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LifeStation owns and operates its two emergency monitoring centers, unlike most companies that use third-party contractors.
LifeStation offers at-home (cellular connection only), mobile device, and smartwatch medical alert systems.
The monthly subscription cost ranges from$32.95–$43.95, depending on the package you choose.
Unique add-on features include Uber Health transportation services and Papa Pal companionship services.
AgingInPlace.org Rating:7.35/10
Older adults who choose to age in their homes often face the dilemma of wondering how they will get emergency medical help if and when they need it.
One way to stay protected at home or on the go is with a reliable medical alert system. Medical alert systems are in-home or mobile devices that are connected to a 24/7 monitoring center. If you have an emergency and need immediate assistance, the monitoring center agent will assess the situation and dispatch emergency services to your exact location.
Most medical alert systems also have tools to help keep caregivers involved in their loved one’s care. But with so many medical systems to choose from on the market today, in can be tricky to determine which medical alert system is best for you or your loved one. We´re here to help.
While LifeStation didn’t make our top medical alert system picks, it’s still a reliable, established company that offers standard medical alert systems, a smartwatch option, and even add-on companion services to help with tasks like grocery shopping and driving.
Top features:
The LifeStation Sidekick (mobile system) is small and lightweight (1.4 ounces) with a microphone and two-way speaker
Monitoring center agent stays on the line until help arrives
GPS mobile system has a five-day battery life
Pros and Cons of LifeStation
Pros
30-day money-back guarantee
The Monitoring Association (TMA) Five Diamond Certified monitoring center
Sidekick Smart wristband option with emergency button, GPS, step counter, and heart rate monitor
Cons
No landline option available for at-home system
Online prices and product information aren’t transparent
LifeStation Medical Alert System Overview
LifeStation was founded in 1977 and is a family-owned company based in Union, New Jersey. The company offers standard medical alert systems—at-home, mobile, and a smartwatch option—and its subscriptions are very straightforward.
We like that shoppers can now purchase LifeStation’s packages online. Previously, you had to call a sales representative to order your system.
LifeStation’s 24/7 monitoring centers are staffed by its own trained dispatchers headquartered in Texas and New Jersey. This is a stand-out feature since most medical alert companies outsource their monitoring centers to third-party contractors.
LifeStation claims its monitoring center agents respond in about 20 seconds when you press the emergency button. We reached the monitoring center between 15–25 seconds when we tested LifeStation.
How Do LifeStation Medical Alert Systems Work?
LifeStation medical alert systems are similar to most competitors. Shoppers who are overwhelmed by too many options will like that there are only three options to choose from: an at-home system, a mobile device, and a smartwatch option.
Fall detection is available for all packages besides the Sidekick Smart, LifeStation’s medical alert smartwatch. Fall detection is only $6 per month, while most medical alert systems with fall detection charge $10 per month.
A protection plan is also available for all packages for $6 per month. LifeStation will replace your system if it stops working due to hardware or technical issues. This protection plan is very limited and is similar to a manufacturer warranty that is usually included by default with other companies.
In-Home Medical Alert
The in-home system connects to the monitoring center using AT&T cellular service. LifeStation previously offered both landline and cellular connectivity options, but the in-home landline system is no longer listed on the company’s website.
We asked a customer representative over the phone if the landline system was still available, and they weren’t sure if new customers could purchase this model since LifeStation is retiring it. They suggested speaking with the sales team for more detailed information if we were interested in a landline system.
The in-home system includes a base station and either a necklace or wristband help button.You have the reassurance of staying protected up to 600 feet from the base station when wearing your help button.
Most medical alert companies recommend testing your medical alert system monthly, but LifeStation takes extra precaution, going one step further. The base station automatically conducts weekly tests to the monitoring center.
Cost: $32.95 monthly monitoring fee
Activation fee: $0
Sidekick Mobile
The LifeStation Sidekick is a small, water-resistant mobile device weighing about 1.4 ounces (about the size of two AA batteries). The device connects to the monitoring center using AT&T 4G LTE network to keep you protected on the go.
The device has a help button and a two-way speaker so you can speak directly to the monitoring center agent. Even if you’re not sure of your location when contacting the monitoring center, the agent will be able to see your exact location using the device’s GPS technology.
Find My Loved One is LifeStation’s location tracking service and is included with the Sidekick. Instead of tracking your loved one on an app, you’ll text a designated phone number and be able to see their location on Google Maps if they’re wearing the mobile device.
Cost: Starting at $37.95 per month
Activation fee: $99.95
Sidekick Smart
The Sidekick Smart is a smartwatch medical alert system. This discreet style is great for active older adults or for those that are self-conscious about wearing a traditional medical alert lanyard.
The smartwatch has an emergency button with a two-way speaker for easy communication with the monitoring center and includes location tracking through Find My Loved One. The water-resistant watch also displays the weather forecast, has a step-tracker, and monitors your heart rate.
Like most medical alert system smartwatches, fall detection is not available for the Sidekick Smart. LifeStation’s protection plan is included in the monthly fee.
Cost: $43.95 per month
Activation fee: $99.95
Features and Accessories
Fall Detection
Fall detection is available with the In-Home Medical Alert System and Sidekick mobile system. If you fall, sensors in the pendant recognize the abrupt movement and immediately connect to a monitoring center agent who will speak to you through your pendant.
The agent will automatically send help to your location if you do not answer. No fee is charged for false alarms.
LifeStation cautions that while fall detection can help identify falls, it does not detect all falls. It is important to note that fall detection is not a replacement for fall prevention measures you can take in your home.
Find My Loved One
As mentioned previously, Find My Loved One is a GPS tracking feature included in LifeStation’s mobile and smartwatch packages. This feature allows you to check your loved one’s location anytime by sending a text to LifeStation. You’ll get a link to Google Maps showing your loved one’s location as long as they’re wearing the mobile system or smartwatch.
You have to be listed as one of your loved one’s official Emergency Contacts to be able to use this particular service.
Emergency Contact List
our Emergency Contact List is a list of family members, friends, and neighbors the monitoring center agent will contact during or after an emergency. You’ll choose the order in which the agent will contact each person on your list.
The customer service representative we contacted let us know that you can only add two contacts to your Emergency Contact List when you’re ordering your medical alert system. Once you have your device and it’s been installed, you can then call LifeStation to add more contacts.
We think it would be easier to add your complete Emergency Contact List during the ordering process—this extra step seems like an unnecessary hassle.
Extra Help Button
You can add another help button to your in-home system during the online checkout process. An extra help button is great backup protection—you can place it in a high-risk area in case you forget to wear your pendant. Unfortunately, the extra help button doesn’t include fall detection.
We would advise you to consider purchasing an extra help button for your spouse, partner, or roommate. This way, you’ll both be protected without having to purchase two monthly monitoring subscriptions.
Cost: $3.95 per month
LifeStation Luxury Pendant
Stay protected and stylish with LifeStation Luxury. This lightweight necklace has a discreet medical alert button so you can stay connected to the monitoring center without wearing a standard lanyard.
We like that LifeStation offers this unique, more stylish medical alert option, but it has some limitations. The luxury pendant must be within 200 feet of the Sidekick mobile system to connect to the monitoring center, and it doesn’t support fall detection.
Cost: $43.95 per month (includes the Sidekick and luxury pendant)
Lockbox
You can store an extra house key in a durable lockbox to attach to your doorknob, fence, or railing. The monitoring center agent will share the lockbox code with emergency dispatchers so they can enter your home safely if you’re unable to answer the door during an emergency.
Cost: $2.95 per month
Wall Button
Wall buttons extend the coverage range of your base station throughout your home. The buttons are easy to attach to the wall in high-risk and high-traffic areas, such as your bathroom, kitchen, or at the bottom of your staircase. Simply press the button to connect to the monitoring center.
You can add up to five wall buttons to your order.
Cost: $2.95 each per month
Papa Pals Service
Papa Pals is a third-party company that offers companion services to assist with daily activities. Your Papa Pal can help with scheduling your appointments, grocery shopping, light cleaning, cooking, and more.
You can add Papa Pals services to your LifeStation subscription for $5 per month.
Uber Health
We called a customer service representative to check if Uber Health was still an available feature since it’s only mentioned on the LifeStation homepage and can’t be added to your subscription during the online checkout.
The representative told us that Uber Health can´t be purchased online. Instead, you have to call LifeStation to add the Uber Health service to your account.
Cost: $5 per month
Customer Support
Unfortunately, LifeStation doesn’t have a chatbot or contact form on its website for quick questions. You must call the toll-free number at the top of the website and speak directly with a customer service representative.
When we called LifeStation, we were put on hold for a few seconds before connecting with a customer service representative. The representative was friendly and tried to help us as much as they could. They admitted that they didn’t have a definite answer to one of our questions about the in-home landline system and suggested that we call the sales team. The representative was able to help us with information that wasn’t very clear on LifeStation’s website.
We couldn’t find the standalone monthly fee for fall detection on the website since most LifeStation packages include fall detection and the protection plan in one monthly price. The representative let us know that fall detection is an additional $6 per month.
Overall, our phone call was pleasant, helpful, and required no wait time, but we wish some product and service information were more transparent on LifeStation’s website.
How Much Do LifeStation Medical Alert Systems Cost?
You can choose a monthly, quarterly (pay four times a year), or annual payment plan (one lump payment each year). You receive free shipping with a quarterly or annual subscription. You’ll also get one month of service free with an annual subscription.
The base monthly cost for LifeStation ranges from $32.95–$43.95. Additional features can add up to$10–$15 on your monthly payment.
LifeStation charges a $99.95 one-time activation fee for the Mobile Sidekick and Sidekick Smartwatch.
Installation and Setup
LifeStation has a “plug-and-play” setup that doesn’t require professional installation.
To set up the In-Home Wireless base station, plug your system into an outlet that’s always on and not controlled by a timer or switch. You’ll then call LifeStation’s toll-free number listed in the setup instructions to activate and test the system.
Both the mobile system and smartwatch are already set up when you receive them. You’ll just need to plug in the charging cradle, charge the device, and follow the testing instructions included with the system.
How Does LifeStation Compare to Other Medical Alert Systems?
LifeStation´s website claims that its monitoring center agents respond faster than any other company. While we were impressed with the 15–20 second response time during our test, multiple other medical alert systems—including Bay Alarm Medical, Medical Guardian, and MobileHelp—responded even quicker.
LifeStation’s monitoring agents will stay on the line with you until emergency services arrive at your location. We like this thoughtful policy and the fact that the company actually owns and operates its two monitoring centers.LifeStation doesn’t offer a landline at-home option, so its starting $32.95monthly price is more expensive compared to competitors with at-home landline systems. For comparison, the lowest monthly subscription for Bay Alarm Medical (at-home landline) and MobileHelp (at-home cellular) is $19.95, and Medical Guardian’s at-home landline system is its most affordable subscription at $29.95 per month.
Warranty and Refund Policy
If you or your loved one isn’t certain LifeStation is the right choice for you, but you’d still like to try it out, keep in mind that there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee. You’ll receive a full refund if you return your equipment within 30 days of purchasing it, but you must pay for the shipping costs.
LifeStation’s Terms and Conditions explicitly state that there are no warranties. You must purchase a protection plan to receive a free replacement if your system stops working because of hardware or technical issues.
What Customers Are Saying
LifeStation is accredited by theBetter Business Bureau (BBB) and has an A+ rating. The company has a 2.55 out of five-star customer review rating based on only 11 BBB customer reviews.
A few reviewers discussed LifeStation’s reliable, supportive service and the company’s excellent response during an emergency. Many negative reviews cited cancelation and refund issues.
We have listed a couple of BBB reviews below for your reference:
“We have had this system for my mother for three years now and have been very satisfied. We have had to use it several times and they are very prompt and professional. On one occasion, I was on the phone with my mom and I told her to push the button. On another occasion, I was at her home and I pushed the button myself to get emergency services to her home. We also test the system periodically to make sure that it is working properly and to remind my mother who is 92 that she has this service. Everyone has been great. I purchased this system for my mother because they give you the ability to have keys inside of a lock box outside of her house in case she is unable to answer the door. We have not had to use this so far.”
– Nancy L., BBB
“My grandmother has had this service for several years. She fell a few times and within a few seconds they were on the phone with myself, my father and Uncle. I thank these people so much. They followed my exact plan of action, and made sure she was comforted until we arrived. Even the three times she lost her button, they were able to get her a new one within a day or two. I trust them and will never switch.”
– R. White, BBB
“Would NEVER use this company again! When my mother had to go to a nursing home in 2017 I returned the equipment and cancelled the service. Somewhere along the way they did not record the returned equipment correctly. This is 2021 and every year, despite blocks my credit card company puts against their fraudulent charges they get through the system and charge my card again. All they have to do is change the amount against the block and it will go through. I continue to win the case every year but have to go through hours on hold and a lot of stress to yet again prove they are wrong. This company is despicable!”
– Jeff B., BBB
LifeStation has a much higher rating on ConsumerAffairs, with a 4.6 out of 5-star rating based on 1,472 reviews. We’ve included a collection of both positive and negative reviews below for your reference:
“My grandmother needed a medical alert device and when I looked it up online, LifeStation was one of the top two in the nation as far as the reliability of the program, the hardware and the response time. After I did some research and talked to a couple of people, we decided to go with LifeStation. She’s had it for almost three years and we have been happy with it ever since.”
– Tonya, ConsumerAffairs
“I am disabled and can’t walk at all. I use a wheelchair and one day when I was getting in my chair, I was strapping my feet in and then I couldn’t push myself back up into sitting position, but luckily, I had my LifeStation button on me which I keep on a string around my neck. I was able to contact lifestation and somebody came to push me back into my wheelchair in less than 10 minutes. I was so thankful. I never get in my chair without it.”
– Jennifer, ConsumerAffairs
“The LifeStation service was fine. The problem came about when it was time to cancel service after several years of service. I paid for a full year in August and cancelled service in December. Guess what? No prorated refund. “That’s our policy” said the customer service rep. Of course she could not point me to the policy, nor is anything posted online about returns and/or cancellation of service. That is such a shady business model that takes advantage of every customer (at some point) and leaves the last impression of the company as horrible. Stay away from LifeStation or don’t pay in advance.”
– Andrew, ConsumerAffairs
Why You Can Trust Our Expert Review
Our experts independently research and recommend products we believe provide value to the lives of our readers. We’ve collectively spent more than 1,700 hours conducting in-depth research on medical alert systems.
The AgingInPlace.org team tested multiple medical alert devices, includingLifeStation, to better understand features and provide the most accurate feedback and recommendations for our readers.
To decide on our top picks, here’s what we did:
Engaged in ongoing independent research
Consulted with geriatricians and adult caregivers
Mystery shopped the brands
Surveyed medical alert system users
Tested various medical alert systems
Interviewed experts in the field
Read hundreds of verified customer reviews from trusted third parties, such as Better Business Bureau and Consumer Reports
We grade each medical alert company against a 1-10 rating scale and score them according to the following categories:
Essential features
Product functionality
Special features
Customer service
Purchasing process
Features and criteria within each of these five categories are assigned point values. The more points a company receives for each criteria, the higher they score in the overall category.
See our full explanation of our methodology for a complete breakdown of our medical alert system scoring system.
Frequently Asked Questions
To call for help with the LifeStation In-Home Medical Alert System, simply press the help button on the base station, wristband, or pendant to connect with the 24/7 monitoring center. You’ll press the SOS button on the Sidekick mobile system or the help button on the Sidekick Smart to reach the monitoring center during an emergency.
The response time of dispatchers is about 20 seconds, according to the company website and a LifeStation customer representative. When our team tested the system, we were able to reach the monitoring center in 15–20 seconds.
No, LifeStation medical alert systems don’t require a contract.
No. Traditional Medicare (Part A and B) doesn’t cover LifeStation or any other medical alert systems. Medicare Advantage (Part C) may cover some costs, but you should always check with your provider first before purchasing to see what exact coverage–if any–you have.
Emily Breaux has written for multiple audiences in healthcare, higher education, tech, and more, combining her writing experience with her background in education. She currently specializes in medical alert systems content.
Jenny is an Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner in NYC with a passion for working with aging adults and their family members. Prior to her clinical training at Vanderbilt School of Nursing, she worked in business and medical research at Harvard Business School and Massachusetts General Hospital. As a Caregiving Coach at Givers, Jenny helps family members manage the financial, emotional, and educational stresses of caring for their loved ones who are aging in place.
