AARP's Official Medical Alert Partnerships
While AARP does not officially endorse one specific company, it has established partnerships that offer exclusive discounts to its members. These official collaborations provide a starting point for many seniors and their families, but it is important to remember that these are not formal endorsements of the product itself. Currently, the primary partners are Lifeline and Lively.
Lifeline
Lifeline, owned by Connect America, has a long-standing partnership with AARP. This company has been a prominent name in the medical alert industry for decades. For AARP members, Lifeline offers a 15% discount on monthly service fees, along with free shipping and activation. Lifeline provides both at-home and mobile systems, including options with automatic fall detection.
Lively
Lively is another provider with which AARP has a partnership, catering to members who seek more modern, mobile-friendly devices. This includes medical alert devices that double as easy-to-use phones. AARP members can receive a flat $60 discount on the annual fee for Lively's Preferred and Ultimate Health & Safety Packages when purchasing the Lively Mobile Plus system. These packages often include features like access to Urgent Care and connection to a family app.
Why AARP Doesn't Recommend a Single System
AARP’s official stance is to empower members to make informed decisions for themselves, rather than pushing a single product. By not endorsing one alert system, AARP acknowledges that individual needs vary greatly. What works for an active senior who travels frequently may not be the right fit for someone with limited mobility who primarily stays at home. This approach prioritizes personal lifestyle, health conditions, and budget, encouraging a more comprehensive research process.
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Alert System
To find the best medical alert system for your specific situation, consider the following key factors:
- At-Home vs. Mobile: Do you need protection only within your home, or do you require a system with GPS for on-the-go security? Mobile systems are ideal for active seniors who are frequently outside the home.
- Automatic Fall Detection: This crucial feature can automatically call for help even if the wearer is unable to press their button. It's especially valuable for those with a history of falls or health conditions that could cause them to lose consciousness.
- Monitoring Center Reliability: Research the monitoring center's reputation and certification, such as TMA Five Diamond certification. Ask about their training, response times, and language support.
- Battery Life: For mobile systems, battery life is a significant consideration. Some devices last for several days on a single charge, while others need daily charging.
- Contract and Fees: Understand the provider's contract terms. Are there long-term commitments, or is it a month-to-month service? Some companies, like the heavily advertised Life Alert, lock users into long-term contracts, which is often a point of criticism. Also, ask about activation fees and equipment costs.
Comparison of AARP-Associated Providers and Other Top Contenders
| Feature | Philips Lifeline (AARP Partner) | Lively (AARP Partner) | Bay Alarm Medical | MobileHelp |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AARP Discount | 15% off monthly service, free activation/shipping | $60 off annual Preferred or Ultimate Plan | No specific AARP discount advertised | Advertised in AARP publications, but no specific AARP discount listed |
| System Types | At-home (landline/cellular), Mobile, Smartwatch | Mobile (Mobile Plus), Jitterbug Phones | At-home (landline/cellular), Mobile, Smartwatch | At-home, Mobile, Duo (in-home and mobile) |
| Fall Detection | Available for an extra monthly fee | Available with Ultimate Health & Safety Package | Available for an extra monthly fee, highly rated | Available for an extra monthly fee |
| Caregiver App | Lifeline Cares app for notifications | Lively Link app for family alerts | Caregiver app for tracking and alerts | MobileHelp Connect app |
| Contract Type | No long-term contracts typically offered | Monthly or annual options available | Offers flexible plans with risk-free trials | No long-term contracts; pro-rated refunds |
How to Leverage Your AARP Membership and Make an Informed Choice
Your AARP membership can be a valuable tool in your search for a medical alert system, but it should not be the sole determinant. Start by exploring the discounts available through their partnerships with Lifeline and Lively. Use these offers as a baseline for comparison, and then research other top-rated providers. Many non-partner companies, such as MobileHelp and Bay Alarm Medical, offer their own competitive promotions that may result in a lower overall cost or better features for your specific needs.
After narrowing down your options, call the companies directly to ask about the latest deals, special promotions, and contract details. Ask for a free or risk-free trial if one is available. Take advantage of your AARP membership by using the discount as one factor in a comprehensive evaluation, ensuring you find a system that offers the best combination of reliability, features, and value for your lifestyle.
Conclusion
While the search for a medical alert system often leads to the question of what alert system does AARP recommend, the key takeaway is that AARP promotes informed choice rather than endorsing a single provider. By offering exclusive member discounts with partners like Lifeline and Lively, AARP provides a useful starting point for comparison shopping. However, members are encouraged to thoroughly research and compare a wide range of systems, considering factors such as at-home vs. mobile use, fall detection, monitoring reliability, and pricing structures. Ultimately, the best alert system is a personal decision based on individual needs and circumstances, and a thorough comparison is the most effective path to peace of mind.
To learn more about choosing the right medical alert system, a great resource to explore is this guide on Best Medical Alert Systems from Forbes Health, which provides expert reviews and comparisons of current options.
