The much-awaited shopping season is just around the corner. Many companies offer great deals during Cyber Monday that aren’t available throughout the year. Not just clothing and electronic brands but also companies providing medical alert systems like in-home or portable GPS-enabled units offer their products and services at a highly discounted rate. So, for those looking to care for their seniors at home, this is the time to make the most of the season.

What are medical alert systems?
Medical alert systems provide easy 24X7 access to health care at the touch of a button. Designed for senior citizens, they connect the user to a coordinator who then calls for assistance in case of emergencies. Most systems are designed for in-house use, but companies also provide uncomplicated portable GPS-enabled devices suitable for traveling.

Traditional in-house system has a base station with speaker and microphone. This is combined with a portable button typically worn around the wrist or neck. Mobile systems, on the other hand, come with voice access, reminders, GPS tracking, and waterproof buttons. Since they are portable, they do not require a base station. The systems are also equipped to contact monitoring centers to locate lost loved ones.

There are many add-on features that come with the system, one of which is the fall detection. They are worn as a pendant around the neck and come with sensors that detect a physical fall and automatically alert the health expert. The goal of the system is to empower seniors and add to their independence and well-being while giving peace of mind to their loved ones.

How much do medical alert devices cost?
Medical alert system companies charge either a monthly or a one-time fee to provide the service. The monthly fee can range from $19 to $49 or more. You pay separately for the monitoring devices and equipment. Most of the devices come with multiple connectivity options of landline, cellular or GPS with a varying range that can go up to 1,400 ft. There are a myriad of systems available in the market with varying pricing structures, features, and add-on options.

It’s advisable to read out the terms before purchasing a service. Apart from the monitoring fees, some companies also charge a one-time device activation and installation fee ranging from $25 to $100. These might not be advertised upfront. Depending on the type of devices you choose, most on-the-go equipment can cost between $50 and $350. If you decide to rent the equipment, which is usually preferred for at-home systems, it can be covered in your monthly cost.

How can you save money on a medical alert system on Cyber Monday?
Most private health insurances and basic Original Medicare do not cover medical alert systems. So it’s advisable to look online for companies that provide reasonable rates. Since the systems entail many costs, shopping season like Cyber Monday is an ideal time to invest in them. It’s too soon to tell which company will provide the best deals, but they won’t differ much from one another. While the offers start pouring in during the week of Black Friday, most companies save up their best deals till Cyber Monday to attract reluctant buyers.

We advise you to shortlist your preferred companies and contact their customer service directly to see if they’re offering any deals for the season. There are some companies that give special discounts to AARP or military members, veterans, and other groups that aren’t stated on their website. Another option is to contact senior citizens in one’s neighborhood to get direct user reviews. Companies that rent may have higher monthly fees, while those that charge upfront for equipment expenses frequently have lower monthly fees. So it’s advisable to calculate your costs before committing. Alternatively, look out for companies that have a risk-free trial period of 30 days, money-back policies or no cancellation charges. This allows you to try out the systems without losing out on money.