LiveFree, the creator of the LifeBeacon, is commonly referred to as one of the fastest-growing companies in the United States and a force to be reckoned with in the medical alert industry. LiveFree has a few different options available, but the LifeBeacon medical alert system is one of the best known and the most useful, helping seniors and struggling adults across the US to stay safe and secure in their homes.
About LiveFree
LiveFree claims to have sold over 100,000 personal emergency response systems and to have been the "first true mobile alert solution."
One of the company's websites doesn't provide a great deal of information about its services, but if you go to LifeBeacon.com, which seems to be targeted more toward prospective and current dealers, you can download more detailed info guides for all three products.
There are also a few bad reviews and complaints out there. There are not enough to cause concern, but the fact that they are not offset by good reviews is somewhat of a concern.
The LifeBeacon and Other Medical Alert Products
LiveFree has three medical alert devices, each offering something a little different:
The LifeBeacon Medical Alert Device
A mobile personal emergency response system that was approved by the FCC to be worn on the body. The LifeBeacon uses GPS to find where you are in an emergency and provides help at the press of a button. It offers the following features:
- Easy setup
- Completely water-resistant up to 1 meter
- Extended battery life, running for up to 10 days before it needs to be charged
- Two-way voice (talk and listen)
- Fall detection
- Wearable Pendant
The EZCare Medical Alert Device
The EZCare medical alert system is designed to be used in the home and is the cheapest and most accessible of all LiveFree medical alert devices. It comes with a pendant that sends a notification to the unit when its battery life is low.
- Works 400 feet from the base
- Connects through any phone line
- Comes with a built-in power supply
- Program the device with a simple online form
The EZCare Plus Medical Alert Device
An updated version of the EZCare medical alert device that comes with medication notification reminders, does not require a phone line, and is fitted with a built-in carbon monoxide detector and smoke alarm.
The Plus version also features multi-level fall detection and a 400-foot range.
Which Medical Alert Device is Best?
Whether you're buying for yourself, your mother, your father, or other loved ones, your needs determine the “best” option.
If it will be used outside the house, either because the wearer is very active or there is a risk of them wandering away, the Life Beacon is a great option. It costs a little more money than the others, but it offers advanced GPS features and is one of the best personal emergency systems available.
If it's going to be used strictly in the home, then it all comes down to whether or not you need the additional smoke alarm/carbon monoxide feature and/or the medication alert feature.
All are water-resistant with fall detection and good battery life. Also, they can all provide you with the peace of mind that comes from owning such a device, and the company has good customer service.
The Price of LifeBeacon and EZCare (Monthly Fee and Annual Cost)
Now that you know how the EZCare and LifeBeacon work, there's only one question remaining: How much do they cost?
Surprisingly, although these medical alert devices have some great features, including many that you can't get with other medical alert systems, they're quite affordable.
The LifeBeacon is the most expensive and is currently priced at just under $40 per month. You can also pay a little over $400 for an annual subscription and save yourself a few bucks in the process.
The EZCare costs $35 and the EZCare Plus is priced at $40. They are priced at $300 and $360, respectively, for annual subscriptions.