EXHIBIT 23.1

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements on Form S-8 (Nos. 33-58632 and 333-42546) of Lifeline Systems, Inc. of our report dated February 10, 2003, relating to the financial statements and financial statement schedule, which appears in this Form 10-K.

/s/    PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP

Boston, Massachusetts

March 26, 2003