Since the medical alert industry is considered to be “essential” during the COVID crisis, monitoring and customer service centers are still open and ready to help. To learn more about how a medical alert device can help keep you or your elderly loved one safe and connected during this pandemic, take a look at our list of essential products for seniors during COVID-19.

Medical alert systems give seniors and adults with disabilities the freedom to live independently while knowing help is available when needed. Though each medical alert system is different, most offer an emergency help button that connects the wearer to operators. In an emergency, such as if the user suffers a fall, the operator can contact a trusted friend or family member or call 911 emergency services directly. Many use GPS technology to offer fall detection, so seniors and their loved ones have peace of mind.

Companies that sell medical alert systems use marketing terms to make and industry jargon to promote their plans. This makes it hard for individuals and families who are trying to compare systems. Without industry expertise, knowing what these companies are saying presents a challenge.

To help, we’ve created these side-by-side comparisons of popular medical alert companies that give families the information they need to compare and contrast different offerings. This makes the choice of the best medical alert system clearer.

In this guide, we’re comparing RescueTouch, a medical alert device from Florida Health Alert & Technology, and Canada-based BoomerAlert. These two companies both offer GPS tracking and automatic fall detection, and they have similar prices. Only one is based in the United States, and the other is from Canada. In this comparison, we found that BoomerAlert works best for those who want a simple plan with just one price point and no upfront fees. RescueTouch provided more options, including more affordable choices, to help families make the right choice.

Category


Side By Side Comparison


RescueTouch


BoomerAlert

COSTS


Up-Front Equipment


$99


$0


Monthly Monitoring


$24-$64


$79.99 Canadian


Activation Fee


No


$0


Contract


Month-to-Month


Month-to-Month


Optional Monthly Add-On Services


N/A


N/A

FEATURES


Water-Resistant Wearable Devices


Pendant


Pendant and lanyard


Connection


Cellular


Cellular (Rogers cellular network)


2-Way Voice Communication


Yes. VoiceConnect is built in to the pendant and offered with every plan.


Yes, on the pendant


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


N/A. This system has no base unit.


Unlimited. Two-way voice communication is built into the pendant, which works anywhere that cellular signal is available


Battery life


2.5 hours with GPS/5 hours without GPS


Up to 36 hours of charge, with a minimum of 4 hours to fully charge the unit.

FALL DETECTION, LOCATION and RESPONSE SERVICE


Fall Detection


Included with all but the Family Response and 9-1-1 Direct plans


Included automatic fall detection and alerting.


GPS Locator


Included in all but the 9-1-1 Direct plan


Included GPS tracking


Coverage Away From Home


The device works anywhere with cellular coverage


The pendant works anywhere with cellular coverage


24/7 USA Call Center


Yes with Professionally Monitored Plans. Monitoring is through AvantGuard, a 5 Diamond certified, monitoring call center.


No

OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES



None


Optional lock-box

RescueTouch Overview

RescueTouch is an established company that uses a Rescue SOS pendant to keep seniors connected to loved ones or emergency responders. This plan is unique because it offers two options: one for family monitoring and one for professional monitoring.

With family monitoring plans, the SOS pendant is set up to contact a trusted friend or family member in an emergency. Pushing the button sends a group “help me” text to all contacts programmed into the device. After sending the text, the device will begin calling the family members on the list one at a time until one responds. Two-way voice communication allows the wearer to communicate directly with the first person who answers.

With professional monitoring, the SOS pendant still sends the “help me” text to family members. It then connects the wearer to a professional emergency response operator who will decide what the next steps should be.

RescueTouch has fall detection that will automatically start a call if the wearer falls. The device adapts to the user’s activity level, so it’s less likely to suggest a fall because of normal daily activities. The wearer has the option to cancel the alert if the device detects a fall by mistake.

Pros of RescueTouch:

  • Multiple plans to fit many needs and budgets
  • No annual contract
  • Certified emergency response center
  • Waterproof pendant
  • Simple one-touch operation
  • GPS tracking available in all but one plan
  • Fall detection included
  • No activation fee
  • Discounts for pre-pay

Cons of RescueTouch:

  • Must purchase pendant
  • No add-ons available
  • Use of GPS cuts battery life in half

BoomerAlert Overview

BoomerAlert is a Canadian company that offers a simple, all-in-one monitoring system. It’s designed primarily for fall detection. The device sends an alert to the wearer’s medical provider or trusted contact if they fall and are unresponsive. It also has two-way voice communication built directly into the pendant, so the wearer can talk directly with operators in the event of an emergency.

BoomerAlert has advanced fall detection technology built into the wearable pendant. Using GPS and multiple sensors in the pendant, BoomerAlert detects a fall automatically. It will then call for help even if the wearer does not press the call button. The system’s GPS allows a loved one or emergency care provider to find the wearer and give any needed help. When an emergency happens, the system also alerts the listed emergency contacts via email and Facebook Messenger.

Though its primary services are wrapped up in the pendant, it does have a preconfigured base station. The station’s easy to install and requires no phone line. Just plug it in and turn it on, and the system will walk through the setup.

Pros of BoomerAlert:

  • All-inclusive, monthly pricing with no upfront costs
  • Simple one-touch operation
  • Automatic fall detection and alerting
  • Lightweight wearable pendant
  • GPS locating service
  • No annual or monthly contract
  • Waterproof pendant
  • Works throughout North America
  • 24/7 emergency monitoring center

Cons of BoomerAlert:

  • Not a US-based company
  • Only works where cellular signal is present
  • Short 36-hour battery life for pendant
  • Pricing in Canadian dollars
  • Few options to upgrade or add features
  • No wrist wearing option

Pricing Comparison

BoomerAlert costs $79.99 Canadian per month, which is about $59 in US dollars. RescueTouch’s biggest package is a little more than this at $64, but most of the plans are less with several priced at under $30 a month. RescueTouch also offers discounts if customers pay bi-annually or annually, and BoomerAlert has no such discounts. RescueTouch also gives customers a Lifetime Pricelock, which is not available with BoomerAlert.

Of the two systems, RescueTouch offers more features and a lower price for all but its most expensive plan. However, its many different plan options can be confusing to navigate. Also, it has an upfront cost that BoomerAlert doesn’t have. Customers who want multiple options to fit their needs will appreciate these options, but those who are shopping for simplicity may prefer BoomerAlert.

Our Pick

Of the two medical alert systems, RescueTouch offers a more well-known monitoring center and, for most plans, a more affordable price. The only drawback of RescueTouch over BoomerAlert is the complex number of plans and upfront costs. BoomerAlert isn’t based in the United States, so customers will have to navigate the conversion between US and Canadian dollars when comparing pricing. Both plans have coverage throughout North America through robust cellular plans, come with GPS tracking and include fall detection technology.

BoomerAlert may be the right choice for those who want one simple plan to choose from and need to avoid upfront costs. Customers who want a range of options, including options for friends and family connections instead of professional monitoring, should choose RescueTouch. Because RescueTouch is based in the US and has a trusted monitoring company, it’s our choice between the two.

Compare More Medical Alert Systems

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