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Can you pick up a medical alert system on your next Walmart trip?
There’s something intimidating about making a major purchase online, especially without having the opportunity to touch the item and try it for yourself. For those looking for medical alert systems, finding systems online that are only available direct from manufacturers was once the only option. However, now retailers like Walmart are beginning to sell a variety of medical alert systems right on their website too. Here’s what you need to know before you head to Walmart to look at a system or device.
The Pros and Benefits of Going with Walmart
Going to Walmart to pick-up a medical alert device or system would be downright convenient. Unfortunately, Walmart does not currently offer medical alert systems in their stores for purchase. Instead, they offer a robust selection of devices and systems to review and purchase online. Your items will ship directly to you through a third party company. However, purchasing from Walmart can help some buyers feel more confident as they know they can easily return items or are more familiar with Walmart as opposed to secondary companies online.
You can look at multiple systems as well through the Walmart website. It is also convenient that Walmart has a variety of options, at multiple price points, so you have a wide range of medical alert solutions at your fingertips. Toggle through your choices and you might feel more confident comparing choices from different companies all on one website.
Online research can be frustrating for some, but some might find Walmart’s site easier to use to compare choices.
The Cons and Limitations of Going with Walmart
Of course, there are some drawbacks when you choose to purchase a medical alert system at Walmart. First, you will not have access to representatives who can thoroughly answer your questions. Instead, you’ll have Walmart employees, responding via customer service chat, who might not know anything about the systems you are looking at. This can cause you more confusion, or even worse, can result in you purchasing a system or device that is not suited for your situation at all.
While it’s nice knowing you are purchasing through a familiar place, you might find that it is frustrating to start-up and install. While most systems are easy to get going, it can be difficult for someone who doesn’t have experience in technology. The good news is that you will get support direct from the medical alert company and not from Walmart, so you can be assured that your doing things right.
Finally, when you purchase a medical alert device or system at Walmart, you won’t have the luxury of adding on any extra services, such as fall detection technology, caregiver apps, or others. This can sometimes lead to using a system that is not personally designed for your best experience.
What Kind of Medical Alert Devices Does Walmart Sell?
Walmart sells a variety of medical alert devices and systems, each with its own pros, cons, and prices. Currently, you can find systems and devices at Walmart from:
- Medical Guardian
- Lively Alert
- MobileHelp
- Active Guardian
- LogicMark
Monitored Systems
There are two main categories of medical alert systems sold at Walmart: monitored and unmonitored. Monitored systems are systems that charge a monthly service fee; users are able to push a button and be connected to a trained operator at any time of the day or night. These operators will help to assess the situation and follow up by calling emergency services or a caregiver if needed.
Unmonitored Systems
In contrast, unmonitored systems do not offer 24/7 response from trained operators. Instead, the unmonitored system features two-way communication between the user and 911 or the user and a family caregiver. These systems do not have a monthly service fee, which can be helpful for someone who cannot afford a monthly service fee.
What Premium Features are Missing from Walmart Medical Alert Devices?
Depending on what system you choose to purchase at Walmart, you might put yourself at risk of missing out on upgrades or other additional features that could positively contribute to your experience. For example, you might not be able to purchase additional pendants or other accessories, add another user in the home, or benefit from motion detectors or fall detection technology. You might also purchase a landline-based system which is not always the best option for someone who is out and about outside of the home on a daily basis.
Which Is Better? Buying Direct or Buying From Walmart?
Ultimately, it is up to you to decide if purchasing from Walmart is your best choice. You might find that you like the familiarity of operating their website, but that’s really about all you are getting. In the end, if you purchase a monitored system, you will be dealing with the medical alert company anyways once you complete your purchase on Walmart.com.
Making the Purchase
Once you are ready to purchase your medical alert device, be sure that you are aware of any fees associated with getting the system online as well as how to begin your monthly subscription if you are choosing a monitored system. Good luck!
