ADT Medical Alert System Review
Many are familiar with ADT’s reliable home security products, but the company’s medical alert systems are equally as impressive. With three distinct models to choose from – two in-home systems and one mobile – there is an option for every senior. Each system offers a wearable emergency button with a corresponding base unit boasting 2-way communication capabilities. Add-on fall detection service and top-of-the-line emergency monitoring centers are two notable features that keep seniors coming back. Above all, ADT stands out for its commitment to keeping costs down and putting the customer first.
Pros and Cons of ADT Medical Alert Systems
Pros:
- No extra one-time set-up fees
- “ForeveRate” price-lock guarantee ensures monthly rates stay the same for all active customers
- No long-term contracts or cancellation penalties
- On-The-Go system provides built-in GPS location capabilities
- Free next-day shipping and activation
Cons:
- Fall detection not included in monthly cost
- No caregiver mobile app available for collaborative care
ADT’s Medical Alert Plans
Medical Alert Basic System
Medical Alert Plus System
On-The-Go Medical Alert System
Monthly Cost
$29.99
$35.99
$39.99
One-time fees
N/A
N/A
N/A
Type of Device
In-home system
In-home system
Mobile system
Connection
Landline
Cellular
Cellular
Battery Life
20 hours
30 hours
40 hours
Water Resistant
Yes
Yes
Yes
Shower-proof
Yes
Yes
Yes
Range
300 feet
600 feet
100 feet
Fall Detection
No
Yes*
Yes*
*Fall detection is an optional add-on for $10/month.
Medical Alert Basic System
Pricing
ADT’s Medical Alert Basic System costs $29.99 monthly, $83.97 quarterly, or $311.88 yearly for one in-home base unit and one wristband or pendant.
Device Information
The Medical Alert Basic System operates through a traditional in-home landline system, so users must have an existing landline set up at home. Designed for seniors who spend most of their time inside the home, this system features a base unit with two-way talk capabilities to connect with a trained ADT emergency response agent. In addition, buyers receive a waterproof wristband or neck pendant with a 300 foot range for extra peace of mind as they move throughout the home. Built-in home temperature monitoring also provides another layer of safety and comfort.
Medical Alert Plus System
Pricing
ADT’s Medical Alert Plus System costs $35.99 monthly, $101.97 quarterly, or $383.88 yearly for one in-home base unit and one wristband or pendant.
Device Information
Similar to the basic model, the Medical Alert Plus is also an in-home system. However, there are several key differences that make this the preferred model for seniors who enjoy spending time out on their deck, porch or yard. Most notably, a cellular connection provides users with an extended protection range of 600 feet. No landline is required for the two-way talk base unit, and seniors can choose to wear a neck pendant or wristband as they move freely inside and outside the home. For an extra $10 a month, users can add fall detection service to their pendant, which automatically alerts ADT after a fall occurs – even if the emergency button is not able to be pressed.
On-The-Go Medical Alert System
Pricing
ADT’s On-The-Go Medical Alert System costs $39.99 monthly, $113.97 quarterly, or $431.88 yearly for one mobile base unit and one wristband or pendant.
Device Information
The most popular option for active seniors, ADT’s On-The-Go Medical Alert System casts a wide net of protection everywhere users go – from inside the home to miles away. A convenient mobile base unit uses a cellular connection to connect seniors with an ADT agent, and built-in GPS location capabilities ensure that emergency personnel can easily locate those in need. Buyers receive a comfortable wristwatch or neck pendant to wear on-the-go, and optional fall detection offers extra peace of mind for $10 more per month.
Starting Costs and Contracts
ADT’s costs are very straightforward and easy to understand when evaluating the different medical alert plans, as they only include the price of monitoring with no extra one-time set-up fees. All plans include free shipping and activation, in addition to ADT’s Premium Protection Plan, which is the company’s promise to replace and cover 100% of the costs for device replacement in many different situations.
One of the most appealing aspects of ADT’s medical alert systems is the absence of binding long-term contracts. Additionally, the company goes one step further by offering payment flexibility with monthly, quarterly, and annual options. Customers who opt for quarterly or annual billing can rest assured that they will receive a prorated check back with the remaining balance for unused months of service if they need to cancel at any point. Another benefit is the “ForeveRate” price-lock guarantee, which ensures that monthly rates will always stay the same for all active customers.
Monitoring
ADT prides itself on providing seniors with a reliable, US-based monitoring center that is staffed with in-house agents and ready to assist 24/7. If an emergency is detected, a professionally trained ADT agent reaches out to the user on a clear, two-way speaker built into the system’s base unit. The agent will then either contact the senior’s preferred emergency contacts, or reach out directly to first responders – whichever is the appropriate next step. Users have the opportunity to proactively set up a set of individual emergency dispatch instructions with information such as medical history and emergency contacts so they are covered in their time of need.
Extra Features
Additional Pendants and Wristbands
All systems include your choice of one pendant or wristband. Additional pendants or wristbands are available for a one-time fee of $14.99 per device plus $5.00 per month for monitoring.
Automatic Fall Protection
For the Medical Alert Plus and On-The Go systems only, automatic fall protection is an optional add-on feature offered at $10 a month. It provides peace of mind by ensuring that seniors with fall injuries receive prompt medical attention. Users wear a special neck pendant that automatically alerts an ADT agent after a fall is detected, even if they are physically unable to press the emergency button. If necessary, first responders are then dispatched to help as quickly as possible.
Waterproof Wall Mount Button
Ideal for the bath, shower, or bedside table, an ADT waterproof wall mount button offers an extra layer of emergency help in areas around the house where seniors are especially prone to falls or injuries. These convenient wall mount buttons are available to purchase alongside the Medical Alert Plus and On-The-Go Medical Alert System for a monthly monitoring fee of $2.50 a month per button.
ADT Lockbox
For a one-time fee of $29.99, an ADT Lockbox is a smart way to keep seniors protected during medical emergencies by keeping a door key easily accessible for the people who need it, such as first responders. As an added bonus, ADT provides a free lockbox when you opt for a quarterly or yearly payment plan for any medical alert system.
Leather Carrying Case
ADT’s On-The-Go Medical Alert System comes with an optional leather carrying case for an additional $10. This sleek case discreetly holds the mobile base unit and includes a belt clip for easy transfer as seniors move from one activity to another with peace of mind.
Who Should Consider ADT Medical Alert Systems
Seniors with Smaller Homes
Most in-home medical alert systems feature an operating range of anywhere between 800-1,400 feet. This range dictates how far the senior can move away from the base unit before they are unable to call for help. ADT’s two in-home systems offer a range of 300 and 600 feet, which is considerably shorter than similar products on the market. Therefore, seniors with smaller homes or apartments might find that ADT’s medical alert systems better suit their lifestyle.
Seniors on a Budget
Cost-conscious seniors will enjoy ADT’s commitment to keeping costs reasonable. There are no hidden sign-up, activation, or cancellation fees, and its “ForeveRate” price-lock guarantee ensures that monthly rates stay the same overtime for all active customers. Since ADT is a large brand with a variety of home safety products, the company is also known to reward existing customers with discounts on medical alerts.
Seniors Seeking an Excellent Monitoring Experience
Many seniors receive peace of mind in knowing that ADT is a long-standing trusted company with fast, reliable and caring agents ready to assist 24/7. Unlike some medical alert brands, ADT does not outsource its monitoring service to a third-party company. The result is a consistent, quality monitoring experience that seniors can trust.