Customer Reviews For Philips Lifeline Medical Alert Systems

The medical alert system reviews on this page have been submitted by former or present customers of Philips Lifeline Systems. Please keep in mind that many of these medical alert providers have thousands of clients, and this is only a small sampling of the opinions of their customers. If you have had a good or bad experience with Philips Lifeline, we encourage you to submit your review. If you represent this company, please feel free to submit a rebuttal.
(Added July 25/10) I have worked with Philips Lifeline for a long time. I am sorry some have had a bad experience. As someone posted when you call the 1-800 # ask them if there is a local program. In most cases there are at least two if not more and each local program sets their own fees based on their needs. I have never heard of them "breaking in" to a phone call, and yes from time to time they will call the subscriber IF he/she hasn't tested their button. The newer units will play a prerecorded message if the subscriber hasn't tested their button in 31 or 32 days. This will only happen when the person uses their phone. I think the fact Lifeline has been in the business since 1974, developed the personal response service and does not require a long term contract goes a long way to show they are the best.
(Added July 23/10) We purchased the Lifeline for our mother who lives in a remote area in the country- 10 miles from the nearest town. The range of the button alarm is excellent- it functioned from the mailbox (50 yards from the house) to behind the "back shed"(150 yards). The speaker system can pick up faint conversation even from her back bathroom-the speaker box is at the opposite end of the house. But we will install a second "voice box" soon anyway. We purchased this system directly from Phillips; we encountered nothing but professional behavior from both the sales representative (who was not pushy)and from the responders who answer when the button/a call is activated. I work in discharge planning in a large regional hospital and this seems to be one of the better systems I have seen. What I especially like is the direct communication that is possible; we tried a modem-type dial system on my grandmother's phone years ago but all it would do was to dial and give a pre-recorded message.
(Added May 20/10) Very Disappointed!!! First of all after ordering I received my unit with in a week, but it took over 3 weeks to get the auto alert necklace. Even after speaking to them 6 different times within a 2 week period and they all told me it would be over nighted every time i called. Custemer service sucks, they are rude, not willing to help. Then after being told they would waive all fees including the first month service fee for waiting so long on the necklace, THEY TAKE $75.00 OUT OF MY ACCOUNT WITH OUT EVEN ASKING! I think I'm gonna cancel and go with another company!!!
(Added May 18/10) I have used Philips Lifeline for my 80 year old mom for about 6 months, and I am very happy. My mom's problem is progressive dementia, which presents difficult problems for the Lifeline emergency people: 1. When they talk to her over their speakerphone, she may not be able to understand their questions or make a competent reply. 2. She sometimes pressed the emergency button for no better reason than hearing people fighting outside the house or because she forgot how to operate the washing machine. The first couple of times, Lifeline had to send emergency personnel. After that, they understood that mom sometimes just needed one of her sons to visit her or soothe her fears. I am sure this sort of service is not covered by their policies and procedures manual, but their people were always able to reason out the best way to help us in each situation. I will soon discontinue the Lifeline service, as my mom now needs round-the-clock care, but I didn't want to do so without first posting this explanation.
(Added Feb 5/10) Lifeline cannot randomly cut into your phone conversations. And they cannot make the Lifeline go on without her pushing the button. Therefore, they cannot check if she ok. The most they can do is call, and if that's the case why can't you call yourself? I think you need to check your info. Lifeline is a great company. Other Med alert companies have to use commercials but lifeline actually gets recommended by physicians and hospitals. Many people do not like the price, but it is the best out there.
(Added Sept 10/09) We have installed a Philips Lifeline system for an assisted living complex and cannot get any tech support from Philips lifeline or thier vendor Home Technology Systems. I would never recommend using this system. They are lame and unprofessional.
(Added June 24/09) I am a physician and my patients use Phillips Lifeline and love it, It is reliable and there is no contract and it is very affordable. Only about 70-100$ one time fee, then about 40$/month depending on your zip code and can be cancelled at anytime. I ordered it for my elderly mother.
(Added Feb 8/09) Philips is one of the best companies out there. They offer top notch service and the costs they have quoted are wrong. They have local programs in most areas that can offer the service at a lower rate than going directly through Lifeline. If you call and say you want a local program to maintain it they can try and find one for you.
(Added Jan 28/09) I am very unhappy with life line. I needed them just to call and ask if she is ok. They said that they don't do that. I have been with life line for 5 years and this is the first time asking for this kind of help. I was also told by the person that i talked to that she had to push the button that was the only to talk to her. This is not true. I don't live that close to her. I have been their when they have called to see if she is ok. Also i have been on the phone with her and they have cut in to see if she is ok. Very disappointed I am not any longer going to use them.