Best Medical Alert Apps for Seniors

Our medical alert experts reviewed the best medical alert apps and narrowed the options down to our top choices in 2024.

Morgan Redding Writer and Editor
Linda Schlenker Linda Schlenker Fall Prevention & Senior Safety Expert

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Best Medical Alert Apps for Existing Subscribers

  1. Medical Guardian – MyGuardian App
  2. Bay Alarm Medical – Caregiver Tracking App
  3. LifeFone – Mobile Alert App
  4. Aloe Care Health – Aloe Care Health App
  5. Lifeline – Philips Cares App

Best Stand-alone Medical Alert Apps

  1. Lively App
  2. Red Panic Button
  3. FallSafety Home
  4. Senior Safety App

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 include a medical alert app, the pocket-sized technology can send help quickly if you have a medical emergency, allowing your loved ones to stay informed. If you’re one of the seven in ten adults over 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 them 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 and conversations with customer care representatives, we learned the ins and outs of the most popular medical alert apps. Apps had to provide safety for seniors, offer innovative features, and deliver quality products at great value to rank on our list.

  • 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 a medical emergency.
  • Value: We realize that everyone’s budget is different, so 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 plus 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 and 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 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, neighbors, 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
  • 1. Medical Guardian - MyGuardian Caregiving Portal and App

    Medical Guardian offers MyGuardian, a free caregiver app compatible with all five of the company’s systems. The app and systems go hand in hand and offer unique features, including a chat feature to check in with caregivers or loved ones, advanced location tracking, and system status reports. This combination is ideal for active older adults who want the peace of mind of a medical alert system accompanied by high-tech features.

    The app is free, but if you want to add premium features, like advanced emergency notifications, that’s an extra $3 per month to your subscription. Read our Medical Guardian pricing guide for more details on these costs. For a closer look at this provider, visit our Medical Guardian review.

    Setting reminders in Medical Guardian's MyGuardian mobile app

    Setting reminders in Medical Guardian’s MyGuardian mobile app

    Ease of use Equipment Service & Response Features & Tech Pricing
    Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent
    Please scroll to the right for more info.

    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.

  • 2. Bay Alarm Medical - Caregiver Tracking App

    The Caregiver Tracking app by Bay Alarm Medical is designed with caregivers in mind and provides real-time location tracking, location history, and low-battery notifications. The app works with the SOS Mobile, SOS All-In-One, and SOS Smartwatch systems.

    The app used to cost an extra monthly fee, so we appreciate that Bay Alarm Medical’s prices have gone down. The app is ideal for family members who have a loved one who may be struggling with dementia or difficulty thinking and want to know the location of their loved one at all times. We love that the whole family can stay in the loop since the app can be downloaded on multiple phones. Remember that this app doesn’t provide much benefit for those who wear the medical alert device but is best suited for adult children and spouses. Read our latest Bay Alarm Medical review to learn more about this provider.

    Navigating Bay Alarm Medical's companion mobile app

    Navigating Bay Alarm Medical’s companion mobile app

    Ease of use Equipment Service & Response Features & Tech Pricing
    Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent
    Please scroll to the right for more info.

    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 and 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.

  • 3. Aloe Care Health App

    By connecting multiple caregivers on this innovative app, older adults can stay safe and connected both in and out of the home. The free Aloe Care Health app is most beneficial for caregivers who want to monitor and check in on their aging loved one and collaborate with other caregivers. The collaborative caregiving app gives real-time activity insights and check-in abilities by connecting with their high-tech devices, such as the voice-activated Smart Hub, wearable help button, a mobile companion, and motion sensors in the home. The app also provides access to a Health Card, which lists the user’s allergies, medical information, or medical conditions in the event of an emergency.

    Caregivers can also call their loved ones through the app via the Smart Hub. It’s convenient for older adults who don’t always have their cell phones by their side; they can simply speak with their loved ones through the Smart Hub speaker, thanks to the Health Care Health app. The app comes at no extra cost to the Aloe Care Health system, which runs from $29.99 to $39.99 per month, depending on the package you choose. Head to our Aloe Care Health review for a closer look.

    Checking in on the Aloe Care Health app

    Testing out the Aloe Care Health app

    Ease of use Equipment Service & Response Features & Tech Pricing
    Above Average Above Average Above Average Above Average
    Please scroll to the right for more info.

    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

  • 4. LifeFone - Caregiver Mobile App

    Accredited by the Better Business Bureau, LifeFone is a company that has been trusted for years.2 LifeFone offers a Caregiver Mobile App for its VIPx® system. This optional app costs $8 per month and includes location detection and history, step tracking, a first-motion-of-the-day check, battery level notifications, and the ability to ring the device.

    Because it has several high-level features for caregivers, this app is an excellent choice for older adults who go out independently but may have chronic health conditions or be at high risk for a fall. It is also a good option for older adults in the early stages of dementia.

    LifeFone - Caregiver Mobile App

    LifeFone – Caregiver Mobile App

    Ease of use Equipment Service & Response Features & Tech Pricing
    Above Average Above Average Above Average Above Average
    Please scroll to the right for more info.

    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

  • 5. Lifeline - Lifeline Cares

    Lifeline Cares is a collaborative app that facilitates seamless communication among caregivers and Lifeline subscribers. It is ideal for families who live far apart and want to easily stay informed on the status of their loved one. Though this app lacks true emergency alert features, the app does allow seniors to build a “care circle” of friends and family for support. Those in the established care circle will receive immediate alerts if their loved one activates the emergency alert button on their wearable Lifeline device. The app also allows updates and photos to be shared, so care circles stay in the loop. It is free with a Lifeline package, which runs about $30-$50 per month, depending on the system chosen. To learn more about this provider, read our hands-on Lifeline review.

    Lifeline Cares App

    Lifeline Cares App

    Ease of use Equipment Service & Response Features & Tech Pricing
    Above Average Above Average Above Average Above Average
    Please scroll to the right for more info.

    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:

Quick Tip: If you don’t see your provider listed above and are unsure if your company offers a companion app, check their website or call to inquire. You won’t want to miss out on the benefits!

Best Stand-alone Medical Alert Apps in 2024

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 smartwatch 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
  • 1. Lively App

    Known for their senior-friendly phones like the Jitterbug Flip2, Lively allows seniors to use their smartphones as medical alert devices when paired with the Lively app. When the device’s help button is pressed in an emergency, it connects to the Lively Link app and contacts an emergency operator. You can also use the Lively app as a stand-alone medical alert app on your iPhone, Apple Watch, or Alexa-enabled smart speaker.

    Lively prices range from $24.99 to $39.99 per month for two of the Lively Health & Safety Packages (Preferred and Premium) including the Lively Link. The app enables caregiver tracking, low battery notifications, emergency alerts, and enhanced communication for your support network. The Lively Health & Safety Packages offer additional services like a 24/7 telehealth platform and access to trained agents in a certified monitoring center. If you’re looking to turn your current smartphone into a robust personal medical alert device, we highly recommend Lively. Check out our latest Lively medical alert review for more details.

    Testing out the Lively Link app's location tracking feature

    Testing out the Lively Link app’s location tracking feature

    Ease of use Equipment Service & Response Features & Tech Pricing
    Excellent Above Average Excellent Excellent
    Please scroll to the right for more info.

    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

  • 2. Red Panic Button

    Developed in 2010, the Red Panic Button sends an emergency message and your location to an established list of contacts through text, email, and even a tweet through Twitter if you have an account. The app is free if you’re looking to use its basic features and can also be paired with smartwatches so you can access the panic button on your wrist. If you pay $4.99 per month for a subscription you will avoid in-app ads and can input unlimited contacts. If you’re looking for a bare-bones medical alert app for your loved one that can be accessed for free, the Red Panic Button could be your best option.

    Red Panic Button

    Red Panic Button’s app

    Please scroll to the right for more info.

    Pros About Red Panic Button

    • Pairable with smartwatches
    • Great value
    • Free options

    Cons About Red Panic Button

    • Does not connect user to emergency operator or 911
    • Lacks features when compared to other medical alert apps

  • 3. FallSafety Home

    Using your iPhone and Apple Watch, FallSafety Home is great for older adults who are prone to falling and are looking for an innovative medical alert app at a great price. With fall detection, high heart rate detection, and a “send help” button, the app provides discreet protection for independent seniors. The app can be used for free but limits users to one emergency contact. We recommend paying $4.99 per month to have five emergency contacts entered into the app. If the app detects a fall or you press the “send help” button, those five contacts will be alerted. The app can also play a siren alarm so emergency services can find you.

    FallSafety Home

    FallSafety Home App

    Please scroll to the right for more info.

    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

  • 4. Senior Safety

    Great for caregivers who want to monitor a loved one when they are away, the Senior Safety app has some unique features at a good price. If your loved one has dementia or other cognitive challenges, this app can alert you when your loved one wanders outside a set boundary, when there is high ambient noise around them, or when a fall is detected. The GPS tracking, low-battery alerts, and inactivity alerts allow caregivers to stay informed if anything unusual is happening with their loved one. There is a less robust free version of the app, but for just $45 a year, or $4.50 per month, you can get the pro version of the app which includes safety alerts, scam and fraud protection, and GPS tracking.

    Senior Safety App

    Senior Safety App

    Please scroll to the right for more info.

    Pros About Senior Safety

    • Location monitoring with geo-fencing to prevent wandering
    • SOS Alert Alarm
    • Round-robin calling feature for 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, a medical alert app can notify your loved ones that you require 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 and need help. Apps paired with a medical alert system have additional safety features.

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Written By:
Morgan Redding
Writer and Editor
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… Learn More About Morgan Redding
Reviewed By:
Linda Schlenker
Fall Prevention & Senior Safety Expert
Linda earned her Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from Tufts University and has assisted 10,000+ seniors throughout her 25-year career. She specializes in home health care and fall prevention for seniors and has nearly three decades of experience recommending medical… Learn More About Linda Schlenker
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