The QMedic medical alert system is one of the most advanced in the industry. It's not exactly unique, as it offers many of the same features provided by other systems, but what makes a difference is the quality of those features and the depth at which they are integrated.
QMedic Medical Alert Systems
QMedic medical alert systems are targeted toward family members and care providers—the ones who look after people in need and not the individuals themselves. They focus on the services that you need to monitor and protect seniors with severe disabilities, mobility problems, and memory impairment.
There are two QMedic medical devices. Both connect the user to the company's advanced activity monitoring center, but the features, cost, and cover vary a bit:
QMedic Cellular Medical Alert System
Choose from a bracelet or pendant and pay $300 for an annual contract. Unlike other medical alert providers, you don't own the equipment and it's not considered a purchase. It's a lease, and if you want to keep the equipment and the benefits it provides, you'll need to keep paying that annual subscription cost.
The wearable button is 100% waterproof and is designed to be worn at all times. It doesn't need to be removed to be charged or cleaned and it's super lightweight. The battery lasts for an impressive 2 years and everything works through a base station that features a clear 2-way speaker. It should cover most of the home and yard, but it really depends on the size of the property.
The system self-tests and is constantly keeping an eye on its battery life to ensure that it doesn’t die.
QMedic Mobile GPS Medical Alert System
The mobile GPS medical alert option costs $400 per year and is only available as a pendant that’s to be worn around the neck. It is water-resistant, but specifies that it only works in the rain, suggesting that you can't take it into the shower. The battery is also much more limited due to the extra power requirements, so it only lasts for 14 days.
The GPS capability means that it can be used inside and outside the home. You don't need to stay connected to a base station or worry about leaving the range, making QMedic's mobile GPS system a better option for active individuals.
Should You Buy a QMedic Alert System?
Whether you opt for the base station with a help button or the cellular medical alert device, QMedic doesn't offer fall detection. It's one of the big downsides of these devices, and it's also disappointing to see that there is a limited range of accessories such as wall-mounted help buttons or different wearable buttons.
On the plus side, there are no activation fees or setup fees, and QMedic has some of the best compliance monitoring in the industry. For instance, not only can the system monitor itself to check for a low battery, but it will also look for abnormal behavior and contact the wearer to check on their wellness.
QMedic devices are designed for high-risk individuals, including blind patients and ones with severe memory impairment. There are plenty of great features, although the basic unit seems to be the better option, offering a clear base station, a long-life wearable help button, and a 24/7 connection to a dedicated monitoring center.