I like helping intelligent people making intelligent decisions. So when I received a call yesterday from Robert, an English and Latin professor, I was happy to discuss the differences between Life Alert and Life Station.
“Although I’m only 70, and in great health, I live alone and my daughter and I would like peace of mind knowing that I am protected against falling and not being able to get help,” Robert explained. “The decision has been narrowed down to Life Alert and Life Station.” I asked Robert if it would make sense for me to go over the Life Alert system so that together, we could compare the two medical alert systems. He said yes.
I began explaining the Life Alert protection plan, providing as much detail as I could. I touched on the 48 hour battery backup, the fact that the emergency button was waterproof, and would work in a 300 radius around the Master Unit. And of course I focused on Life Alert’s monitored smoked detector and portable 911 emergency cell phone. “Just giving you a button and a box wouldn’t provide you with total protection, nor would it provide your daughter with total peace of mind,” I said. “Life Alert knows that although you may be a careful person, the knucklehead in the apartment next to you could fall asleep with a lit cigarette.”
“That makes sense,” Robert said. “What about this portable unit you mentioned?” I explained that the portable 911 emergency phone made sure that Robert was just as protected when he was out of the house. “The likelihood of an accident taking place while out at the grocery store or out shopping is no less than something happening to you at home,” I said. “So why would Life Alert leave you unprotected while on the go?”
“I like what I’m hearing,” Robert said. “This is why Life Alert was on the short list my daughter gave me of medical alert companies.” I told him I was happy that his family held Life Alert in such a high regard, and then pointed out the differences between Life Alert and Life Station.
“Life Station offers no contract, and guarantees no services in writing,” I said. “So sure, you can leave them if you’re not satisfied with their service, but if you’re not satisfied, you probably came pretty close to death!” I also let Robert know that although Life Station does offer a similar portable unit, they do not offer a monitored smoke detector.
Robert thanked me for my time, and told me that he would be in touch with me soon. Usually when I hear this, I don’t hold my breath. But Robert’s a smart guy, and I’m sure he’ll make the right decision.
