Philips Lifeline is the number one provider of medical alert systems and was the first in North America to provide them. The company is one of the most innovative in the industry and offers multiple systems that are designed to protect seniors regardless of their lifestyle.
- Given an A+ rating by the Better Business Bureau
- Cancel at any time
- In business for 44 years
- Available Auto Fall Detection
- Available cellular service if you have no landline
About Philips Lifeline
The company was founded in 1972 by a Gerontologist named Andrew Dibner and his wife who were attempting to answer the question of what a senior citizen was to do if they were alone and needed help. Initially, it was called Lifeline Systems, and in the late 1970’s, their systems were being used in both hospitals and healthcare institutions in both the US and Canada. In 1983, the company advanced their products, centralized their call center and began serving the public. In 2006, they were acquired by Royal Philips Electronics and the brand was born.
Philips Lifeline has won numerous awards including Frost and Sullivan 2015 North American Personal Emergency Response Systems Product Line Strategy Leadership Award and Interbrand Top 50 Best Global Green Brands. The company was also on the 2014 lists for Most Innovative Companies for both the Boston Consulting Group and Fast Company.
Available Products
HomeSafe
The HomeSafe medical alert system connects to your landline and keeps you covered in your home. The personal help button can be worn around your neck or on your wrist and is both lightweight and waterproof so that you remain protected in the shower where falls are most common. The communicator self-tests automatically on a regular basis and will notify Lifeline if maintenance is necessary.
- Includes base station and customers choice of wristband or pendant
- The base station connects to the wall for power and has a 30-hour battery backup
- Connects to landline
- Not cellular enabled
- Not GPS enabled
- Auto Alert pendant optional for an increased price
HomeSafe Wireless
The HomeSafe Wireless system is similar to the standard HomeSafe system, but this version runs on cellular and is made for those who do not have access to a landline. The base station communicator features a high-fidelity microphone and speakers so that you can hear and be heard throughout your home.
- Includes base station communicator and customers choice of pendant or wristband
- The base station connects to the wall for power and has a 30-hour battery backup
- Does not connect to landline
- Cellular-enabled
- Not GPS enabled
- Auto Alert pendant optional for an increased price
GoSafe
The GoSafe medical alert system is the most comprehensive and advanced system offered by Philips Lifeline and one of the best in its class. This system has six different location technologies that keep you protected both at home or on the go.
The base station is available in both a landline and wireless model, and the pendant has AutoAlert Fall Detection and 2-way communication so that you can speak to an agent any time you press your button or have an emergency. The pendant also features an Airplane Mode which is useful while traveling.
- Includes base station communicator and AutoAlert fall detection pendant
- Unlimited range. Runs on AT&T cellular network as well as WiFi away from home
- Battery lasts up to 7 days on a full charge and can also charge while being worn
- Landline compatible
- Cellular-enabled
- GPS-enabled
- Includes automatic fall detection
Lifeline Response App
The Lifeline Response App requires no equipment and is compatible with both iOS and Android phones. For a monthly fee, you can install the app on your phone and using your own cellular/GPS technology; you can get help anywhere you go by pressing the help button.
Monitoring Services
When you press your help button, or a fall is detected by a pendant with automatic fall detection, you are connected to the Philips Lifeline call center which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The average wait time to speak to a representative is just 22 seconds. The call centers average over 18,000 calls per day and are staffed with approximately 200 associates who are trained to handle all types of situations.
Once you are connected, your call is automatically routed to an associate whose skills best match your needs. Foreign languages are readily available to accommodate as many customers as possible. The representative will be able to access your personal profile, assess what type of help you need as well as your location and get you the appropriate help as quickly as possible.
Range
Both the HomeSafe and HomeSafe wireless models are built to keep you covered throughout your home. Philips Lifeline does not provide specific range values to these medical alert systems. The GoSafe model essentially has unlimited range. It goes through your base station communicator while you are at home and when you are on the go, it uses six different location technologies including cellular and WiFi to contact the call center and determine your location.
Battery Life
Each of the HomeSafe models have base stations that plug into the wall for power and feature up to 30-hours of backup battery time in the event of a power outage. The help buttons that accompany these models have long-lasting batteries that are automatically replaced by Lifeline whenever necessary.
The GoSafe base station is the same as the HomeSafe. It plugs into the wall and has up to 30-hours of battery backup time. The corresponding pendant can work for up to 7 days on one charge and also can charge while you are wearing it.
Pricing
The Philips Lifeline Medical Alert Systems are paid for on a monthly basis. Add-ons such as extra help buttons or a lock box add to the overall cost.
- Prices range from $29.95 to $54.95 per month
- The GoSafe system has a one time device fee which costs $149
- There is a $50 activation fee for the HomeSafe systems
- Customers are not responsible for repairs or replacements
Installation Process
Installation for the Lifeline alert systems is relatively straightforward and simple. Once you order your medical alert system, it will be shipped to you ready to use. The landline models need to be connected to the phone line and powered on, and the wireless models simply need to be powered on. Philips Lifeline does offer installation assistance for those who may have an issue setting their equipment up on their own. Their website also has specific sections for each medical alert system which provide step by step instructions for installation and activation.
Customer Service
The company offers support for each of their alert systems on their website. There are step by step instructions on how to activate the devices, troubleshooting tips and ways to contact the company if any additional assistance is needed. There is also a customer portal for existing customers which allows them to update their personal information and contact information.
The company can be reached by phone, and there is also a live chat option on the web page as well as an option to e-mail them with any questions or concerns.
Feedback
Philips Lifeline has received a perfect grade of A+ from the Better Business Bureau and has been a BBB Accredited business since February of 2002.
Our Recommendation
Philips Lifeline has been in the medical alert industry from the start and has been one of the most innovative companies in the entire field. Their products are backed by the Philips name which has been a reputable company for a very long time and features such as their location technologies and airplane mode are unique and not typically seen in other brands