
Reviews Bee is dedicated to presenting consumers with an unbiased compilation of data from a wide variety of sources that enables well informed purchasing decisions. Instead of searching the web for product information, expert reviews, and opinions of other consumers, you may simply access the rich resources provided for free by Reviews Bee. We gather information from trusted experts, retail websites, and reviews to create our Top 10 recommendations and detailed product information to you. Gain peace of mind from knowing that you are making a decision based on the best information available with Reviews Bee.
By evaluating data from professional and individual user reviews, Reviews Bee is able to create product comparisons that are not swayed by sponsors, advertisers, or any incentive besides offering the consumer valuable information. For more detail on how Reviews Bee ranks and rates products, see our How we Rank page for additional information.
Selecting the right medical alert system for your loved one is an important decision. You would not be considering this purchase if it were not vital to the health and well-being of your family, so it is essential to choose the medical alert system that is perfect for your situation. Before looking at the wide variety of medical alert systems that are available, you should consider what features are important to you.
Medical Alert device is a pendant or bracelet that provides emergency assistance at the push of a button. While doing so it connects you with a trained operator, who sends emergency help to wherever you are. A Medical Alert device is ideal for anyone who would like peace of mind by getting 24-hour protection in case of medical emergency—especially older Americans who live alone, who studies show are more likely to suffer a fall at home.
Loot for a system service that is ready to respond to any emergency 24 hours a Day – 365 Days a Year. Help at the push of a button.
When the phone rings in the Medical Alert Response Center, a highly-trained operator scans your vital statistics on the computer screen and carefully handles your call so you get the help you need efficiently and quickly. Whether it’s dealing with a serious emergency, or alerting your Personal Responder for assistance, operators should be there for you. Remember, this is vital in choosing a medical alarm system.
A senior may be used to living alone or values their independence. While these concerns are valid, giving up independence is not an easy task. Maintaining your independence increases your quality of life and overall life satisfaction. But since no one lives with the senior, a fall or other simple injury could have dramatic consequences.
That’s why having a reliable medical alert system allows you to sustain your independence for a longer period without loved ones worrying about your well-being.
The track record and reliability of a company is the most important factor to consider when choosing a senior medical alert system. Reliability is essential since you or a loved one will be depending upon the medical alert system in emergency situations. You want to make sure that the company offers well-functioning equipment and is operationally well-run and ready to help in a professional manner when the user clicks on the emergency button. You will need to be familiar with customer support hours and the satisfaction level of the current customers. Also consider the reliability of the equipment, how often batteries will need to be replacing, or if the system can be charged.
Knowing what features are desirable to you before you begin shopping for a medical alert system will help you narrow your choices and ensure that you select a system that will meet your family’s needs. Reviews Bee clearly describes each medical alert system in our Top 10 with a concise list of features, making it simple to determine which systems will work best for you. Indicators of the track record and reliability of a company include the number of years it has been in business, certification standards.
On paper, most medical alert systems’ companies offer similar products at a similar price point — customer service is what sets them apart. Cost is often a major factor when looking at medical alert systems. Most people who are interested are also on a fixed income.
Depending on the system, you may have the option to buy or lease the equipment. Find out about the upfront and monthly costs for all the systems that meet your senior’s needs.
Subscriptions for medical alert systems range anywhere from $24 – $34 per month for a traditional in-home device. Additionally, most companies offer prepay options that can save you money in the long-run.
Look for companies that offer a variety of pricing options. Medical Alarm systems’ may offer 3 pricing payment options. You may have option to pay month to month, 3 months at time or 6 months at a time. The longer the term, the more savings you’ll have.
Most importantly, no matter how much they charge, make sure they’re 100% upfront with their pricing, terms, and cancellation/refund policies. Some companies have these costs attached to their product. Also ask about false alarm charges. If the senior pushes the alert button accidentally or uses it for a little problem, determine whether you will need to pay a penalty.
Especially for medical alert companies, it’s important to find different types of testimonials. And here is one of the most important: Responsiveness.
Ask the company about response time. It will be very important to know how soon your loved one will get help she needs in the event of an emergency. Because in emergencies, every second matters. If injured in a fall, it is unlikely that you will be able to access the phone or call for assistance. In instances like a heart attack, the chances of survival decline by roughly 10% for each minute a patient goes without assistance from first responders. Often times, adults living alone can go hours or even days before help arrives. A medical alert system can set the wheels of care in motion to be sure that this time is not wasted and that assistance is dispatched as soon as possible.
Top medical alert systems have emergency call response times respectable 49-second average, and even they may hit a record-fast 33 seconds on one test call.
In addition, you should pay attention to the company’s emergency response personnel: That should be certified, trained, and available 24 hours a day. Response Center staff may include employees who are native speakers of languages other than English; in addition, operators may be trained to use the International Language Line for real time translation services in 140 languages. This you will probably need if your beloved elder is not a native English speaker.
Try not to choose a system that your senior will not be able to operate. If she is not tech-savvy, which will be a real surprise; you should choose a more user-friendly device.
Requesting a trial of a system first is a great idea, especially if you are unsure if your senior will be comfortable with the technology.
No matter what system you choose, make sure to go over the operation with her so she knows exactly how to use it in case of an emergency.
But to be honest, these systems are designed in a way that every elder will feel comfortable with. Usually alert system’s button is easy to press, and is designed for people with various medical challenges. From years of research companies have learnt that in most emergency situations, elders have enough time to push the button before losing consciousness and falling down. The ease of pushing one button to call help is one of the key advantages of the system compared to trying to use a cell phone or other complex system as a substitute for a medical alert system.
For most medical alert systems it just takes a few minutes to set it up, so companies do not send a representative to your home for that. Instead, they provide detailed instructions with each mechanism. Some providers also have videos and step-by-step directions on their website that show you exactly how to set up the system.
No matter what system you choose, the only thing you have to do is plug it into the wall. If you’re using a traditional in-home unit, you will also have to plug it into a telephone jack. GPS systems must also be plugged into the wall, but most of these systems need to be charged regularly, so make sure you do it every day.
After you have the system set up properly, you should push the test button, if there is one. If not, push the emergency button to make sure you’re connected with an emergency response agent.
If you’re still having trouble setting up your medical alert system, call your provider’s customer service center. They will help you set it up by walking you through the steps over the phone.
Be careful. There are companies may charge you up to $99.00 installation fee to come plug in their system, but it is often unnecessary.
Most people see medical alert systems as a very useful tool to help users live independently, and a way to literally save the beloved ones’ lives when medical emergencies happen. Whether we like it or not, the risk of medical emergencies rise as a person ages. According to the Center for Disease control, one in three seniors above the age of 65 falls down each year, and 20% to 30% of them become injured to the extent that it hampers their future ability to get around. The sooner that a senior who has injured herself can get attention, the better it could help them.
That’s when Medical alert systems come along. They provide the assurance of having accessible help while they can continue to live independently. It can also delay the move into a nursing home or long term care facility.
Medical alert systems are very easy to use. Most systems include a base unit, an emergency button, and 24/7 access to an emergency response monitoring center.
Whether you have a traditional unit or a GPS unit, base units are plugged directly into the wall. Traditional units come with an emergency button, which is a wireless transmitter that is connected directly to the main console. Some GPS units utilize an emergency button, while others are all-in-one, which means the button and GPS device are small enough to be carried around with you wherever you go.
All medical alert systems have emergency response and monitoring services. If you have fallen and can’t get up, or experiencing a medical emergency, all you have to do is push the emergency button.
A wireless signal is transported to the base unit, where an emergency response agent will speak to you in order to understand what kind of help you need. Depending on your situation, the agent may call emergency medical services, friends, family, caregivers, or neighbors.
Besides considering the cost, service, and type of monitoring offered by each medical alert system that you might choose, you will need features that suit your lifestyle and needs. Each of these medical alert system features may be helpful to your loved one.
The medical alert system equipment that you choose should be small enough to be comfortably worn at all times. After all, equipment that is not worn due to bulkiness or other issues will not be on hand when it is needed in the case of an emergency. A small pendant worn around the neck or a bracelet system can be comfortably worn day and night and is easily covered by clothing.
Nowadays nearly all Medical Alert systems are waterproof. This is because a lot of senior falls take place in the bathroom, whether in the shower and bathtub areas or unfortunately even on slippery floors. According to the National Institute on Aging, 80% of falls at home those seniors’ falls take place in the bathroom. You would not feel safe and secure if you or a loved one was relying on a device that is going to break down at the first sign of droplets. With this top of mind, companies made sure that devices can be worn in the tub or shower as well.
Having a waterproof medical alert button that works even after it’s been submerged in water offers additional protection for the elderly. This feature gives them the freedom to wear it all the time and everywhere, even while taking a shower or bath. If they have trouble standing up after taking a bath, the button is right there to help them. Should anything unexpected happen, they can push the button to connect with a monitoring representative.
But keep in mind: even if these devices are waterproof, they may not work equally well with water on them as when they are dry.
This is because the water droplets could cover the speaker and microphone or muffle sound communications. While it’s not perfect, the fact that these buttons still work after being submerged in water can still help in case of emergencies.
Whichever emergency response system device you choose, consider doing a few test calls from the bathroom as well to get familiar with what to expect. Most companies encourage their customers to do monthly test calls.
Commitment, or rather lack thereof, is an important feature that you will want to look for in a medical alert system. Beware of companies that require a contract covering months or even years of service.
Find out if there is a long-term commitment because, it is not required. Be sure to ask if you are required to sign a contract, and more importantly if there are cancellation fees, and whether you are required to pay for a minimum number of months. Some systems may give you different contract options, so choose the one that makes the most sense for you. If you only need temporary monitoring for your senior, like while she is recovering from surgery, be extra careful about making sure you won’t be on the hook for any extra fees.
Most of customers start with either the monthly or quarterly plans so they can thoroughly test the system without having to worry about a long-term commitment. Many of them transition to a longer semi-annual plan after a few months of use.
Also pay attention to cancellation point. There are companies that require signing minimum three-year contract commitment. But they also have cancelation guarantee. Mostly there are only two ways to break out of the contract early: either the loved one using the system passes away, or he or she moves permanently to a long-term care facility. A technician must confirm both instances before the contract is ended. Unless you are certain that you will need a system for an extended period of time, you should be hesitant to sign a long term contract.
Get the peace of mind knowing you can always receive help – even if you are unable to press the button to call for help. Sometimes even wearing a medical alert system the person is unable to push the button due to a fall or health emergency. That’s when comes Fall Button, which provides extra protection by automatically sending an alarm if you fall and are unable to push the button.
You can wear your Fall Button around the neck, even outside your shirt and adjust the lanyard so that it rests at chest level with the emergency button facing forward which makes it easier for you to press. It is waterproof and designed to be used even in the shower.
Mostly Fall Button is compatible with Duo, Classic and Solo systems. Along with its Automatic Fall Detecting capabilities, it has all of the features of standard help buttons, allowing you to send an alarm to 24 x 7 emergency monitoring service when you need it by pressing the emergency button.
The Fall Button can work approximately 600 feet from the base stations of our Duo and Classic systems and 350 feet from the Mobile Device. Remember to always bring your Mobile Device with you when leaving your home.
Last but not least thing to remember: Fall Button does not detect 100% of falls. If able, users should always push their help button when they need help.
Do you want your loved one to have the option of calling you before emergency services? Some modern devices notify 911 without other options available. Most sensitive ones are able to detect a fall on their own and send a signal for help on their own accord. Others give communication options, such as calling a loved one or speaking to a monitoring center.
Decide which communication needs you have that you would like to see reflected in your medical alert system.
Some systems also allow two-side communication and other The base unit contains a 2-way voice communication system, and most systems are even able to cover the whole house. As there’s only one base unit, medical alert system providers have created highly sensitive systems that can provide communication, even if you’re in a different room.
However, after you press the emergency button on the small device you carry with you (your pendant, wristband), if you are unable to communicate directly with an emergency response agent, they will still send help to your location.
If you’re worried about not being heard, consider a GPS unit that has 2-way voice communication build in, which can also be carried with you from room to room. As we have already mentioned, these systems have an advantage of even travelling outside the home.
However, here is e tip to remember. The use of a traditional landline is still the most reliable form of communication during in case of an emergency. It isn’t prone to coverage problems and works if there’s a blackout. However, if landline service isn’t available, make sure to check AT&T’s coverage map to see if there’s enough cellular signal in your area. The best equipment won’t matter if your signal strength is weak.
Homes that do not have a landline phone can still enjoy the peace of mind that comes from Medical Alert system thanks to their wireless emergency response system. This includes a base unit and an emergency pendant or bracelet. It works on a large, dependable wireless network which ensures systems stays connected wherever you go.
First ask yourself whether you need to monitor daily health and activities. If you want to be able to check on your beloved one’s health regularly, even if there isn’t an emergency, you may want to consider a monitoring device which keeps track of the senior’s movements and vital signs. There are systems that allow you to view data on your computer or via a Smartphone app, so you will know how long your senior has spent sitting or lying down, and whether there are any abnormal health signs.
There are also products on the market that will send health monitoring information directly to the beloved one’s doctor.
There is also video monitoring option if you want to be able to keep an eye on your senior from far away.
If you’re worried about your beloved senior forgetting to take her medications, look for a system that has a pillbox monitoring function that will automatically send an alert if the pillbox is not opened.
Some of medical alert systems come with multipurpose sensors and a main hub to which they report data. You assign each sensor a monitoring task.
For example, you can place one of the sensors on a daily pill bottle. Then it will automatically analyze movement to let you know if your elderly loved one forgot to take their pills. If the lack of movement suggests a missed dose, the system will send a call to the elderly person to remind them to take their medication. You’ll also get a message that they missed their medication. After three missed doses, if elder person takes no action, the issue is escalated and a doctor can be automatically notified.
The sensors are reusable. You can reprogram each of them based on whatever your loved one’s needs are. For example, you can put one on regular water bottles to make sure they’re staying hydration, or on a fridge door to make sure they eat, or a walking stick to make sure they’re walking and so on.
The key attribute of medical alert systems is how long the station’s built-in backup battery can keep the unit running in the event of a power outage. First find out if the battery is rechargeable or replaceable. Mostly they are rechargeable, so ask how often it needs to be charged. Because you don’t want it to be recharged often, which runs the risk that you’ll be out of battery during an emergency?
The industry average of battery life is about 30 hours; the low end has battery life of 20 hours, while the longest performing backup can last 90 hours.
Mostly they have also a backup battery that ensures the unit will continue running if the power goes out. Each company provides specifications about the battery life of the station’s backup battery. Backup batteries averaged closer to 32 hours.
Be sure to check the range on home-based units, as they can vary greatly. They all function with a base unit that can be moved from room to room, but cannot be carried around with you, and an emergency button that connects you to that base unit.
Some may allow for a connection while the senior is in the yard, for example, while others may not. If your senior spends time outdoors, for example at yard, you will definitely want to make sure this area is covered.
Some of the best medical alert systems offer up to 1,000 feet of coverage, which means you’re even protected in the yard. Other systems, however, only offer a few hundred feet, some even only 150 feet of coverage.
Before you purchase a system, it is important that you know exactly how much coverage you need, and which companies can provide you with the coverage you’re looking for. If for any reason you are unsure about the coverage area of a particular plan, check with a medical alert reviews website, or call a customer service representative. They will surely help you.
A mobile aka GPS medical alert device often runs through a cellular connection provided by a nationwide cellular provider. These devices often have service in all 50 states, but they may not have service in every part of them. It will depend on the particular device and cellular service provider. You’ll definitely want to check the service coverage in your area for the cellular service the company uses.
GPS medical alert device works both inside the home and outside of the home. It will not only give you protection when checking your mailbox, but also on a trip to the post office. You can press the button on your pendant to be in contact with a professional from your monitoring station from anywhere that the device has a cellular connection.
The mobile device doesn’t require a landline phone. It is small and lightweight.
It works with either a neck pendant or wrist button. GPS device works both at home and away from the home, even on a walk. It works around town, as well as on cross-country trips. You can use it when travelling in an RV. And last but not least, car chargers give extra battery life for long trips.
The first medical alert systems were introduced in the mid-1970s. Those were simple push-button devices worn on the wrist or around the neck. Typically, the device would alert a 24-hour call center in the case of an emergency and allow wireless two-way communication. Many of these systems are still on the market, but nowadays there are various types of medical alert devices as well. It is important to match the type of device and plan to the needs of your senior. There are lots of important questions to ask before you sign a contract with a company that provides medical alert monitoring services.
Choosing the right medical alert necklace for yourself or your loved one can be a daunting task due to the large selection available. First decide what features you require.
The nice design of the medical alert necklace makes it equally suitable for men and women. It can be worn over or under the clothing, so that it is hidden from view of people. As the medical alert necklace is worn around the neck it can be activated by either hand. Some companies even provide options that if anyone else in the family needs a medical alert device in your home can have a necklace free of charge.
Most GPS medical alert systems attach to your belt like a cell phone. You can also keep it in your pocket or purse. Belt type is good because you will wear it all the time; it’s easier to keep the device on you at all times. However, comfort is a key consideration. Mostly belt may be not that comfortable when sitting or even lying down. You better consider it with your beloved one. If you don’t feel comfortable wearing the GPS emergency response device, you’re less likely to wear it. That’s why companies today have many other types of devices.
There are devices which are worn on the wrist like a watch. This is ideal for people who are comfortable with bracelets or wristwatches. But it has one minor downside: a wristband or bracelet device is that it requires the other arm to activate it. If worn around the wrist, the patient might not be able to reach the emergency button in the case of sudden paralysis. Also if the senior citizen is unable to move, stand-alone medical alert buttons and phones are of no use whatsoever.
The Installed motion detectors in a home device can monitor activity within your household. In the absence of activity for a specified period, the console will automatically alert the Central Monitoring Station. For example, by continuously measuring motion, movement and speed in all directions, the fall detector compares what it senses to what it considers an actual fall. If there is no movement or tilt from horizontal to vertical positioning detected after 10 seconds, an unconsciousness alarm will be transmitted to the base monitoring unit, signaling for emergency assistance. The emergency Response Center will establish two-way communication and, if there is still no response, they will proceed to follow the pre-designated emergency protocol.
Radar motion detection is an alternative to wearable devices such as bracelets or necklaces. People won’t find it uncomfortable. The device is meant to work through walls. If you put the unit anywhere in the house, it can detect that motion and classify it through different rooms. Depending on the type of walls one living space could require multiple units. For example, penetrating a bathroom wall of ceramic tiles could be a problem. If a person falls behind a metal file cabinet, frequencies could be lost.
The radar device releases and receives frequencies that vary depending on the motion of a person’s body. At the most basic level, the radar will detect movement and classify the frequencies it receives in one of two ways: fall or no fall. That’s not always an easy task, though. Since a radar signal might look similar when a person is plopping down in a bed, the challenge is in minimizing false alarms.
Selecting the right medical alert system for your loved one is an important decision. You would not be considering this purchase if it were not vital to the health and well-being of your family, so it is essential to choose the medical alert system that is perfect for your situation. Before looking at the wide variety of medical alert systems that are available, you should consider what features are important to you.
The cost of your medical alert system may include upfront fees, monthly fees, and cancelation fees if you decide that the system isn’t right for you. Make sure you understand exactly what costs you will be responsible for before signing up for service.
Do you prefer a medical alert system that forwards alerts directly to your local 911 service or one that provides a monitoring center? These centers determine which emergency services are appropriate for each situation and contact them as needed. Depending upon your needs and preferences, each of these monitoring methods has advantages and disadvantages.
Possibly the most vital element of your medical alert system decision is the service provided by the system providers. Reliability is essential since you or a loved one will be depending upon the medical alert system in emergency situations. You will need to be familiar with customer support hours and the satisfaction level of the current customers. Also consider the reliability of the equipment, how often batteries will need to be replacing, or if the system can be charged.
Knowing what features are desirable to you before you begin shopping for a medical alert system will help you narrow your choices and ensure that you select a system that will meet your family’s needs. Reviews Bee clearly describes each medical alert system in our Top 10 with a concise list of features, making it simple to determine which systems will work best for you.
Can I trust Medical Alert systems?
Yes, companies stand behind their products with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Many of them allow you to cancel at any time if you’re not satisfied.
How often can I press the button?
You can press it as often as you like – and there should be NO additional charge for pressing the button. Even if you don’t have an emergency, best medical alarm system companies encourage their clients to press the button at least once a week as a test.
What happens if something goes wrong with the equipment?
Companies are responsible for all repair and service as well as battery replacements. Your medical alert system base unit and wearable transmitter buttons should have a 100% lifetime replacement warranty – at no additional charge to you. You are not renting or buying the equipment, you are paying for the monitoring service.
The system has a 24-72 hour back-up battery in the event of a power failure (depending on system type). It resets itself once power is restored. There even are monitoring centers which get notified in the event of power loss, or low batteries.
What if I can’t push the button?
The button is easy to push; it is specially designed for people with various medical challenges. From years of research companies know, that in most emergency situations, people don’t have enough time to push the button before losing consciousness. That’s why it is easy to push one button.
Can the system go with me if I move or am on vacation?
You can easily take “HOME” as well as “HOME & YARD” systems with you on vacation. It is very easy to unplug and re-install. Simply notify Medical Care Alert Customer Service. However this situation you should consider beforehand, even before getting a device.
How does “30-Day Risk Free Trial” work?
You just try it and if it’s not right for you, you know you can send it back for a full refund during the first 30 days, no strings attached.
What kind of emergency help do I get?
That depends of what kind of emergency you’re having. If it’s a minor situation, companies can contact somebody (such as a neighbor or loved one) on your contact list and have them go to your house. In case of serious emergencies, they’ll immediately dispatch contact an ambulance, fire station, or police station, depending on what you need. In all situations, they stay in communication with you until help arrives.
Can I use a Medical Alert system if I don’t speak English?
Yes, the Response Center staff includes employees who are native speakers of languages other than English; in addition, the operators are trained to use the International Language Line for real time translation services in 140 languages.
Reviews Bee evaluated the most popular and reputable medical alert systems currently on the market to develop our Top 10 list and offer expert recommendations without bias.
Reviews Bee has provided a detailed review of each company, enabling you to choose the medical alert system for your needs from our Top 10 selection. No need to spend hours conducting research and reading reviews. We’ve already done that for you. Find the medical alert system that will keep your loved one safe and give you the peace of mind that comes from knowing that help is available at the push of a button.
Reviews Bee works tirelessly to ensure that we are providing the best product recommendations to you and your family. We have created an algorithm that takes expert and consumer feedback into account. When we recommend our Top 10 medical alert systems, you can rest assured that we have done our homework, so that you don’t have to. Stop searching and count on Reviews Bee to give you the information you need to make the ideal decision for your family’s needs.
Reviews Bee collects consumer review information from popular retail websites including Amazon, eBay, and Best Buy. Consumer websites, such as epinions.com, are also included in our analysis. In addition, Reviews Bee utilizes reputable market niche websites, to include in the product ranking decision. Using the feedback of actual customers in coordination with expert evaluations enables us to provide each product with a score that takes into account all trustworthy information available on that item.
The Reviews Bee team analyzes information from more than 50 trusted expert websites, such as ConsumerReports.com, Reviews.com, and MedicalAlertAdvice.com. Based on our detailed evaluation, each medical alert system is assigned an expert popularity score based upon how many times each product is positively mentioned by experts in the industry.
Based upon the rankings of each product on expert review websites, Reviews Bee assigns an expert ranking score that is a summation of the rankings given by medical alert system industry experts.
Reviews Bee compiles consumer review information from reputable website like Amazon.com and Yelp.com in order to designate each medical alert system with a consumer popularity score.
Consumer reviews typically include a star rating. Reviews Bee uses an average of these star ratings across consumer review websites to assign our consumer rating score.
No analysis of product information would be complete without also looking at the negative side of consumer feedback. Reviews Bee carefully considers consumer feedback and complaints that are available for each medical alert system that we evaluate. This consumer complaint score becomes a negative factor in the Reviews Bee algorithm.
It is hard to believe that a medical alarm system that works to provide emergency response in order to save lives would be the center of any kind of scam. Med alert scammers are making millions of dollars through this new medical scam. Even though the government is taking steps to stop this illegal […]
These days there are numerous medical alert systems to choose from, and for a senior and their family choosing the best medical alert system can be a very difficult choice. Medical alert systems advertise that their products will come to the rescue in case of any emergency whether it’s experiencing a fall or maybe symptoms of a […]
A medical alert jewelry is a type of ornament or adornment that is worn by a person with a certain medical condition. This piece of jewelry can send a massage when the wearer has a medical condition that requires a special type of treatment and attention. Most of the medical alert jewelries are made of […]
Emergencies are unpredictable and somehow inescapable in our homes, offices and even play grounds. Therefore, having medical alerts will prevent emergencies in your home or work place. Medical alerts that prevent emergencies are types of systems or devices that communicate an emergency to responder teams. They can also send emergency message to the responder or […]