- Wide array of customizable systems
- No long-term contracts required
- At-home and on-the-go systems
- Prices starting at $27.95 per month
- No equipment fees
- Small, lightweight design
- Easy-to-use systems
- Lifetime warranty
- Seasonal promotions
Best Medical Alert Apps for Existing Subscribers
- Medical Guardian – MyGuardian App
- Bay Alarm Medical – Caregiver Tracking App
- LifeFone – Mobile Alert App
- Aloe Care Health – Aloe Care Health App
- Lifeline – Philips Cares App
Best Stand-alone Medical Alert Apps
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.
How We Chose the Best Medical Alert Apps
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.
- Safety: With any medical alert system or device, you want to trust that it will work when you need it the most. We’ve included the most trusted and reviewed apps so you can rest assured that they will offer protection and safety in the event of a medical emergency.
- Value: We realize that everyone’s budget is different, and that’s why you’ll see a wide price range on the apps that made it onto our list. We made sure to include some wallet-friendly options as well as some higher-end apps for those who don’t mind paying more for advanced features.
- Innovative Features: Access to a 24/7 emergency operator, fall detection, and activity monitoring –– there is no shortage of innovative features in the medical alert apps we’ve researched. We’ve included the most innovative apps so you can choose customizable features that fit your lifestyle.
What’s the Difference Between Stand-alone Medical Alert Apps and Supplemental Medical Alert Apps?
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 |
Best Medical Alert Apps for Existing Subscribers
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 |
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1. Medical Guardian - MyGuardian Caregiving Portal and App
Pros About Medical Guardian
- Advanced location tracking
- Chat with care partners via companion app
- Companion app accessible on mobile device or desktop
- Appointment/activity alerts
- Billing management
- Care Circle management
- System status and reports for select systems
Cons About Medical Guardian
- May be complicated for seniors who are cognitively impaired or have trouble with technology
- App is only available for systems purchased after August 1, 2021
Call Medical Guardian
Call to speak with a Medical Guardian representative. Get your questions answered, products recommended, and ask about current deals and promotions.
Visit MedicalGuardian.com
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.
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2. Bay Alarm Medical - Caregiver Tracking App
Pros About Bay Alarm Medical
- Location tracking
- Location history
- Notifications if emergency alert device is running low on battery
- Can be downloaded on multiple phones
- Supports multiple devices and profiles
- Available on both Android or iPhone devices
Cons About Bay Alarm Medical
- App is only for caregivers, not seniors themselves
- App is only accessible with one of Bay Alarm’s systems
Call Bay Alarm Medical
Call to speak with a Bay Alarm Medical representative. Get your questions answered, products recommended, and ask about current deals and promotions.
Visit BayAlarmMedical.com
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.
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3. Aloe Care Health App
Pros About Aloe Care Health
- Log of check-ins and caregiver notes to keep everyone on the same page
- Visible in-home and outdoor temperatures in case of unusual spikes
- Notifications if VOC or CO2 levels change in the home
- Notifies caregivers of decreased activity in the home
- Access to Health Card and Care Circle
Cons About Aloe Care Health
- Location only available if you have the Mobile Companion
- App is designed for caregivers, not the senior being monitored
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4. LifeFone - Caregiver Mobile App
Pros About LifeFone
- First-motion-of-the-day check
- If device is lost, caregiver can ring
- Location detection and history
Cons About LifeFone
- Only available with one of LifeFone’s systems
- Somewhat high monthly cost
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5. Lifeline - Lifeline Cares
Pros About Lifeline
- Easily check the status of subscribers’ wearable emergency alert device
- Collaborative space for family members and friends
- No extra cost for Lifeline subscribers
- Access to Care Circle
- Access to account information and billing
- Shared notes about loved one’s mood and overall wellness
Cons About Lifeline
- No true medical alert features
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!
Best Stand-alone Medical Alert Apps in 2023
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 |
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1. Lively App
Pros About Lively App
- Optional professional medical advice
- Caregivers can stay connected through the Lively app
- Stand-alone app options
- Location detection
- Telehealth option
Cons About Lively App
- If you want additional features, it can get pricey
- Only works with Jitterbug Smart2 or Android 7.0/iPhone iOS 11 or later
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3. FallSafety Home
Pros About FallSafety Home
- Fall detection for both big and small falls
- High heart rate detection
- Shares location during an emergency
- Built-in panic button
- Siren alarm through iPhone speaker
- Free to use with one emergency contact
Cons About FallSafety Home
- Only compatible with select iPhone and Apple Watch Series 3, 4, 5, SE, and 6
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4. Senior Safety
Pros About Senior Safety
- Location monitoring with geo-fencing to prevent wandering
- SOS Alert Alarm
- Round-robin calling feature to emergency contacts
- Fall detection alerts
- Low-battery alerts
- Dangerous situations alerts
- High ambient noise alerts
Cons About Senior Safety
- Only compatible with Android phones
- Since it is not compatible with a smartwatch, seniors must have their smartphone with them for this app to work
Do I Need a Medical Alert App?
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.
FAQs About Medical Alert Apps
- How much does a medical alert app cost?
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.
- Do I need a medical alert app?
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.
- Are medical alert apps beneficial for caregivers?
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.
- What does a medical alert app do?
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.
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.