ResponseNow Medical Alert Review

Pros and Cons of ResponseNow Medical Alert Systems

Here are my main takeaways from using ResponseNow medical alert systems.

ResponseNow Systems Overview

ResponseNow offers three options for medical alert systems. Each has its own functions and available add-ons, such as an in-home landline option and a portable pendant with fall detection.

• In the Home: ResponseNow’s in-home option is a combination of a landline-based hub and a pendant. It has a connectivity range of 500 feet, so it’s a great fit for people who spend the majority of their time at home. Like the rest of ResponseNow’s systems, it offers the choice of a pendant or a wristband. You can also choose a fall-detection pendant for $11.95 per month or an extra pendant for $2.95 per month.
• Belle: The Belle is ResponseNow’s most popular system. This all-in-one system is great for older adults with active, independent lifestyles since it can be used both inside and outside your home. The Belle relies on a cellular signal, so you could travel anywhere in the United States with your pendant. It is also water-resistant and has a shocking 30-day single-charge battery life — the longest I have ever seen in a mobile system.
• Belle+: The Belle+ is ResponseNow’s most expensive and feature-loaded product. Like the Belle, it offers mobile protection through a cellular signal. But it also offers a few additional features, such as GPS location tracking and fall detection — so ResponseNow can locate you even in the worst circumstances. The Belle+ has a five-day battery life, which, although not as good as the Belle, is still above average for a mobile unit.

ResponseNow Medical Alert Features

Using ResponseNow Medical Alert System

I wanted to focus my review specifically on the Belle+. The process of purchasing the system was incredibly pleasant. After checking out products on ResponseNow’s website, which was informative and easy to navigate, I called a friendly customer-service representative, who informed me of multiple purchasing options.

ResponseNow offered the first month of service free to test the product to determine whether it was the right fit. It was nice to have multiple contract-length options, since older adults’ lives can change quickly. I didn’t have to worry about being stuck in a contract I didn’t want. Even if I chose an annual plan but ended up not using it for the entire period, ResponseNow would provide a refund for the remaining months.

Upon receiving my Belle+ system, I opened the box and found the following:

• 1 Belle+ mobile unit
• 1 charging cradle
• 1 instruction manual

Installation

The Belle+ was fairly easy both to set up and to use. I plugged in and charged the pendant for three hours, and the charge lasted five days. On the fifth day, I received a text and an email saying my Belle+ was close to running out of steam. This feature was especially nice since I have a busy lifestyle, and things like that often slip through the cracks.

Testing the ResponseNow Medical Alert System

After the pendant was charged, I pressed the button in the middle of the device. Since it’s one of the only buttons, there was no confusion about what I was supposed to press. After just a few rings, I was connected with an emergency responder who already knew my name. After reassuring him that I was just testing the device, he assured me I would be getting the best care with ResponseNow. We had this conversation while I strolled around the house, making sure the connection remained strong. I even wandered outside in both the front and backyard and around the neighborhood, covering well over 1,000 feet. As I had hoped, the communication lines remained clear and stable no matter where I went.

I left the device on for the remainder of the testing period (except when it was charging every five days). I brought the Belle+ with me wherever I went — to the store, to my friend’s house, in the garden, on a walk. I often forgot the 2.3-ounce system was hanging around my neck. When I bent over to do dishes or play with my pets, however, the device sometimes got caught on knobs, handles, and toys. It was slightly frustrating, but I got used to tucking the pendant into my shirt while doing more movement-intensive activities.

I tested the device a handful of times. Each time, I was quickly connected with emergency personnel, who made sure I was OK and asked if I needed assistance. I also acted out a fall to test the fall-detection feature. Not once was I left without someone equipped to handle the emergency. The 24-hour availability of these professionals made me more comfortable sleeping at night and going out early in the morning.

ResponseNow Medical Alert Systems Pricing

I did not have to purchase the ResponseNow system. Instead, I leased it. Regardless of which system you choose, your equipment leasing costs and monitoring fees will be lumped together in the cost of your monthly subscription. The Belle+ system is $49.95 per month, the Belle goes for $39.95 per month, and the in-home system costs $29.95 per month.

ResponseNow does not require you to lock in to a long-term contract, but it does offer discounts if you pay on a quarterly or annual basis. If I’d chosen an annual plan for my Belle+, it would have cost $44.95 per month instead of $49.95.

Final Thoughts on ResponseNow

When it comes to purchasing a medical alert system, I recommend the ResponseNow system for any older adult with an active lifestyle. The unlimited range and long battery life make the Belle+ perfect for people who are often out of the house or going on trips. The features of the Belle+, such as the GPS tracking function, are especially useful for anyone who frequently travels.

To learn more about my favorite devices, check out pick for this year's best medical alert system.