Medical alert systems are a great tool to keep older individuals safe, whether at home or on the go. With the use of a medical alert device, seniors can get assistance if they fall or have any other kind of accident that requires care and attention. This means they don’t have to have family members or caregivers around all the time, and it can give loved ones greater peace of mind. Some devices are monitored 24/7, while others require the wearer to activate them in order to get assistance. Medical alert systems are a popular tool for seniors to increase their safety and well-being and help them live a more independent life.

It takes time and research to determine which is the right medical alert system to buy, and there are many companies to compare. This guide describes RescueTouch and LifeStation, two popular medical alert systems, to help make a more informed decision before purchasing.

Category


Side-By-Side Comparison


RescueTouch


LifeStation

COSTS


Up-Front Equipment


$0


$0


Monthly Monitoring





Family Monitored: $29 - $65





Professionally Monitored: $24 - $75


In-Home: $21.95 - $26.95





Mobile: $37.95


Activation Fee


$99 - $178


$50 for Mobile with GPS plan only


Contract


Month-to-month


Month-to-month


Optional Monthly Add-On Services


N/A


Fall Detection - $5 - $10/month


Lockbox - $2.99/month


Wall-Mounted Unit - $2.49/month


Extra Medical Alert Button - $3.99/month

FEATURES


Water-Resistant Wearable Devices


Pendant and wristband


Pendants and wall help buttons


Connection


None


Landline or Cellular


Two-Way Voice Communication


Yes


Yes


Range (from in-home base unit for landline service)


N/A


650-1000 feet


Battery life


Up to 2.5 days with GPS turned on


Up to 5 days with GPS turned off


48-hour battery backup for in-Home


5 days for Mobile with GPS

FALL DETECTION, LOCATION and RESPONSE SERVICE


Fall Detection


Included with Family Response with Fall Detect, Chit Chat Twin Pack, The Whole Shabang! and Chit Chat Monitored Twin Pack


Available for an additional $5 - $10/month depending on plan


GPS Locator


Included in all devices except 9-1-1 Direct plan and device


Included in On-the-Go devices


Coverage Away From Home


Yes


Included in Mobile with GPS devices


24/7 USA Call Center


Yes


Yes

OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES



Automatic Medication Dispenser and Organizer, Lockbox, Wall-Mounted Button


Lockboxes, Wall-Mounted Units, Extra Medical Alert Buttons

RescueTouch Overview

RescueTouch is a wearable device associated with Florida Health Alert and Technology. Individuals who purchase this device can choose to pay for a monitored or an unmonitored plan. The device is an SOS pendant that’s lightweight, showerproof and is easy to wear. The Voice Connect technology makes it simple to talk to someone and get help when there’s an emergency. The device doesn’t require a phone line, so it can be used at home and on the go.

For individuals who want an unmonitored (or family-monitored) plan, there are three options:

  • The Family Response plan alerts family and caregivers when the SOS button is pushed. Up to five people can be added to the emergency contact list.
  • The Family Response with Fall Detect plan includes the above features as well as fall detection.
  • The Chit Chat Twin Pack plan comes with two devices and allows two individuals to be monitored under the same plan. They can use the devices as walkie-talkies to communicate with each other. Fall detection is included in the plan.

For individuals who want a monitored plan, there are three options:

  • The 9-1-1- Direct plan comes with one device and doesn’t offer GPS tracking. This plan is monitored 24/7, but family members aren’t contacted. Instead, wearers are directly connected to their local 911.
  • The Whole Shabang! plan includes a wearable device and 24/7 monitoring. It also includes the same features as the Family Response with Fall Detect plan.
  • The Chit Chat Monitored Twin Pack plan comes with two wearable with 24/7 monitoring and the same features as the Chit Chat Twin Pack plan.

It’s important to note that there’s a one-time $99 fee for a single device and a $179 one-time fee for twin-plan devices.

Pros of RescueTouch

  • Devices are comfortable, wearable showerproof pendants.
  • This service doesn’t require a landline.
  • Coverage is available anywhere, and the device can be used at home or away from home.
  • Both unmonitored and monitored plans are available.
  • Rates are price-locked, so there are no rate changes.
  • Flexible payment plans are available.

Cons of RescueTouch

  • There’s a one-time activation fee.
  • All devices are wearable, and there’s no in-home device option.

LifeStation Overview

LifeStation is a medical alert company that offers both in-home systems and mobile medical alert devices. For in-home systems, individuals have a choice between a landline and a cellular-based connection. The lightweight wearable devices are waterproof pendants with a loud speaker range. The devices can be worn as a necklace or a wristband. When help is needed, the wearer presses the emergency button. The call will be answered, and help will be sent.

The following in-home LifeStation plans are available:

  • The In-Home Traditional plan is the most affordable and basic option. This plan requires a landline for connection and includes a base station with a range of 1,000 feet. It has a 48-hour backup battery, and the wearable device can be worn as a necklace or wristband. Fall detection can be added for an additional $10 per month.
  • The In-Home Plus plan is a cellular-based system. This plan includes a base station with a range of 650 feet. The rest of the features are the same as the In-Home traditional plan. Fall detection can be added for an additional $5 per month.

There are no activation fees for the In-Home plans.

Mobile options are a great choice for seniors who want coverage when they’re away from home. The following mobile LifeStation plan is available:

  • The Mobile with GPS plan is a portable option that includes a wearable all-in-one device. This plan operates via cellular service and uses GPS and Wi-Fi signals for tracking purposes. The mobile device is a pendant that’s showerproof and worn as a necklace. The battery can last up to five days. Fall detection can be added for an additional $5 per month.

There’s a device activation fee of $50 when purchasing the Mobile with GPS plan.

Pros of LifeStation

  • All monthly plans are affordable.
  • Devices are showerproof, lightweight and durable.
  • There are no long-term contracts.
  • Discounts are available for quarterly or yearly payments.
  • In-Home system devices have multiple wearing options.

Cons of LifeStation

  • Fall detection costs additional money.
  • Mobile devices require a $50 activation fee.

Pricing Comparison

Both companies have a good reputation and provide similar systems and devices. Additionally, both companies offer inexpensive monthly plans and flexible payment options. The monthly pricing for LifeStation is somewhat cheaper, which can benefit seniors who are already on a tight monthly budget.

There are no shipping fees for either company’s devices or systems, and neither plan requires a long-term contract or commitment. Subscribers can pay on a month-to-month basis and cancel at any time.

As for activation, RescueTouch charges higher fees. LifeStation doesn’t charge activation fees for its In-Home services but does charge a $50 activation fee for its mobile devices.

Our Pick

Both of these medical alert system companies have a great reputation and are good choices to consider. They both offer options for the home and for seniors who want coverage while away from home. They both also provide fall detection coverage for added peace of mind. RescueTouch and LifeStation are accredited through the Better Business Bureau, and both companies have an A+ rating. RescueTouch does have more positive reviews from consumers.

While we like the offerings from both brands, we prefer LifeStation because it offers lower rates and charges almost no activation fees — only the mobile devices require a $50 activation fee, which is cheaper than RescueTouch’s activation fees.

For those who want a truly low-cost In-Home plan, LifeStation is a good option. At only $21.95 a month, this is an affordable way to have more peace of mind. Adding fall detection is only $10 more. Another reason we prefer LifeStation is because it’s a good option for couples; it costs only an additional $3.99 to add an extra button.

Compare More Medical Alert Systems

Click on the links below to read about Medical Alert system comparisons.