Best Medical Alert Systems of 2020

What is a Medical Alert System?

Also known as personal emergency response systems, these devices make it possible for users to get fast help during a medical or personal emergency that requires a fast response time. Medical alert systems are exceptional tools that can—and do—save many lives every year.  So what exactly are medical alert systems, what are the most useful and popular features, and how does one choose the best system to meet their specific needs and budget? This detailed guide answers those questions and many others to help you select the right personal response system so you and your family can enjoy greater peace of mind.

While medical alert systems are most popular within the senior community, they are ideal for anyone who has mobility issues, suffers from chronic health condition, and individuals who are home alone frequently. These devices allow users to simply press a button and reach out for assistance through a 24/7 monitoring center who will dispatch services such as the fire department or an ambulance depending on the situation at hand.

Depending on the device and the features you choose, there may also be no need to push a button if the system has auto detection features that can tell if you have fallen or if smoke or carbon monoxide is detected in the home. The capabilities of medical alert systems vary widely between brands, as does the pricing. Here is a rundown of the features, pricing, and pros and cons of the top five medical alert systems for seniors today.

Popular Features of Medical Alert Systems

There are an array of handy features that some seniors and their families may find useful. However, many of the top companies listed above charge additional fees for some of these services. Here is what you should know to determine if these are conveniences that you will benefit from and actually employ.

24/7 Emergency Response Services

Of course, it does not do much good to have a system without also having 24/7 monitoring in place. Essentially, the system serves as a quick emergency alert through physical, vocal commands or sensor activation to send help out immediately when the monitoring company is alerted.

Fall Detection

If you have ever fallen and struggled to get up by yourself, this is a must-have feature of wearable personal devices that immediately detects if the wearer has fallen. All of the top five choices listed here offer fall detection services, but some companies do not. Those with mobility issues or vertigo will definitely want to have this service, but fall detection is recommended for all seniors. After all, falls are the number one cause of injury within the home and members of the elderly population are at a much higher risk than the average person to suffer from a fall. Many packages include fall detection into their monitoring fees while others may charge up to $10 additional per month for the service.

GPS Mobile Tracking

Those looking for portable service or remote location service will definitely want to choose a GPS enabled medical alert device. GPS mobile tracking is almost essential to ease the minds of loved ones and caregivers who may need to pinpoint a senior with a diagnosis of Alzheimers or other forms of memory loss. If the user gets lost, they can use this device to not only contact help, but to allow assistance givers to find them even if they don’t know their exact location. Furthermore, authorized persons can contact the monitoring company to have their loved one tracked down to a precise location as long as they are wearing the device.

Easy Set-Up

Every medical alert system will have a specific set of instructions. While some are as simple to install and get up and running as plugging a base into an outlet and telephone line, others—particularly wireless systems—will be a bit more challenging. Setting up the Wi-Fi connection may require downloading an app and customizing option settings like notifications, GPS, and other features. Fortunately, top companies are reliable about providing online and phone support to assist customers with getting medical alert systems set up properly.

Multi-Lingual Support

If the senior, their family or their caregivers do not speak fluent English it is essential to consult with medical alert system monitoring companies about their ability to provide adequate translation services. Be sure to inquire about the predominant language you specifically need to ensure that you don’t get locked into a contract with a company that cannot provide such services.

Spouse or Additional Occupant Coverage

This is an excellent option to consider for married seniors or those who share a residence with another occupant who could also benefit from a personal emergency alert system. While some companies include this coverage with certain packages, others may charge a nominal fee to provide a secondary beneficiary with a medical alert device and monitoring services. This ensures that in times that the two individuals are not together that both of them have full access to 24/7 protection.

Automatic System Testing

This is now becoming more of a standard feature on modern alert systems, especially those connected to apps on smart devices. Automatic system testing can be set for daily, weekly, or monthly checks to make sure that they are properly set and functioning the way they should be. Periodic self-checks are advised just to make certain that no problems are going undetected by the automatic system.

2-Way Voice

Just about all personal monitoring alert systems come with devices that are equipped with speakers that enable vocal two-way communication. Two vocal transmissions allow users to speak directly with representatives within the monitoring center to communicate their specific issue needing to be addressed. Devices lacking this feature will only have a panic button to alert the call center, but they will be unable to offer any details concerning the nature of their emergency.

Long Range Coverage

In-home medical alert systems have a particular distance range that typically averages between 500-1500 feet from the base unit and the individual’s pendant device. While homebound individuals may not need and extended range, active seniors may want to consider a device activated through a cellular connection that boasts a GPS tracking feature. Many of the top companies offer a nationwide network and others may offer worldwide coverage to bring the ultimate sense of comfort to seniors and their families.

Wall Buttons

Wall buttons are a wonderful back up to pendants, watches, bracelets and other standard medical alert devices traditionally worn by seniors. The fact is, there are some individuals who can benefit from these devices that are reluctant to be seen wearing them, so a wall unit can be an additional way to keep loved ones safe. These should be strategically installed in higher risk areas like kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms and stairs with caution taken to install them fairly low to the ground so that they will be accessible in case of a fall. Wall button units may be included with basic equipment packages or they may be purchased as an accessory. Additional monitoring fees may be ensued depending on the company and your contract’s specific details.

Water Resistance

Those planning to wear portable medical alert devices should pay close attention to the level of water resistance listed. There is a big difference between waterproof and water resistant, with the latter only able to resist small amounts of water for short time periods. In retrospect, waterproof medical devices can be submerged underwater for extended amounts of time and still maintain efficacy without damage. Clarify any devices you are considering purchasing to confirm their moisture resistance.

Medical Alert System Lockboxes

Lockboxes are essentially a place that is designated to hold a key to the home’s entry door in case emergency responders need to gain entry and no one can open the door from inside a locked door. How this convenient feature works is actually very simple. After a user activates the emergency alert system, the dispatch service notifies the EMS, fire department or appropriate responders to your location. If you cannot or do not open the door, having a medical alert system lockbox gives responders an option besides breaking down the door and causing costly property damage. Instead, your monitoring company’s dispatcher can give emergency personnel your lockbox code so they can access the key to open the door and begin administering assistance.

Payment Options for Medical Alert Systems

Besides paying out of pocket, there are a few options concerning paying for all or part of the cost of a medical alert system and monitoring expenses.

• Medicare – Medicare Part B typically will not cover the cost of medical alert systems whatsoever, but some Medicare Advantage supplement plans may provide a certain level of coverage for seniors who qualify.
• Medicaid – This government program varies from state to state, so one should consult with their local office to determine if coverage for medical alert devices is available under Medicaid. However, most Medicaid programs will cover certain devices and monitoring programs for qualified individuals.
• Veterans Benefits – Qualifying servicepersons, veterans and surviving spouses may qualify for a free or reduced cost personal emergency response device and monitoring using their VA benefits. The VA itself offers a free phone dialer device similar to traditional medical alert systems. However, this basic equipment is only pre-programmed with a few phone numbers to dial if the emergency system is activated. It is not intended to serve as a full-fledged monitored medical response system.
• Private Insurance – Comprehensive medical insurance often has allowances for medial alert system compensation. However, they often don’t cover monitoring fees even if they offer reimbursement for all of part of the equipment purchase price.

However you choose to pay for your medical alert system, be aware that while the Internal Revenue Service doesn’t specifically offer a tax deduction for equipment and monitoring costs, that they often do qualify as itemized medical expenses.

Where To Buy Medical Alert Systems

There are three primary ways to buy a medical alert system: through a local retailer, online or through the company directly. When buying through a local retailer or via online sources, it is important to remember that you will also need to find a monitoring service that is compatible with the brand of alert system you purchase. One advantage of buying online there is the convenience of having multiple user ratings, reviews and price comparisons available with just a few simple searches. However, buying directly from the provider has advantages such as lower monitoring rates, customized packages, and expert assistance concerning selections, services, setup and installation.

FAQs About Medical Alert Systems