Any experience with Life Alert

[dmccarty]

Thanks, but...

I've been in the HVAC industry for the last 20 years. I'm not sure how consumer reports evaluates emergency alert systems, but for evauluating HVAC equipment, they (consumer reports) have no clue what they're writing about. I'm still scratching my head how they rated one "manufacturer" first, and yet another "manufacturer" last, when the only difference betweent the two EXACT same pieces of equipment was they had different "manufacturers" names on the brand label, but they were made on the SAME assembly line (and I saw the assembly line myself with both brands in the warehouse).

I take what CR says with a box of salt. Back in the 80's they rated a Japanese car better, much better in fact, than two American cars. The three cars were the same with only slight trim and badge differences. The Japanese car and one American car were made in the same factory in Normal ILL, yet the Japanese car was rated much better than the US car. :shocked: Hmmmmmm.......

Later,
Dan

 

[Sigarms]

I take what CR says with a box of salt. Back in the 80's they rated a Japanese car better, much better in fact, than two American cars. The three cars were the same with only slight trim and badge differences. The Japanese car and one American car were made in the same factory in Normal ILL, yet the Japanese car was rated much better than the US car. :shocked: Hmmmmmm.......

Later,
Dan

Well, it's nice to see that they don't just have the same issue with only the HVAC industry

On a sidenote, CR has done this numerous time with HVAC equipment. The last time I looked (which I don't do very often) they rated a "brand name" oil furnace over a "lesser name" oil furnace, the only problem was both oil furnaces were produced at the same factory using the same parts, just a different cabinet color and label on the side LOL (it was actually the "lesser name" brand that made the "brand name" of all things).

They lost all credibility in my own eyes when they wouldn't answer the manufacturers questions on how they actually rated the equipment.

 

[sodamo]

A bit late to the discussion, but...
MIL is turning 85, lives alone in NJ, we are in HI, closest relative is a grandson with own problems and still 30 minutes away depending on traffic. While we haven't given up on her relocating either here or nearer another of her kids, chances are slim to none barring something major.
So last year we decided on a multi prong approach.
We replaced her older cell phone with an iPhone 5. Being non tech and no wifi is a challenge, but now she can FaceTime which really helps her overcome her hearing.
I also have her phone on Find My Friends so I can see where she is. Challenge is keeping it charged, but if my wife calls the cell and no answer, she immediately calls on the landline and asks about the phone. Most times, it is just in her purse so doesn't hear it..
Also went with Great Call, both the pendant and iPhone app. Pendant is good for around the house and she wears it around her neck. The app gives same coverage when out of the house and has her cell. Costs just under $40 per month to have the double coverage (not counting the cell itself, which is on my account also). The Great Call pendant and app are registered in my name, so I'm responsible for them but when eventually comes to pass I can just reuse them.
Not perfect solutions, but gives wife and family more peace of mind.

David Sent from my iPad Air using TractorByNet

 

[Sigarms]

I can understand my dad not wanting to come down ti NC due to the hot weather (for Christmas, he did say he would spend at least a couple of months with us), but turning down Hawaii?