In a Nutshell

LifeFone is a leading provider of medical alert systems operating since 1976. Its competitively-priced plans mean there is a suitable package for all seniors.

Options range from inexpensive at-home alert buttons to mobile devices with GPS tracking—and even a smartwatch. The lifetime price guarantee means your bill remains the same throughout your subscription.

Best For

• Individuals wanting to keep living independently
• Active seniors who would enjoy a smartwatch option
• Caregivers who require location updates

Monitoring Services

LifeFone offers 24/7 monitoring by its United States-based care agents. When you sign up, the company will ask you to provide an emergency care profile, including your address, caregiver, health information, emergency contacts, and physician.

To summon assistance, you press the help button on your pendant, wristband, or optional wall-mounted button. The agent will contact your caregiver or the emergency services, depending on your profile instructions and the situation. They will then remain on the call with you until support arrives.

For more active seniors, the cellular On-The-Go devices include GPS. This allows the company to know exactly where you are for immediate assistance. Additional options include a fall detection service, ensuring care is automatically dispatched to you in the case of a fall, and daily check-in services to ensure you are okay.

Product Features

LifeFone provides several options for your medical alert system, each with slightly different features and price points. All products come with 24/7 emergency care monitoring and a personalized emergency response plan.

At-Home Landline

The At-Home Landline system is a good option for seniors on a budget who spend most of their time at home. It contains a base unit that plugs into your phone line and the choice of a wristband or pendant/necklace. Note that you’ll need to choose the pendant if you want to add on fall detection.

At-Home Cellular

The At-Home Cellular system is identical to the landline package but uses cellular coverage rather than a landline. You’ll need to live in an area covered by AT&T's nationwide cellular service.

At-Home and On-the-Go

This plan bridges LifeFone’s At-Home and On-the-Go options. It comes with a mobile base unit alongside the usual At-Home devices. There is no mention of any location tracking features. So, if you’re paying for fall detection, the LifeFone VIP options provide better value for money.

At-Home and On-the-Go VIPx Pendant

This is LifeFone’s smallest and most advanced pendant, with a 2-way voice system for speaking with the LifeFone operators. It has built-in GPS, so LifeFone knows where you are and can connect with you anywhere, provided there is Verizon or AT&T cellular coverage. It’s also water-resistant, so you can wear it in the shower.

You can also use the device with the LifeFone Caregiver app for an additional cost. This app allows caregivers to monitor your location, as well as metrics like step tracking and button press history.

At-Home and On-the-Go VIP Active

A similar pendant to the VIPx, this cheaper option lacks access to the LifeFone Caregiver app. However, there is an optional location request feature. Approved responders or caregivers can access your device’s GPS location via text message. They text “Find” and your name to 855-999-3224, and receive a message with your location in return.

At-Home and On-the-Go Smartwatch Active

If you prefer wearing a watch, then the LifeFone Smartwatch Active is a great choice. There’s a speaker and microphone built in so you can talk with your LifeFone operator, and you can allow caregivers to check your location via text message. The watch also tracks your steps, monitors your heart rate, and lets you check the weather.

LifeFone add-ons and accessories

Further add-ons are available for your LifeFone plan such as medication reminders, daily check-in calls, and activity assurance, where subscribers respond to a daily reminder notification to let LifeFone know they are okay.

Lifefone also offers a range of accessories to buy, including a lockbox to allow emergency access to your home, and a leather carrying case for the mobile unit.

Installation Process

Installing the LifeFone products is straightforward but varies depending on the hardware provided for your package.

If your package has a base unit, you just need to plug it into the wall. If you’re using the landline package, you’ll also need to connect your unit to the landline. Then turn the device on and press the help button to test the system. The LifeFone operator will guide you through any necessary additional steps.

Contract and Fees

LifeFone provides 2 types of plans—At-Home and On-the-Go. All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, and you’re not tied into a contract. LifeFone also provides a customer price guarantee, meaning that once you subscribe, the price never increases.

At-Home plans are designed for home locations only.

The On-the-Go packages give you full US coverage.

There are no activation or equipment fees with LifeFone, and you can cancel at any time regardless of what plan you have. Optional fall detection is available for an additional $5 per month for all plans except the At-Home and On-the-Go plan, where it costs an additional $10 per month.

Customer Service

LifeFone offers phone support from its US-based call centers. The monitoring centers are open 24/7, while customer service phone numbers and email support are available 8am-10pm (ET) every day. If you visit the LifeFone website during these hours, you’ll also be able to speak to an agent via live chat.

On the LifeFone website, you’ll also find a blog aimed at seniors, basic FAQs, and PDF versions of product user manuals.

What Do Customers Say About LifeFone?

LifeFone is the most dependable outfit I have to allow my living alone without worry to my friends and family. LifeFone responded immediately even when I accidentally hit my button. Thanks for being there . I cherish my independence.

- Wayne L.

My daughter got a LifeFone unit for me about two years ago. LifeFone has taken the fear out of living alone as I know that help is always within reach. The operators are always kind and very patient. I would highly recommend their service.

- Theresa P.

Contact

General Information :

Phone: 800-882-2280

email: info@lifefone.com

System or Service Needs :

Phone: 877-330-3658

email: service@lifefone.com

Emergency Care Instructions :

Phone: 877-330-3658

email: profileupdates@lifefone.com

Bottom Line

LifeFone is an established medical alert provider with a proven track record and US-based customer care agents. The hardware is reliable and easy to use, and the range of plans means you’re likely to find one that suits your needs.

The basic packages are affordable but can get expensive when including optional add-ons. However, the price you pay when you sign up is the price you will pay throughout your subscription. So if you stick with LifeFone for the long term, the lifetime price guarantee could help save you money.