"HELP I'VE FALLEN, AND CAN'T GET UP!"
Sunday, May 11, 2025
Dorothy Philbin | CNBNews Correspondent
OPINION
The "Help I've Fallen" commercials have been airing for years, if not decades. Way back when, they appeared humorous, maybe funny even. Then what seemed only a year or so later, fifty years had actually passed and the Baby Boomers (born between 1946 and 1964) have now aged. Many Boomers are in need of some help. There are many devices available if only people knew what they need and how to obtain it.
Yes, Virginia, there is an Amazon but sometimes mature people would rather have a human to speak with for advice. Fortunately, Camden County government has issued lists of resources for those who need help and/or their care givers. First, here is information about several personal safety devices. The information is current as of January, 2025 but should be verified if the devices are ordered.
"Personal Safety Devices provide in-home, mobile, and wearable solutions that connect you to a Care Specialist at the touch of a button. Most companies offer belt clip, wrist, or necklace-style devices. Some companies, at an extra cost, offer added features such as auto-fall detection or medication reminders."*
There are four options listed below. Some Medicare Advantage plans may cover the device(s,) but that is not the rule. Call your insurance carrier/agent for advice.
VRI: $40 for in home or GPS/Mobile device, no fees to activate or shipping. The billing is monthly to either a credit or debit card auto withdraw. There is no contract and can be cancelled anytime but the equipment must be returned. Phone: 800-860-4230.
ADP Medic Alert: $41.99 for Mobile monthly, $39.99 for home-only device monthly, $99 activation fee plus S&H fees and get free lock box, but you still pay the $99 fee. (This is one of those situations where you might want to give Amazon a try.) As with VRI, the account can be cancelled any time. Your price is locked in even if fees increase (for new customers only.) Phone: 800-568-1216.
Life Alert: $64.99 monthly fee, it includes GPS and fall detection. $54.99 monthly for in-home only with fall detection. Activation cost $100, S&H $29.99. There is no contract and can be cancelled at any time with the return of the equipment. One year plan saves 10% and gives an AARP discount, free lock box are available on some plans. Phone: 855-681-5351.
Connect America Medical Alert: Basic in-home plan $19.95 per month but only works with a landline phone. $44.95 monthly GPS and includes fall detection, $34.95 without fall detection. If you purchase an annual plan the cost is $539 with fall detection, $419 without. There is a one-time $99 activation fee. S&H waved with annual plan. You can cancel any time with the return of the equipment. Phone: 800-723-3546.
Medic Alert Bracelets: can be ordered Monday through Friday, 3 am to 1:30 pm Eastern Standard Time. Phone: 800-432-5378. The bracelets can also be easily individualized and ordered from Amazon.
Thank you to the Camden County Board of Chosen Freeholders, Resources for much of the information contained above.