LifeStation Medical Alert System Review

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Every year, 1 in 4 older adults in the United States falls. A medical alert system — sometimes called a personal emergency response system (PERS) — can be a lifesaver for people who live alone during one of these falls or another medical emergency.

Medical alert systems are devices you wear around your neck or wrist that call for medical help with the push of a button, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Millions of U.S. adults own these systems, and the market is growing quickly, expecting to land around $12.98 billion in 2026. Several medical alert brands are available. Each device works a little differently and has its own pros and cons. 

LifeStation is a brand that offers at-home and on-the-go monitoring. LifeStation is a budget-friendly option with useful features compared with some competitors.

For example, the brand’s at-home system doesn’t require a landline and is waterproof, so it’s safe for use in the shower. Fall detection is available to add on, which signals a LifeStation specialist to contact you immediately.

Keep reading to see our full review of the brand and the product line and offerings.

What is LifeStation?

LifeStation is a family-owned medical alert company and has been in business for 40 years. They offer products geared to active lifestyles, including a medical alert pendant someone can wear at home and a watch and pendant designed for on-the-go use. A luxury pendant is also available for a look that resembles contemporary jewelry.

How it works

The at-home wireless system consists of a base station with a 600-foot (ft) range and a wearable pendant. The Sidekick is a pendant or watch enabled with GPS and WiFi. Users press a button in an emergency and are connected with emergency operators who can call for assistance.

LifeStation’s devices can also detect falls using special sensors. They can send your location to loved ones and emergency services when a fall happens.

Pros and cons of LifeStation

How we researched LifeStation

Our writers and editors evaluated the company’s reputation and credibility, product offerings, cost, and customer reviews on websites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google, and Trustpilot.

The brand and the product line also went through our vetting process, which you can learn more about here.

The products

LifeStation offers four medical alert systems. One is for home use, two are for on the go, and the fourth is a designer option. Each option offers slightly different looks, uses, and features. The roundup below may help you select the best device for your or your loved ones’ needs.

In-Home Medical Alert System

• Price: $
• Type: home-based, monitored, with wearable button
• Warranty: 30-day trial, future replacements may be available
• Pros: waterproof, weighs less than 1/2 of an ounce (oz), can be worn as a necklace or on the wrist
• Cons: works up to 600 ft away (other brands offer higher ranges), fall detection and lockbox are available only at additional cost

If you decide that an on-the-go device isn’t necessary for your needs, LifeStation’s in-home system may be what you’re looking for. Like the mobile options from the company, you’ll still wear a button to press in emergencies, but you’ll need to be within 600 ft of the console for it to work.

This product can be worn as a necklace or on your wrist like you would wear a watch. This system for home use no longer requires a landline, making it much more convenient for those who have cut ties with landlines.

If you have a landline and don’t mind using your system with that setup, the company still has a traditional landline option, which comes at a slightly lower cost.

The button is lightweight, weighing in under 1 oz, but it isn’t exactly small. The company describes it as just a little larger than a quarter, although a comparison photo shows that it is considerably larger than a quarter.

The button for the at-home system is waterproof, a feature that other LifeStation products don’t have. This means you can wear it in the shower and still feel confident it’s working.

Extra buttons can be mounted on hallway and bathroom walls at an additional monthly cost. This system also features a 24-hour backup battery.

Sidekick Mobile Medical Alert

• Price: $$
• Type: mobile wearable button (worn like a necklace)
• Warranty: 30-day trial, future replacements may be available
• Pros: good choice for older adults on the go, uses nationwide cellular coverage
• Cons: water resistant (not waterproof), fall detection comes at an extra fee

LifeStation’s Sidekick Mobile is the company’s answer to portable protection. This product is a good choice for older adults who have an active lifestyle and want to feel more confident about emergencies during their frequent travels. It looks like a small remote that you wear around your neck like a necklace.

Although this option weighs a little more than the in-home version, it’s still considerably lightweight at 1.4 oz. It also features a test button, so you can check that it’s working before you head out the door, and has a loud built-in speaker.

Another helpful detail is the system’s light features: A red light lets you know it’s time to charge your device, while a green light indicates that it’s ready and working.

Unlike the in-home system, this product isn’t waterproof, though it is resistant to water. If you prefer an option that is safe to wear in the shower, it’s best to stick with the home system, which also has mountable buttons (at an additional cost) that can be placed in the bathroom for extra comfort.

Sidekick Smart Wearable Medical Alert

• Price: $$
• Type: smartwatch
• Warranty: 30-day trial, future replacements may be available
• Pros: two-way communication function, fitness tracking, heart rate monitor
• Cons: $99.95 activation fee, needs to be charged daily, is not safe for use in the shower, higher cost than other products

For active older adults who like to track their steps, this portable option gives more flexibility and offers technology that can help promote a healthy lifestyle. This watch is water resistant but unsafe for fully submerging into water. It offers users time, weather, and fitness tracking information, including a heart rate monitor feature.

While this product can track your steps and monitor your heart rate, it won’t send medical alert reminders (like medication reminders) nor track more advanced information like some popular smartwatches or fitness trackers do.

Still, it’s a portable, wearable option that gives you more than just quick access to medical attention.

Perhaps its most impressive feature is its two-way communication capability. This function allows you to talk to LifeStation’s U.S.-based emergency monitoring center. Keep in mind this product needs to charge daily.

LifeStation Luxury Stylish Medical Alert System

• Price: $$
• Type: fashion necklace
• Warranty: 30-day trial, future replacements may be available
• Pros: looks similar to jewelry, more subtle appearance, lightweight
• Cons: not water resistant or waterproof, only 200-ft range, higher cost than other products, not safe for showers

For those who prefer a more fashionable option, this luxury product from LifeStation is more subtle than other wearable products. This system rests on a 30-inch brass chain necklace and is housed inside a pendant that is made of a brass case with rhodium-colored plating featuring a center faceted lapis blue resin stone.

The system also has a magnet closure for a smooth time taking it on and off.

Although it looks like a large pendant necklace, it’s still overall lightweight, weighing 2.1 oz. The brand suggests also wearing it attached to your belt or tossing it into your purse if you prefer. Keep in mind that the range of this product is only up to 200 ft and is not water resistant.

Like the other options from LifeStation, the luxury product combines GPS with WiFi and Bluetooth to determine your exact location. This product has a 1-year battery life.

Where to buy

You can buy LifeStation products and services on the company’s website, where you’ll find more information about product features and plan options.

The brand also has a page on Amazon, but the product selection there is limited. Currently, it doesn’t seem that these devices are sold at physical retail locations.

How much does LifeStation cost?

Pricing will vary depending on any extra products or features you decide to add to your plan.

Here are the current prices for the brand’s four products:

• In-Home Medical Alert System: starts at $32.95 per month
• Sidekick Mobile Medical Alert: starts at $37.95 per month
• Sidekick Smart Wearable Medical Alert: starts at $43.95 per month
• LifeStation Luxury Stylish Medical Alert System: $43.95 per month

Does LifeStation offer payment plans?

LifeStation offers a few payment options, including monthly, quarterly, or annual payments. It seems there is a shipping cost at this time ($12.50 for the home system), but there are no equipment fees or activation fees to worry about (unless you select the smartwatch, which requires a $99.95 activation fee).

Is there a setup fee?

No, there is no setup fee for LifeStation products.

Does LifeStation accept insurance?

On the company website, the brand says that discount offers are available for AETNA members. It may be worth asking your Medicare provider about any coverage for a product and service like LifeStation.

The company’s website says that standard Medicare doesn’t cover costs for any medical alert system. The brand does have a variety of partner programs, however.

Is a subscription required?

Payments can be made monthly, quarterly, or annually, and shipping is free.

You don’t need to sign any long-term contracts, though. The company says you’re welcome to cancel anytime. However, you do have to contact the brand by phone for instructions on canceling.

How to use

You have a few options for setting up your LifeStation products, and the steps will vary depending on which item you choose.

Setup, according to the brand, is designed to be easy unless you choose the traditional landline option mentioned earlier, which will take more time and elbow grease to set up. Keep in mind that it doesn’t seem that in-person professional help setting up your product is available for individuals; it is available for partner communities.

The brand says when it comes to the wireless in-home system, the setup is designed to be simple — just plug the system into the wall and call to test the device.

When it comes to using your specific product after its setup (although the products are a little different), you’ll simply press the button for help, and the brand says they answer your call within seconds. They help you assess your situation and call for medical help.

The company will also contact any folks you give them information on, so they can help first responders into your home if you don’t have a lockbox.

Your device (no matter which you choose) will come with detailed instructions and information, and the company says you can always call them with any questions 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can also view installation guides on the brand’s website.

Plus, LifeStation has a YouTube channel with a few tutorials for setting up your new device.

Company reputation and customer reviews

We’ll get into the details of customer satisfaction in a minute. Overall, it’s important to know that many users complain that LifeStation ignores cancellation requests, has a slow response time, and that some users find the button overly sensitive and bulky. The brand still has many satisfied buyers who say the service gives them peace of mind.

Returns and warranty

The company offers a 30-day trial. However, they mention that they’re responsible for replacements due to wear and tear but don’t offer replacements for things like water damage, power surge, lost, broken devices, and more.

If you want to cancel your plan with LifeStation, the company says to call the customer service department, and they will provide you with cancellation instructions.

A protection plan is available to purchase, and the company includes two complimentary replacements of help buttons and/or one replacement medical alert system annually. Adding a protection plan to your selections costs an additional $6 monthly.

LifeStation features

24/7 emergency help

Falls can happen at any time, so LifeStation is always available. The company has monitoring centers in New Jersey and Texas.

The company says certified care specialists are always available for any medical alert emergency, and it takes just 20 seconds to hear one of the live voices from one of their call center representatives, though some reviews indicate it takes closer to 10 seconds.

Wireless at-home monitoring

The at-home wireless system monitors using AT&T’s 4G LTE network. It’s designed to plug in and go, essentially. For those who prefer wires, a landline option is also available. You don’t need internet access to use a medical alert system like LifeStation.

Fall detection

Although fall detection isn’t included in the base price, you can add it to your product for an additional cost that’s not specified on the product page. This may be a useful feature for those prone to falls.

First responder home access

You can add a lockbox to your purchase for an additional $2.95 per month, which the brand says gives first responders access to your home in emergencies.

If you don’t choose to add a lockbox, LifeStation will notify any contacts you provide them to meet first responders at your door for access. Some of LifeStation’s competitors offer free lockboxes with their services.

Hallway and bathroom buttons

You can also add extra buttons for mounting in your hallway or bathroom for an additional $2.95 each per month. This option may make someone feel more secure, knowing that if they take their device off their person for any reason, a button isn’t too far from reach in specific locations throughout their home.

Papa Pals

If you’d like options that go beyond emergencies, you can add an extra service to your plan with something the brand calls Papa Pals. The company says this service offers trained and vetted professional help with things like grocery shopping, making medical appointments, technology help, and more.

Alexa integration

LifeStation gives people the option to partner their devices with Alexa to track their loved ones. Using an Amazon Echo, or the Alexa app, you can locate your loved one in real time.

Find my loved one feature

For those who don’t have Alexa or prefer not to use it for LifeStation purposes, you can still track your loved one’s location. The “Find My Loved One” feature allows you to see their location with only a text message to them (given that they’re wearing their device).

Who should use LifeStation?

Older adults who are home alone frequently or who would like peace of mind when on the go may like using LifeStation. With the option to add fall detection, this product can make someone feel safe in an emergency, whether at home or on the go.

Medical alert systems may help older adults live longer by getting them faster medical attention after an emergency. It may also benefit people looking after loved ones living with Alzheimer’s disease who feel more comfortable knowing they have an emergency button on them.

Who shouldn’t use LifeStation?

Someone who needs a range larger than 600 ft for home use shouldn’t use LifeStation. In addition, someone who needs features like medication reminders may be better off with a different medical alert system brand since LifeStation doesn’t offer that feature.

Here are some brands that offer medication reminder features on some of their products:

• One Call Alert
• LifeFone
• MobileHelp

Safety callouts

LifeStation says that fall detection does not detect 100% of falls. It’s a good idea to have any first aid equipment readily available at home (and on the go) so that when a fall does happen, you or your loved one is prepared to take any necessary steps outside of calling for medical help.

If you’re caring for a loved one who is living alone, it’s also best to check in on them when it’s possible, keeping in mind that safety technology isn’t going to catch every fall or detect every emergency.

The brand also suggests wearing your product outside of your clothes instead of on the inside. This may help you access help faster and possibly avoid any accidental calls for help.

LifeStation vs. competitors

LifeStation has a leg up on the competition when it comes to fall detection (some brands, like Life Alert, don’t offer that feature at all) and when it comes to contracts (none are needed).

LifeStation could use improvement when it comes to customer satisfaction and less sensitive buttons. However, these complaints are common in the industry, not just for LifeStation.

The chart below shows more information on how LifeStation compares with a top competitor. You can also review our roundup of the best medical alert systems for more information on other brands.

Customer reviews and ratings

At the time of writing, LifeStation has an A+ rating with the BBB. However, reviews left by customers on the BBB page show a low rating of 1.9 out of 5 stars.

Aside from a slow or lack of response from the brand’s customer service department, some other examples of complaints here show that some customers continued to get charged after canceling their subscriptions.

A few complain about how sensitive the button is, and another points out how difficult it was for them to replace their device when needed. 

LifeStation has a much better overall reputation on Trustpilot, a third-party review site. Here, the brand has a 4.1 out of 5-star rating at the time of writing. Unhappy reviewers here also complain about slow responses from the customer service team and trouble getting faulty equipment replaced.

Reviewers here also note that the devices are sensitive and oversized, saying they accidentally hit the button often. Happy reviewers say they like the peace of mind and feel safer knowing it’s there.

Finally, Google reviews show a 3.8 out of 5 stars. Negative comments here point to issues with cancellation and limited help from customer service overall. One reviewer says fall detection didn’t work for their loved one. A happy reviewer says the system detected a fall accurately, and help was called.

How do you get started with LifeStation?

First, select which product is best for you by browsing the options under the company’s “product” tab on the website.

From there, you’ll decide if you’d like to add a lockbox or Papa Pals services.

You’ll also be able to choose from standard, select, and premium plan options for the mobile product. The price tiers offer additional costs for fall detection and protection plan.

After you have made your selections, the website will take you to checkout, where you’ll add information about the person placing the order and information about the person using the system.

You will also select your payment preference (monthly, quarterly, or annually). If you choose quarterly or annually, you will receive free shipping. Otherwise, shipping is around $12.50.

Frequently asked questions

Can I accidentally set off LifeStation?

Yes, it’s possible to set off the system on accident. Some users say LifeStation’s device is very sensitive. There is no charge for an accident like this, and a company representative will reset your device for you if this happens.

Is LifeStation secure?

Call center specialists are U.S.-based and are available 24/7. The brand says they answer calls within seconds.

How do I turn off LifeStation?

It’s recommended that you keep your device on. But it seems you can turn it off if you need to. For example, the Sidekick can be turned off by pressing and holding the test and help buttons together until you feel a vibration.

Is LifeStation better than Life Alert? How?

LifeStation and Life Alert work similarly, but the features and pricing differ. Both companies have 24/7 U.S.-based monitoring, and Life Alert pricing is higher, starting at $49.95 monthly. Life Alert has a larger range (800 ft) for the in-home system compared with LifeStation’s 600-ft range.

It’s easier to buy LifeStation online through the company website or on Amazon. With Life Alert, fall detection isn’t available at all, but LifeStation offers it at an additional monthly cost. Life Alert is only available for purchase by phone. Finally, LifeStation doesn’t require a contract, while Life Alert locks you into at least a 3-year contract.

Takeaway

LifeStation is a medical alert system company that offers four different medical alert systems. Some can be used on the go, while the wireless home system offers protection up to 600 ft (and in the shower).

People who live alone and could benefit from fall protection may feel more confident using a device like this.

Some users have had poor customer service experiences with LifeStation, but most are satisfied with customer service and the devices. The device may be sensitive, but it may be safer to have a sensitive device than one that is tougher to use.

If you accidentally set off your button, the representative will check on you and reset your device for no charge. Some LifeStation competitors have more extensive in-home ranges and different free features, but LifeStation still has competitive pricing and fall section available.

LifeStation also doesn’t require a contract, while others, like Life Alert, require you to sign a contract. You can test the device and service out for 30 days and receive your money back if you decide it’s not for you.