Bay Alarm Medical Review
When we first opened the box, we saw the GPS Alert System, a first responder medical information magnet, and an information packet. The information packet contained a “thank you” note, an in-case of emergency form to be filled out and sent back (can also be emailed or over the phone), and an instructional guide for unboxing and starting the system. All the equipment was thoughtfully packed and showed no signs of wear or tear. Every piece was secured in a plastic bag and nestled in a foam cut-out placed inside the box.
We set up the device by first plugging in the base, then putting on the adjustable band. In just a few minutes we pressed the help button and a monitoring center associate answered and help with the activation process.
Pros
- Free monitoring for spouses or other family members
- 170 languages supported with device
- All 50 states covered
- No long-term contract
Cons
- Auto fall detection doesn’t detect a fall every time
How Does a Bay Alarm Medical Alert System Work?
Once you have set up your Bay Alarm Medical alert system, you can call for help by pressing the help button on either your wristband or pendant. Bay Alarm Medical alert systems require a base station with a help button along with a pendant or wristband worn around your neck or wrist.
When you hit the help button, you are connected to the Bay Alarm Medical emergency representative. The representative can call for emergency help (911) if the user needs help, or alert a caregiver. Similarly, if you fall while wearing a Bay Alarm Medical pendant/wristband along with the fall detection, the alert system will contact the Bay Alarm Medical monitoring center and dispatch help as needed.
Picking a Bay Alarm Medical Device
Bay Alarm Medical offers multiple levels of protection so they can offer the right protection for each customer. The standard level package includes the base station, push-button wristband or pendant, and the Vial of Life magnet. The Vial of Life magnet is a pamphlet for consumers to provide their health and medical information for first responders and family members in times of emergency. These come with every order. With the standard level package, you are able to choose whether you want to use a cellular base or one that plugs into a landline. Along with the base station, you are able to add a few accessories.
Additional Products
In addition to the basic package which includes a base station, pendant button or wrist button and Vial of Life, you are able to purchase more equipment for further protection. Here are the additional products Bay Alarm Medical offers to upgrade their basic package:
One accessory is a wall help button. It is an additional help button that can be attached to any wall in a room. Another add-on is the GPS alert system, powered by AT&T’s 3G network. For an additional charge each month, this device works as a portable pendant and a tracking device for caregivers. The GPS alert system comes with a one-time device fee of $49. This device comes with a necklace, portable belt clip, and charging base, and can be upgraded to a fall detection device. The fall detection device is another pendant worn and automatically calls emergency services for a fall. An additional fall detection device can be purchased for a monthly charge.
| Equipment Upgrades | Price |
|---|---|
| Lockbox | $39.95 one time charge |
| GPS Alert System | $29.95 per month |
| Automatic Fall Detection Pendant | $9.95 per month |
| Protection Plan | $4.95 per month |
| Pendant or Wrist button | $1.95 per month |
| Wall Button | $1.95 per month |
Bay Alarm Medical Prices
Bay Alarm Medical offers one package with a few accessories to add on. Each accessory purchased adds on an additional charge each month. Also, if the home system is set up it does not have a landline, Bay Alarm Medical teamed up with AT&T to offer cell coverage instead of a phone line. This would be used on their 3G network. There is also an additional charge for the fall detection device. The GPS requires a one-time device fee and an additional monthly charge.
Each package purchased comes with free activation, a 30-day risk-free trial, free shipping (if the semi-annual or quarterly payment plan is chosen), and a free lockbox for the front door (if the semi-annual payment plan is chosen). Bay Alarm Medical offers discounts for consumers who are members of various senior organizations including AARP, USAA, AMAC, American Seniors Association, and more.
Call Center
Bay Alarm Medical has two call stations operating 24/7. These facilities are located in Ogden, Utah and Rexburg, Idaho. These facilities are complete duplicates of each other and provide backup if one were to go offline. They are CSAA Five Diamond Certified and undergo a certification process each year.
Bay Alarm Medical Warranty
All Bay Alarm Medical equipment is under a warranty provided by Bay Alarm Medical. Under this warranty, Bay Alarm Medical will replace any equipment worn or broken due to wear or tear or manufacturing defects for free. They also offer a Premium Protection Plan which includes a surge protector and a one-time replacement of the surge protector or the base in the event of one breaking. After a replacement has been made, the warranty is void. They do allow you to buy another warranty if needed.
System testing
The system is silently tested by Bay Alarm Medical every week, but Bay Alarm Medical suggests you test it once a month by pressing the help button and letting the representative know you are testing the system.
Bay Alarm Medical Complaints
Bay Alarm Medical is one of the top-rated medical device companies on ConsumerAffairs. Other senior publications also rank the company on high on their lists for reputable, reliable, alert products. Online reviews mention prompt response times and ease of use, especially for seniors with limited technical proficiency.
Some warn of the device’s sensitivity due to the motion sensor — particularly for fall detection — so be careful how you wear the products or where you place them in the house. Others expressed frustration with customer service, cancellation charges, and shipping times via the Better Business Bureau, though these complaints appear to have been resolved.
Product Q&A
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Is there a contract?
Bay Alarm Medical does not require a long-term contract, but they have a semi-annual up-front payment plan. If the semi-annual payment plan is chosen but you want to return your equipment before the 6 months is over, Bay Alarm Medical will refund unused months. -
What is their money-back guarantee?
The Bay Alarm Medical money-back guarantee is for 30 days from the purchase of the product. If within the first 30 days, you decide to return the medical alert system for any reason, you will receive a full refund. There are no additional restocking fees or shipping fees. -
Is it waterproof?
Both the Bay Alarm Medical pendant and wristband are waterproof. The base station, however, is not. -
What is the battery life?
The GPS system lasts up to 72 hours between charges. For the In-Home systems, the batteries in the wristbands or pendants should last the life of the system. -
How do I order a system?
You can order the system on their website and checkout is done in 6 easy steps. You can also order over the phone by calling their toll-free number.
Conclusion
Bay Alarm Medical is a good choice medical alert system with many upgrades to expand your protection. For more information about other medical alert system companies, check out our complete guide to medical alert systems.
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