how much does life alert cost per month
# Understanding the Cost of Life Alert: A Comprehensive Guide
Life Alert has become a household name associated with personal emergency response systems (PERS) for seniors and individuals with medical conditions. The service offers peace of mind to users and their families by providing immediate assistance in emergencies. However, when considering a PERS like Life Alert, one of the most pressing questions is, “How much does Life Alert cost per month?” In this article, we’ll explore the various aspects of Life Alert’s pricing, its features, and alternatives available in the market.
### Understanding Life Alert
Before delving into the costs, it’s essential to understand what Life Alert is and how it works. Founded in 1987, Life Alert is designed to help seniors and people with medical issues live independently while ensuring they can receive help when they need it. The system typically includes a wearable device, such as a pendant or wristband, that users can press in emergencies. Upon activation, the device connects to a monitoring center that can dispatch help.
Life Alert is not just a medical alert system; it also provides services for fire and burglary emergencies, making it a comprehensive safety tool for seniors. The ability to call for help at the touch of a button has made Life Alert a popular choice among families looking to ensure the safety of their loved ones.
### Monthly Cost Breakdown
The monthly cost of Life Alert can vary based on several factors, including the type of plan chosen, additional features, and any promotions or discounts available. Generally, the base monthly fee for Life Alert is around $49.95. This fee typically covers the basic services, including 24/7 monitoring, the use of the emergency alert system, and assistance from trained professionals when the alert is triggered.
#### Additional Costs
While the base fee is relatively straightforward, several additional costs may arise. For instance, if you choose to include additional equipment, such as a fall detection device or a second pendant for another family member, these may incur extra monthly fees. Additionally, Life Alert may charge for installation and activation fees, which can range from $0 to $198, depending on the plan and the equipment provided.
### Comparison with Other Services
When assessing the cost of Life Alert, it’s beneficial to compare it with other PERS options on the market. Many companies offer similar services, often at different price points. For example, companies like Medical Alert, Philips Lifeline, and Bay Alarm Medical provide various plans ranging from $19.95 to $45 per month, depending on the features offered.
While Life Alert’s pricing might seem higher than some competitors, it is essential to consider the features included in each plan. Life Alert is known for its reliability and comprehensive service, which may justify the higher cost for some users.
### Factors Influencing the Cost
Several factors can influence the monthly cost of Life Alert. One significant factor is the type of monitoring service selected. Life Alert offers different plans that vary in their capabilities:
1. **Basic Plan**: This is the standard plan that provides essential emergency response services.
2. **Fall Detection**: If you opt for a fall detection device, the monthly fee may increase. This feature automatically detects falls and sends an alert without requiring the user to press the button.
3. **Home vs. Mobile Service**: Life Alert offers services for both home and mobile users. The mobile service, which allows users to access help outside their homes, usually comes at a higher monthly cost.
4. **Long-term Contracts**: Some users may find that committing to a long-term contract can lower their monthly fees. Life Alert may offer discounts for annual payments or longer contracts.
### Value for Money
Determining whether Life Alert offers value for money requires looking beyond the monthly cost. For many families, the peace of mind that comes with knowing their loved ones can call for help at any time is invaluable. This sense of security can significantly outweigh the monthly expense, especially for families with seniors living independently or those with medical conditions that require regular monitoring.
Moreover, Life Alert’s reputation for reliability and prompt response times can also justify the cost. In emergencies, every second counts, and having a service that can reliably connect users to help is crucial.
### Customer Experiences and Reviews
Customer experiences can provide insight into the value of Life Alert. Many users praise the system for its ease of use and the quick response times from monitoring centers. Families often report feeling more secure knowing that their loved ones can summon help quickly in emergencies.
However, some users express concerns about the cost, particularly for those on fixed incomes. While many find the service worth the price, the monthly fees can be a burden for others. It’s essential for potential customers to consider their financial situation and weigh the cost against the benefits.
### Alternatives to Life Alert
For those concerned about the monthly cost of Life Alert, several alternatives are available that may better fit their budget. Here are a few options:
– **Medical Alert Systems**: Companies like Medical Guardian and MobileHelp offer various plans that may be more affordable. These services often provide similar features, including fall detection and mobile assistance.
– **Smartphone Apps**: For tech-savvy seniors, smartphone apps like Life360 offer family location sharing and emergency alerts at a lower cost. However, these require a smartphone and may not be suitable for all users.
– **Wearable Technology**: Some users opt for smartwatches with emergency features. Devices like the Apple Watch allow users to call for help and can even detect falls.
### The Importance of Research
When considering a PERS, it’s vital to do thorough research. Each individual’s needs are different, and what works for one person may not be suitable for another. It’s essential to evaluate the specific features, costs, and customer service reputation of each company before making a decision.
Potential users should also ask about trial periods and return policies. Many companies, including Life Alert, offer trial periods that allow users to test the service before committing long-term. This can be invaluable for those who are unsure about the effectiveness of the system.
### Conclusion
In conclusion, the cost of Life Alert, typically around $49.95 per month, reflects the value of the service provided. While it may be higher than some alternatives, the reliability, comprehensive service, and peace of mind it offers to users and their families are significant factors to consider.
Ultimately, when choosing a personal emergency response system, it’s crucial to assess individual needs, budget, and the specific features offered by each service. Life Alert remains a trusted option for many, but with various alternatives available, users have the flexibility to find a solution that best fits their lifestyle and financial situation.
Investing in a PERS is not just about the monthly fee; it’s about ensuring safety, security, and independence for themselves or their loved ones. Whether opting for Life Alert or exploring other alternatives, the right choice can make all the difference in emergency situations.
how to lock iphone when lost
# How to Lock Your iPhone When Lost: A Comprehensive Guide
Losing your iPhone can be a distressing experience, especially considering the amount of personal information stored on the device. Fortunately, Apple has implemented several robust security features that allow users to protect their data in the event of a loss. One of the most effective ways to safeguard your information is by locking your iPhone remotely. This article will provide a detailed guide on how to lock your iPhone when lost, along with tips on prevention, recovery, and understanding the security features available.
## Understanding the Importance of Locking Your iPhone
When you lose your iPhone, the immediate concern is not just the physical loss of the device but the potential exposure of sensitive information. Personal messages, banking apps, photos, and email accounts can all be accessed if your phone falls into the wrong hands. Locking your iPhone serves as a vital first step in protecting your data. By locking the device, you prevent unauthorized access and ensure that, if someone finds it, they cannot easily use it to access your information.
In addition to locking the device, enabling features such as “Find My iPhone” can significantly increase your chances of recovering your lost phone. This feature not only allows you to track the phone’s location but also gives you the ability to lock it remotely.
## What You Need to Lock Your iPhone Remotely
Before you can lock your iPhone when it’s lost, you need to ensure that certain prerequisites are in place. Here are the key elements you need:
1. **Find My iPhone Enabled**: This feature must be enabled on your device prior to losing it. To check if it’s enabled, go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud > Find My iPhone.
2. **iCloud Account**: You need to have an iCloud account linked to your iPhone. This account is essential for accessing the Find My iPhone feature online.
3. **Internet Connection**: Your iPhone must have an active internet connection to communicate with Apple’s servers. If the phone is turned off or has no signal, you may not be able to lock it until it is back online.
4. **Access to a computer or Another Device**: You’ll need to log in to your iCloud account from another device, whether it’s a computer , tablet, or another smartphone.
## Step-by-Step Guide to Lock Your iPhone Remotely
Here’s a detailed guide on how to lock your iPhone remotely if it gets lost:
### Step 1: Access iCloud
1. Open a web browser on your computer or another device.
2. Navigate to the iCloud website (www.icloud.com).
3. Sign in with your Apple ID and password associated with the lost iPhone.
### Step 2: Find Your iPhone
1. Once logged in, click on the “Find iPhone” icon.
2. You may be prompted to enter your Apple ID password again for security verification.
3. After successfully logging in, you will see a map displaying the locations of all your devices linked to your Apple ID.
### Step 3: Select Your Device
1. Click on the “All Devices” dropdown menu at the top of the screen.
2. Select the iPhone that you want to lock from the list.
### Step 4: Lock Your iPhone
1. After selecting your device, you will see several options, including “Play Sound,” “Lost Mode,” and “Erase iPhone.”
2. Click on “Lost Mode” to lock your device.
3. You will be prompted to enter a phone number where you can be reached, as well as a message that will be displayed on the screen. This can be useful if someone finds your phone and wants to return it.
4. Click “Done” to activate Lost Mode and lock your iPhone.
### Step 5: Confirm Lock Activation
1. Once you have activated Lost Mode, your iPhone will be locked, and a message will appear on the screen with the phone number and message you provided.
2. You can track the location of your iPhone via the map displayed on the iCloud website.
## What Happens When You Lock Your iPhone?
When you lock your iPhone using the Lost Mode feature, several things occur:
1. **Screen Lock**: Your iPhone will be locked, requiring a passcode to unlock it. This prevents unauthorized access to your personal data.
2. **Custom Message Display**: The message you set during the locking process will be displayed on the screen, along with the contact number you provided.
3. **Location Tracking**: The device will continue to send its location to iCloud, allowing you to track it in real-time as long as it is powered on and connected to the internet.
4. **Notifications**: You will receive notifications via email when your device’s location changes or if it is found.
5. **Apple Pay Disabled**: If you use Apple Pay, it will be disabled while the device is in Lost Mode, protecting your financial information.
## Additional Recovery Options
In addition to locking your iPhone, there are other steps you can take to increase your chances of recovering your lost device.
### 1. Play a Sound
If you suspect your iPhone is somewhere nearby but cannot locate it, you can use the “Play Sound” feature in the Find My iPhone section of iCloud. This will cause your iPhone to emit a loud sound, making it easier to find.
### 2. Erase Your iPhone
In the unfortunate event that you believe your iPhone is permanently lost or stolen, you can choose to erase the device. This action will delete all data and settings, making it impossible for anyone to access your personal information. However, be aware that once you erase your device, you will not be able to track it anymore.
### 3. Report to Local Authorities
If you believe your iPhone has been stolen, it’s essential to report the theft to local authorities. Provide them with any information you have, including the serial number of the device, which can be found on the original packaging or in your Apple ID account.
## Preventative Measures to Avoid Losing Your iPhone
While losing your iPhone can happen to anyone, there are several proactive measures you can take to minimize the risk:
### 1. Enable Find My iPhone
As mentioned earlier, always ensure that the Find My iPhone feature is enabled. This is your first line of defense in case your phone is lost or stolen.
### 2. Use a Strong Passcode
Set a strong passcode for your device to enhance security. Avoid easily guessable numbers like birthdays or sequential digits.
### 3. Regular Backups
Regularly back up your iPhone data to iCloud or your computer. This ensures that you have a copy of your important information, even if your device is lost or erased.
### 4. Use a Phone Case with a Lanyard
Consider using a phone case that comes with a lanyard or wrist strap. This can help you keep your phone secure in crowded places or during activities where it might be easy to drop or misplace.
### 5. Be Aware of Your Surroundings
Pay attention to your surroundings, especially in crowded or busy areas. Keeping your phone in a secure pocket or bag can reduce the risk of leaving it behind.
## Understanding the Limitations of Remote Locking
While remote locking is an excellent feature, it’s essential to understand its limitations. Here are a few considerations:
1. **Device Must Be Online**: If the device is turned off or has no internet connection, you will not be able to lock it until it is back online.
2. **Physical Access**: If someone has physical access to your phone and knows your passcode, they may still be able to access your data before you initiate the lock.
3. **Apple ID Security**: Ensure that your Apple ID is secure with a strong password and two-factor authentication to prevent unauthorized access.
4. **Location Accuracy**: The location displayed on iCloud may not always be accurate, especially if the device has moved since it was last online.
## Conclusion
Locking your iPhone when lost is a critical step in protecting your personal information and increasing your chances of recovery. By utilizing the Find My iPhone feature and following the steps outlined in this article, you can secure your device and mitigate the risks associated with losing it. It’s equally important to implement preventative measures to avoid loss in the first place. Remember, the best strategy is always to be proactive about your device’s security, ensuring that you have the right features enabled and habits in place to keep your iPhone safe.