in their contract that if you cannot be contacted or if you are unclear they will send help immediately.

Medical Alert had it on record that my mother had a defibrillator and her age. That alone should have been enough information to call for help immediately. On one of the first phone calls that I made to Medical Alert after my mother's death, I was asking questions to try and figure out what happened. I was told by the operator I was speaking with that, "Her supervisor just informed her that due to high call volume she was going to have to get off the phone." I got extremely upset and told her that just because my mother died does not mean that she was not a customer and that I had a right to have my questions answered. I was then put on hold.

Also Medical Alert encourages its customers to pay in advance so service is not interrupted. My mother was paid over two months in advance. When I asked them about canceling and having them refund the overpayment after her death, I was told that they would not cancel anything or refund anything until the device was sent back. I continued to receive accruing bills for my mother from them for the next 12 months. On the top of each bill it states in bold print, "YOUR SAFETY IS OUR FIRST CONCERN."

My experience with Medical Alert has been an absolute nightmare. When my mother and I called them and asked questions about how it worked, they were wonderful. They assured us that EMS would be called immediately if they couldn't hear my mom through the device. They said nothing about making phone calls first or trying to determine if the button was pushed by my mother. The only mention of a GPS signal was if my mother was in her car somewhere and had to hit the button. Then after her death, I was treated very poorly. I do not recommend this company to anyone! In fact, I am shocked that they are in business! They took away any chance at survival that my mom had that night. She was an amazing mother and grandmother and she did not deserve to die knowing that help was not on the way. This review was written by the ConsumerAffairs reviewer's wife.

My mother Died July 13. I called and cancelled the service and sent the equipment back in the box that I received it in. They continued to bill me for the service from Sept to Dec 2016. I contacted my bank and wrote a letter to stop payment. They have the equipment and I cancelled the service and they objected. Now they threaten my credit and you CANNOT get anyone to answer the phone or call you back. They will NOT cancel even if the patient is DEAD! It is hard enough to handle my mother dying and now this company makes it even worse. DO NOT GET THIS SERVICE BECAUSE YOU CANNOT CANCEL IT and your credit will be hurt.

I carry my Medical Alert device with me because I've had a triple bypass. I have a heart condition and vertigo, although I haven't had to push the button other than testing it. I like that it is mobile and portable because the cable goes out a lot of times here, so if my device is hooked on a phone line and it goes out, I can push the button forever but still not get any help. And when I go up the street and all of a sudden something happens, I'm able to push the button because I am able to carry it with me. I'd recommend the company.

Medical Alert worked when my mother needed it. A few months ago, she had fallen and she knew I was at work. So she alerted the button and the guys from the fire department showed up. She wasn't injured but needed assistance getting back up off the ground, so the guys did that and it all worked out well. Once or twice, she leaned against it the wrong way and it activated, but it was a good thing that it worked. My mother is still a fall-risk and needs assistance using a walker when she's walking about, but she does manage much better than before through physical therapy.

Medical Alert team has been very good. My mother's 91, lives alone and has ambulatory needs and they've been prompt whenever she called. I'd recommend them!

A friend of mine had fallen and was hurt. When I told the story to my daughters, one of them decided I needed Medical Alert and purchased it for me. One of my friends had Medical Alert for a while and she was the one who mentioned it to me. My daughters don't live with me and I live alone. I'm not that well and I’m worried that I might fall as I have steps in my house. But I feel more comfortable with the device on. I wear it every day. When I go out, I use the device with my cellphone with me. But I don't carry the cellphone around so I wear Medical Alert around my neck if I'm in the house.

We tested the device and it leads me in front of the house to the garbage pail, a little away from my condo. It takes that far. If it goes off, they do get in touch. I was glad to see that when I set it off twice by accident. Medical Alert called me right away and I thought it was very good. I didn't even know I set it off. However, I was getting calls from Medical Alert salespeople telling me about a different and a better device but my daughter had just paid for a year with my device. I kept telling them not to call me as I have it already, and the calls stopped. I've never really used the device in an emergency but I'm pleased at it.

I feel comfortable wearing my Medical Alert. I needed one because if I fall, I can still get up all right, but if I couldn't get up, I'd be alone in the house for maybe days at a time because I don't have people checking in on me all the time. There was one funny experience but it says something about the quality of the product. I accidentally got mine into the washer and the dryer and it came off when I took off a shirt and the emergency people arrived at the door.

I said that nothing's wrong then I realized I didn't have my pendant on me and I said, "Oh, my goodness. It must be in the wash." And so they came in and helped me find it in the washer. It just worked fine ever since and the company sent me a new free one because of the fact that this went through the washer but I just have that in the drawer somewhere in case something happens to this one.

I am occasionally alone in my house and Medical Alert has been satisfactory. I've accidentally called them and they were there. They're always nice if I talk to them when I test my device.

My children are now less worried since I started using Medical Alert. I wear the bracelet at night because I'm always afraid that I won't be able to get out of bed the following morning.

I'm 78 years old, 70% disabled and rather dozens of things wrong with me. The incidents of falling down started increasing and I needed Medical Alert. I wear it around my neck or I'd have it sitting on a table next to me. I tested the device and it worked fine. Their team called in the telephone. I picked it up and told them it was just a test. They said, “Thank you very much.” I've been very satisfied with it even though I haven't used it yet.

We’re gonna discontinue using Medical Alert because Mitchell’s on hospice already. He wore it every day, but he never had to use it. The only concern we’re having now with Medical Alert is they tried to disconnect everything and the phone wouldn’t work anymore. The family put back together the Medical Alert implements just to get the phone to work, so they will be calling the company today or tomorrow to be walked through the process of being able to take the alert system off and still have a working telephone.

I'm 79 years old, I live alone and I had knee surgery. My daughter felt that it would be wise for me to have something in case of an emergency. Medical Alert is great and I wear it all the time. As they suggested, I wear it in the pool too. When I leave the house, I make sure that I can take the little GPS with me. I have to call in once a month and make sure that the device is active. Having an alert system makes me comfortable. If I do have a situation where I would need assistance, I have somebody to contact.

There was an incident early on where they hadn't sent me the case for the device. It was in my purse and it was accidentally activated. They called my family to tell them that they thought that it was activated accidentally because of the circumstances by listening to the sound. My daughter-in-law said their rep was delightful. I also have the bracelet and I wear it when I dress up. It's nice to have that because it's less conspicuous than the little black string around my neck.

I have nothing but problems with Medical Alert. The problem started when someone called me up and said that there was a problem with my medical alert system and that I needed to send back the necklace. I said it's working fine. I tested it and it seemed to light fine. But they said there’s a problem with it and I had to send it back. I sent it back and they said I had to send them my other one. I did send it to them even though I purchased it from Costco, so it was mine, because they said that they can refurbish it and sell it to somebody else for $350 and if I didn’t send it to them, they’re going to charge me $10. So I sent it to them and then they sent me a bill that had $10 on it.

I called them up and asked what it was for. They said it’s because I didn’t send back the medical alert. I said I did and they asked me to prove it. I can’t prove it. You think I’m going to send something that cost more to prove it than the item is worth? So they didn’t tell me that that item was going to cost me $10 a month ‘til I paid $350 for it. For months I thought they were charging me with the same $10 that they promised to wipe out. I’d call and talk to people and they either say they’re going to do something or they never did anything, but they didn’t resolve the problem. Finally, I got a hold of someone who did resolve it and got rid of the $10 charge. So in the end, it all worked out okay.

Meanwhile, I sent the whole contraption back because I was sick of it. One time, I was laying in the pool swimming away and I heard a fire truck coming down the street. I watched them to see which apartment they were going to and asked them if they were going to number 14. They said yes. I told them I’m in the water and my alarm is laying on the chair. Maybe that’s why Medical Alert figured that I needed a new one. But I kept thinking I hope I don’t get all the ambulance bill because it's like $1500. I wrote a letter to the top person on how disgusted I was with everything, and no answer. I faxed it and mailed it in. So that’s when I decided to heck with this noise.

I also had my wristband and the button part started coming apart and started going off all the time. It happened over and over in just a few minutes’ time and it kept calling Medical Alert. They said to send it to them. I asked them how because it won’t stop calling them and they're going to send an ambulance or a fire truck to my house. They said to wrap it up in bubble wrap and put it in the freezer. So I did and that worked.

But I was satisfied with the response when I was testing the device. The equipment was good and went off when it was supposed to. The people were nice as far as when they’re trying to help me as opposed to when I called them and want their help. I think it’s a different set of people. One was more medically bent and the other one was more customer service.

I have more peace of mind since using Medical Alert. I wear it around my neck and occasionally, the little yellow light flicks on and I hit clear. I assume everything is okay. The only problem I had was that my telephone system and the Medical Alert system got in each other's way recently. AT&T explained to me that the first of the call went through Medical Alert before personal calls came through, and I don't know yet why I was having trouble with it but it was fixed.

A friend of mine has Medical Alert, and she was able to give me some tips about it. I knew I had an ally in case I had some problems with it so that's why I chose it. One time I was opening up a jar of pickles, and set it off. I apologized and their team was so nice to me. They were so glad that there was nothing wrong. I feel so secure because I know I have it, particularly when I get in the shower. It’s also very comfortable I wouldn’t even know I have it on. I absolutely love it and I’m happy to have it.

I’ll be 91 this month but I’m very healthy. I wear the necklace and have the equipment of Medical Alert to please my children. Because even though I don’t have anything physically wrong with me at all, I could still trip and fall. And none of them live anywhere near me - they all live in other states so they worry about me. I know that when I check my equipment, call in, the team of Medical Alert is always connected. They’re always there. And if I do have an accident, I’ll be able to push my button. However, I received my annual bill and I didn’t remember it cost me that much.

I fell several times three years ago. I passed out at the parking lot and was in the hospital for six days. They thought it was my heart, but it was low blood pressure. I haven't done that since three years ago, and I'm thankful for that, but that's the main reason my son bought the medical alert device for me, because he was scared to death.

I used another medical alert system before using Medical Alert, and it was one of the first ones that came out that had a telephone with it. However, I had to be by the phone if I fell. But with this one, even if I'm out, I can push the button and they'll come and find me wherever I happen to be. And not only that, but I have a card up on my refrigerator that gives them my information if the EMT would come in to find something. Furthermore, I've got a key on my door outside, and the EMT has the combination for it, so they can get into my house if it's locked up.

The Medical Alert team called me because I didn't check in and they wanted to know if my medical alert button was alright, and I said yes. I had also arranged with them that I would call them on the 18th of every month, and I haven't done that. They called my brother in Indiana because he was the first one on my cellphone. So, they knew up in Indiana before my husband or anybody did down here in Florida. That was another main reason why I got this button.

The medical alert button fits easily into my everyday lifestyle. I just put it in my bra. I hate it when it's hanging around my neck. The thing on the wrist is ugly also, so I wasn't interested in that. But when the device came loose from the little thing that it's plugged into, I put it underneath my bra and nobody knows it's there, but I can push the button if I'm down. I have had nothing go wrong since I've been with the medical alert service. I'm very pleased with it and I've recommended it a lot to friends.

I was turning 82 years old and I live alone. I have a cousin who passed away at my age in her sleep and I spent some time with her children and talked about facing the future when one gets into their 80's and they're alone. It was a joint decision of my family and me to get a Medical Alert device for everybody's peace of mind. Within the next few months, I'm going to be living with one of them. But in the meantime, I feel perfectly safe because I know that if I need help, by just pushing a button, they would be here. Around the yard when I'm doing gardening, I have it on but there's no point in wearing it elsewhere. They have called and asked me if I wanted to upgrade to a device that would call for help if I was out shopping and I told them since I have a good cellphone, it goes with me everywhere.

A few weeks after I had it installed, I fell and broke my hip. I wear the pendant all the time when I'm at home so I pressed the button and almost immediately, I heard the device saying, "emergency". Then a real voice said, "Do you need help?" I answered back, "Yes, I do. Please call the paramedics and my daughter." because they had her phone number as well. My lockbox had the key to my house and the paramedics knew how to get it. As they were taking me out on a stretcher, my daughter arrived since she lives just a few miles away. The next thing I know, I was in an ambulance on my way to the hospital. It all went very smoothly and was perfect. I'm happy to have the service in my house. I've shared the information with people in a club retired people and a lot of them were more curious. So, I gave out phone numbers and information about it and I think other people signed up because of my good experience.

I'm on my own and old, and I do have some health problems. I've had a couple of medical alert devices, then a young man from Medical Alert called and talked to me about it. I got one and I've been satisfied with it. Their reps were courteous, friendly, and helped me get what I needed. I wear my Medical Alert all the time - when I sleep and when I take a shower. Most of the times, I wear it around my neck and every so often, I wear the wrist bracelet.

When I test the Medical Alert Device, I'm fine with the people. And as far as Medical Alert responding when we call or I accidentally have hit the thing, they're immediately on it. When we've traveled, we've taken the product and they've told us what to do. However, I have a hard time getting a response back from a customer service person who's looking up information for me. That's the biggest complaint I have.

I called asking for them to send me a copy of a bill because they debit my account and I never know when the billing is going to happen. When I first got the product, it was a special. I was supposed to pay for five and get six months. Then the first time it was renewed, they didn't honor that. So, I had to call them, remind them, and get it done again, only to do the same thing the next time it comes up. So, I need to call them before they debit my card. Also, I can't get a notification from them. I asked for one about a month ago, and still haven't received it. Nevertheless, the product is great, and I would recommend it to anybody who's fallen.

My husband died, and he made me promise I would get a medical alert device because I'm diabetic and have several health problems. My children also insisted upon it, so I gave everyone peace of mind. I have a wrist alarm from Medical Alert and it looks like those electronic watches that everybody has, so everyone thinks I'm just being healthy. I don't ever take it off. I'm very happy I have it and I wouldn't give it up. My great granddaughter who is three, thought that button was very attractive, so she pressed it. I called Medical Alert right away because that was the first time it had gone off and I didn't want the rescue people running, but it was a good test with the system as I haven't had to use it.

I also have that extra program that I'm really not interested in, where if I have my doors open, I couldn't use my necklace alarm at 400 feet. I think it was $100, and at that time, it sounded good, but I never activated it as I don't think that was a good plan for me. Other than that, Medical Alert is a wonderful program. My mother who lives next door by herself is 101 years old and she also has it. She has used hers and I'm very thankful for that.

I got Medical Alert because the home device is only good if I'm at home and useless if I'm out walking somewhere else. I feel safer knowing that I can take the device with me so I can get help if I have an accident. I wear it the whole day every day. I used the wristband before but every time I turn around, I was activating the device since I'm too active. So I got the necklace and it works better. I wear the device under my brassiere so it doesn't ride up and get strangled. Medical Alert has been a good asset.

My husband has serious dementia and he was placed into a nursing home after I had a couple of mini-strokes. My kids didn't want me to be alone without some kind of protection. I now have MedicalAlert and I test the device once in a while to check. I also took it when I went to Florida, so I did an address change. Their staff answered my calls immediately and everything's been fine. I fixed the device like a bracelet. I took the bracelet one and I put a man's stretch bracelet on it. I put a few little stones on the top to give it a little bit of bling and I wear it all the time. I rarely take it off. People comment about it because it's certainly different.

I have accidentally hit my button about once every 10 days to two weeks so I run down and cancel it, but occasionally I don't make it in time and they'd come right on the speaker and ask if I need medical assistance. Then they'd ask me to identify myself and I have to reassure them that I'm fine. They're very pleasant, very courteous and it's just a mistake. Then one time I did fall down and it alerted them, but it was a very soft fall so I wasn't hurt. I feel very secure as an elderly woman living alone with marble staircase. It gives me a very good sense of security to have this around my neck all the time and I rarely take it off except to sleep at night. I've recommended it to friends.

I'm 92 years old and I have trouble with my legs. I have a walker and a cane so I need assistance sometimes. I was with a previous company and at one time, I fell in my front garden and was unable to get up. I pressed the button because I figured I was close to my house but nothing happened. I then changed to Medical Alert. I have their device that I wear around my neck, and if I press it, I get a response. I sometimes go to Florida in the winter and I needed something while I'm out there, and Medical Alert has it.

The only thing is that I wear a wristband at night in bed and it is not as comfortable as the one I had with the previous company, which was lighter. Also, I was told that I should press it once a month to check and make sure that it's working. I have been doing it, and there is a lull between when the alarm sounds and when I speak with someone, whereas, there was none with the other company. Other than those, I'm fortunate that I haven't had to use it in an emergency.

My son lives in California and he doesn't want to get any more freak calls. Also, my wife colluded with him because she goes to business and I'm home alone. So they felt they wanted somebody to take care of me. It's that Medical Alert. I usually test it once a month myself but I press the button and don't use the testing procedure that they suggest. I actually get a live person speaking good English and I've always had a courteous rep. However, if I drop the medallion that I wear, which is supposed to be for falling, it doesn't trigger the alarm. But sometimes, when I lay it down, 10 or 20 seconds later, it will give me a false report of falling. And that happens sometimes when I'm wearing it and sometimes when I'm not wearing it so I had that changed the first two months.

I had a similar problem with too many false alarms but it never calls on a dispatch because I've always had the opportunity to press and hold the button like they ask you to and they cancel the alarm. But it's not worth much if a patient were to fall because I doubt if it would go off, especially if you have a carpet. However, the button does work. If I press it, they respond on the loud speaker within 20 seconds. It has been fortunate but I haven't had to use it and I'm hoping I would never have to. It's like you don't want your house to go on fire even though you have fire insurance.