COVID-19 Update: Medical Alerts are considered essential devices during the COVID crisis, so monitoring and customer service centers are still open and ready to help. To learn more about how these and other essential products can keep older adults safe and connected during this crisis, take a look at our list of 10 essential products. |
GetSafe is an innovative medical alert provider owned by Bay Alarm, one of America’s leading medical alert and security companies. GetSafe stands out for taking a unique approach to in-home emergency monitoring systems with their innovative voice-activated devices that eliminate the need to wear a help button on the wrist or around the neck. The company does offer wearable devices for those who want the added security of features such as fall detection and GPS locating.
All of GetSafe’s devices work on the AT&T 4G LTE cellular network, so subscribers don’t need to have a landline phone. The monthly monitoring costs are comparable to many other medical alert companies; however, GetSafe subscribers do pay up-front equipment costs.
Medical alert systems can help seniors remain independent without compromising their safety by ensuring help is just a phone call away, even if the senior isn’t able to reach the phone. These wireless devices have become exceptionally popular, and there are now dozens of companies that offer 24/7 emergency call monitoring services paired with wearable devices such as pendants and wrist-worn help buttons.
In this guide we cover GetSafe’s medical alert devices and monitoring services to help you decide if GetSafe is the right medical alert solution for you or your loved ones.
GetSafe Features
All GetSafe systems use 4G LTE cellular technology to provide a wireless connection between the in-home base unit or the 4G LTE pendant and GetSafe’s emergency call center. While wearable medical alert pendants are available as an add-on, all of the GetSafe systems are based around voice or push-button help devices that can be placed throughout the home.
If a subscriber needs help they simply push one of the large, red wireless help buttons or say “call 9-1-1” twice to activate two-way voice communication with GetSafe’s U.S.-based emergency monitoring center. GetSafe also sells add-on devices to complement their base systems including smoke detectors, help buttons with pull cords and PIN-protected lock boxes.
GetSafe Plans for Seniors
GetSafe offers a number of systems for different-sized homes along with a variety of add-on devices. Another unique feature of GetSafe is the fact that monitoring costs for all base systems is $24.95 per month, regardless of the number of in-home help buttons. Additional monitoring fees apply for fall detection, the caregiver GPS tracking app and 24/7 GPS location monitoring.
Starter Plan | Standard Plan | Select Plan | |
---|---|---|---|
Up-Front Cost |
$99 |
$229 |
$359 |
Devices |
4G LTE in-home base unit 1 voice-activated wall button 1 standard wall button |
4G LTE in-home base unit 2 voice-activated wall buttons 3 standard wall buttons |
4G LTE in-home base unit |
Connection |
4G LTE cellular (AT&T) |
4G LTE cellular (AT&T) |
4G LTE cellular (AT&T) |
Optional Add-Ons |
4G LTE GPS-enabled pendant with 2-way voice Caregiver tracking app Wall button with pull cord |
4G LTE GPS-enabled pendant with 2-way voice |
4G LTE GPS-enabled pendant with 2-way voice |
Monthly Monitoring |
$24.95 |
$24.95 |
$24.95 |
Starter Plan
Device Information
The entry-level GetSafe system is designed for use in small studio or one-bedroom apartments. It includes one voice-activated wall button, a press-to-activate wall button and a 4G LTE base unit with an integrated microphone, speaker and help button.
Pricing
There is a one-time $99 equipment fee and the monthly monitoring fee is $24.95.
Standard Plan
Device Information
The GetSafe Standard system is designed to provide whole-home coverage in two- to three-bedroom houses, apartments and condos. It includes a 4G LTE base station, two voice-activated wall buttons and two standard push wall buttons.
Pricing
There is a one-time equipment fee of $229 and the monthly monitoring fee is $24.95.
Select Plan
Device Information
Designed to provide coverage in larger four- to five-bedroom homes, this package includes a 4G LTE base unit, three voice-activated wall buttons, five standard push wall buttons and a PIN-coded lock box.
Pricing
A one-time equipment fee of $359 is charged to new subscribers, and monthly monitoring costs $24.95.
GetSafe Add-Ons
GetSafe offers a number of optional add-on devices that can be purchased with any plan. These add-ons include voice and pull-cord activated wall buttons, help button pendants, smoke detectors, two-way voice and GPS-enabled pendants with optional fall detection and a caregiver mobile tracking app.
Fall detection costs $10 extra per month and is only available in conjunction with the GPS-enabled pendant (+$30 per month). The caregiver app is an additional $5 per month and requires the use of the GPS wearable pendant.
Who Should Use GetSafe Medical Alert Systems?
Seniors Who Don’t Like Traditional Medical Alert Devices
GetSafe’s products and services are largely geared toward seniors and others looking for an alternative to traditional wearable medical alert devices. The at-home systems include help buttons that can be push or voice-command activated, and optional pull-cord buttons are available for high-risk locations such as bathrooms and stairways.
As with all other medical alert companies, GetSafe also offers wearable medical alert buttons, and the optional 4G LTE GPS mobile pendant may be a good choice for seniors who want to add mobile protection to their at-home medical alert system.
Anyone Who Wants A Noninvasive 24/7 Medical Alert System
While GetSafe’s systems are largely marketed to seniors and their caregivers, these non-wearable devices may also be a good option for anyone who wants the added security offered by a voice-activated or push-button in-home medical alert service. New parents and people living with disabilities or medical conditions may find that the GetSafe system provides the additional peace of mind they need while at home.
Pros and Cons of GetSafe Devices and Services
While GetSafe users are generally happy with the company’s devices and monitoring service quality, as with all medical alert systems, there are pros and cons with GetSafe that should be considered.
GetSafe Pros:
- GetSafe has the only in-home medical alert system on the market that does not require the use of wearable help buttons
- Devices can be activated by pushing the help button, saying “call 9-1-1” twice or pulling the help cord (on cord-equipped help buttons)
- Optional traditional medical alert pendant available with automatic fall detection and a five-year battery life
- No landline is required
- Optional 4G LTE mobile help button provides coverage anywhere AT&T cellular service is available
- Optional caregiver tracking app available for Android and iOS smart phones
- System can be customized with added help buttons
- Vial of Life included free with every system
- Monthly monitoring fees are the same for all systems and devices
GetSafe Cons:
- Subscribers must purchase equipment, and equipment costs start at $99 and up
- Service isn’t available in areas with poor cellular coverage
- Monthly monitoring fees are higher than some other medical alert companies
- Fall detection only works when users are wearing a fall detection pendant
- Subscribers who aren’t wearing a GetSafe medical alert pendant must be able to activate the emergency system by voice or through a help button to contact the emergency call center
Despite the benefits of medical alert systems, some seniors are reluctant to sign up for an emergency monitoring service because they don’t want to wear a help button on their wrist or around their neck. GetSafe may be a good option for those who want the added peace of mind and protection that comes with a home medical alert system that doesn’t require the use of wearable devices.