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Smartphones allow seniors and their families to stay connected through calls, texts, social networking, and even video chatting. But we’ve also found that when smartphones are equipped with a medical alert app, the pocket-sized technology can send help quickly if you have a medical emergency and allows your loved ones to stay informed. If you’re one of the seven in ten adults over the age of 50 who own a smartphone,1 the ability to access these innovative safety apps is at your fingertips.
With many medical alert apps out there, we’ve paired it down to nine that we consider to be the best options for seniors and their caregivers. Whether you’re looking for a free or more robust app that complements your medical alert system, we’ve selected a variety of top medical alert apps to meet most needs and budgets.
Through research research and conversations with customer care representatives, we learned the ins and outs of the most popular medical alert apps. To rank on our list, apps had to provide safety for seniors, offer innovative features, and deliver a quality product at a great value.
A stand-alone medical alert app is downloaded straight to your smartphone. Some apps can be paired with a wearable smartwatch, such as an Apple Watch, to track your location, heart rate and provide an emergency button to press if needed. Most stand-alone medical alert apps notify your pre-selected contacts when you have a fall or press the emergency button. They will not connect you to 911 or a trained emergency operator.
A supplemental medical alert app will complement your existing medical alert system. Since these apps work in conjunction with top medical alert systems, they are often more comprehensive and can connect you to emergency services and/or a trained emergency operator easily. These apps are usually included with your monthly service subscription or can be added for a small monthly fee. Overall, a supplemental medical alert app will cost you a bit more, but provide more exhaustive protection. Below is a comparison of the two types of apps and their uses.
Supplemental medical alert apps | Stand-alone medical alert apps | |
---|---|---|
Features | Robust features | Simple features |
Emergency response | Connects you to a trained emergency operator | Alerts your emergency contacts (children, neighbor, etc.) when you need help |
Costs | Pricier since you have to subscribe to monthly service for your medical alert system | Budget-friendly option |
Best for | Those who need extra protection | Older adults who want simple peace of mind |
If you already have a medical alert system, you may have access to a smartphone app that connects to your wearable device. Many medical alert companies provide users and their loved ones with an easy-to-use app that complements the system. Apps may offer GPS tracking, medication reminders, collaboration among caregivers, and the ability to check the status of your medical alert system.
Medical alert company name | App name | Add. monthly fee | Vitals | Medication reminders | GPS tracking | Pairable with companion watch | In-app medical alert button | Device status |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Medical Guardian | MyGuardian | None | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
Bay Alarm Medical | Caregiver Tracking | None | No | No | Yes | No | No | Yes |
Aloe Care Health | Aloe Care Health | None | No | No | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
LifeFone | VIPx Caregiver Mobile App | $8 | No | No | Yes | No | No | Yes |
Lifeline Cares | Philips Cares | None | No | No | No | No | No | Yes |
Call to speak with a Medical Guardian representative. Get your questions answered, products recommended, and ask about current deals and promotions.
Answer a few questions on Medical Guardian's website to get a quote on the best product and plan for you. This process is slower than calling a representative.
Call to speak with a Bay Alarm Medical representative. Get your questions answered, products recommended, and ask about current deals and promotions.
Answer a few questions on Bay Alarm Medical's website to get a quote on the best product and plan for you. This process is slower than calling a representative.
Quick Tip: If you don’t see your provider listed above and you’re not sure if your company offers a companion app, check their website or give them a call to inquire. You won’t want to miss out on the benefits!
If you’re looking for a medical alert app that isn’t attached to an existing medical alert system subscription, consider the stand-alone apps below!
App name | Monthly Fee | Vitals | Medication reminders | GPS tracking | Pairable with smart watch | In-app medical alert button | Fall alerts |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Lively Link | $24.99-$39.99 | No | No | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
Red Panic Button | $0-$4.99 | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
FallSafety Home | $0-$4.99 | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Senior Safety | $0-$4.50 | No | No | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
For seniors who find themselves in an emergency situation, a medical alert app can notify your loved ones that you’re in need of help; some apps will even connect you directly to a trained operator who can send emergency services if needed. When considering a medical alert app, it is important to assess your medical history, lifestyle, and budget. In general, we recommend every senior have some type of medical alert app just in case of an emergency. If you’re a healthy, active senior who just wants peace of mind, then one of the stand-alone medical alert apps detailed above may be ideal for you.
According to the CDC, the majority of older adults living with Alzheimer’s and other related dementias receive care in their homes.3 For those who are cognitively impaired and still living at home, medical alert apps with tracking abilities can provide a safety net for wandering, which is a common symptom of dementia. If you are a caregiver to an older adult with difficulty communicating or a history of falls, a medical alert app paired with a medical alert system would be great protection while you’re away from your loved one.
Depending on the features you’re looking for and whether you choose a supplemental or stand-alone app, it will cost between $0-$39.99 per month.
If you or someone you care for lives alone or has a history of falling, a medical alert app is a great option for on-the-go protection.
Yes. Medical alert apps can help caregivers stay informed on the whereabouts of their loved ones when they are away. They also alert caregivers if their loved one is having a medical emergency.
A medical alert app gives users the option to alert emergency contacts if they are in an emergency situation and need help. Apps paired with a medical alert system have additional safety features.
Linda’s Acclaimed Career in Senior Care Linda Schlenker is a comforting voice for seniors and caregivers across the U.S. For nearly three decades, Linda has helped seniors remain safe in their own homes, while helping them to regain priceless independence and peace… Learn More About Linda Schlenker
Morgan has been writing about the senior living industry for the past five years. In addition to over 400 hours of research on topics like medical alert systems, health insurance, and technology for older adults, she also brings her previous experience working… Learn More About Morgan Redding
AARP. (2017). Technology Use and Attitudes among Mid-Life and Older Americans.
Better Business Bureau. (2020). LifeFone.
CDC. (2020). Alzheimer's Disease and Healthy Aging.