Get caregiver alerts and 24/7 Urgent Response through your Amazon Echo!
Get caregiver alerts and 24/7 Urgent Response through your Amazon Echo!
Our experts tested and researched 20 medical alert devices and narrowed the list to their top recommendations.
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 alert systems. Her insights have helped inform the reviews and ratings below. Learn More about Linda
5 experts consulted
300+ hours of medical alert research
20 products considered
10 products selected
SeniorLiving.org is compensated when you click on the provider links listed on this page. This compensation does not impact our ratings or reviews.
| Provider | ADT Health | Alexa Together | Aloe Care Health | Bay Alarm Medical | LifeFone | Lively | Medical Alert | Medical Guardian | MobileHelp |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prices starting at | $29.99 per month | $19.99 per month | $34.99 per month | $24.95 per month | $29.95 per month | $19.99 per month | $27.95 per month | $29.95 per month | $19.95 per month |
| Fall detection | $10 per month | With purchase of a third-party device | Included in some packages | $10 per month | $5-$10 per month | $10 per month | $10 per month | $10 per month | $10 per month |
| Activation fees | No | No | No | No | No | Up to $35 | No | No | No |
| Connection type | Landline or Cellular | Wi-Fi and Bluetooth | Wi-Fi or cellular | Landline or cellular | Landline or cellular | Cellular | Landline or cellular | Landline or cellular | Landline or cellular |
| GPS equipment | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| In-home coverage range | Up to 600 feet | N/A | N/A | Up to 1,000 feet | Up to 1,300 feet | No in-home systems | Up to 600 feet | Up to 1,300 feet | Up to 1,400 feet |
| Waterproof help buttons | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | Lifetime | Up to 1 year | 1 year | Lifetime | Lifetime | 1 year | Lifetime | Lifetime | Limited lifetime |
| Money-back guarantee | 30 days | 15 days | No | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days | None | 30 days |
| Long-term contracts | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Spouse monitoring | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Bay Alarm Medical’s systems start at just $24.95 per month with no equipment fees, and even their top-tier packages remain affordable, which is why Bay Alarm once again placed on our list. They offer inexpensive systems for use at home or out on the town. Not only are the prices affordable compared to the competition, but the systems also come packed with top-of-the-line features and value, so you really get the most bang for your buck. Plus, if you want more than one system, you can bundle two for even bigger savings. While there are a few providers that offer in-home systems for a few dollars less per month, Bay Alarm Medical’s inexpensive on-the-go prices and bundles make it the most affordable overall.
Bay Alarm Medical Current Deal: Bay Alarm Medical is currently offering free shipping and a free month of service for select plans.
Bay Alarm Medical’s SOS Mobile system is sleek, small, and lightweight, so it’s perfect for active users who don’t want to carry around a bulky system. It also comes with a Caregiver Tracking feature, which allows caregivers to pinpoint the location of the wearer, view their location history, and receive low battery notifications. The SOS Smartwatch, the company’s latest system, allows you to track your steps, set daily goals, and connect to their 24/7 monitoring center. It’s excellent for active seniors who want a discreet system that functions like a smartwatch. The in-home unit comes with all the standard features: a base unit, help pendant, and optional fall detection. Plus, you can add wall help buttons to any package.
| Product name | Prices starting at | Connection type | Designed for | Fall detection |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SOS Home | In-Home Basic: $24.95 per month
In-Home Preferred: $29.95 per month In-Home Premium: $39.95 |
Landline or Cellular (AT&T) | In-home use | $10 per month |
| SOS Mobile | Mobile Lite: $29.95 per month Mobile Plus: $39.95 per month Mobile 360° Bundle: $49.95 per month (each have a one-time $99 equipment fee) |
Cellular (AT&T) | On-the-go use | Included with Mobile Plus and Mobile 360° Bundle |
| SOS Smartwatch | Smartwatch only: $34.95 per month
In-Home + Smartwatch: $49.95 per month (both require one-time $159 equipment fee) |
Cellular (AT&T) | Active, on-the-go users | N/A |
| SOS All-In-One | All-In-One: $34.95 per month
All-In-One with Auto Fall: $44.95 per month (both require one-time $99-$129 equipment fee) |
Landline + Cellular (AT&T) connection | In-home and On-the-go use | Included with top-tier bundle |
We’d recommend Bay Alarm Medical’s affordable, sleek systems for the following users:
For more details on this provider’s alert systems, take a look at our Bay Alarm Medical review.
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.
This company is always one step ahead when it comes to high-tech, customizable features for medical alert systems. With everything from discreet on-the-go systems to the MyGuardian companion mobile app and desktop portal, Medical Guardian adds flair and versatility that many competitors simply don’t offer. Whether you’re looking for a simple medical alert system or one with all the bells and whistles, Medial Guardian offers five different packages to meet your needs. They have all of the standard features and add-ons, including fall detection, a base station with two-way audio, water-resistant help buttons, and systems built for at-home and on-the-go use. Medical Guardian also offers a lot of deals on its packages throughout the year, so be sure to keep an eye on their website!
Current Medical Guardian Deal: Medical Guardian is running a New Year’s sale. You can save 50 percent on their Mini Guardian on-the-go system. Plus, with an annual subscription, you’ll get a free month of service, free shipping, and a free lockbox!
| Product name | Prices starting at | Connection type | Designed for | Fall detection |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classic Guardian | $29.95 per month | Landline | At-home use | $10 per month |
| Home 2.0 | $37.95 per month (one-time equipment fee of $149.95) | LTE, Wi-Fi | At-home use | $10 per month |
| Mini Guardian | $39.95 per month (one-time equipment fee of $149.95) | Wi-Fi, GPS, 4G | Discrete on-the-go use (all-in-one system) | $10 per month |
| Mobile 2.0 | $44.95 per month | Wi-Fi, GPS, 4G | On-the-go use | $10 per month |
| MGMove | $39.95 per month (one-time equipment fee of $199.95) | GPS, 4G | On-the-go smartwatch | Not available |
Medical Guardian’s diverse product lineup is a great fit for all sorts of older adults. We’d highly recommend Medical Guardian for the following people:
Check out this year’s Medical Guardian review for more details on their offerings.
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.
ADT is best known for its 150-year history of providing reliable, innovative home security. The company has applied that same standard of excellence to its medical alert systems to protect seniors and their families. Though ADT’s systems are comparable to major competitors, we were most impressed with the professionalism of their monitoring centers which is why they made our list. ADT’s Emergency Response Monitoring Center is U.S.-based, company-owned, company-operated, and monitored 24/7 by senior-sensitivity-trained professionals. In the middle of an emergency, older adults can rest assured they will speak with a top-trained ADT professional.
Money-saving Tip: You can often score deals when you order ADT systems online, such as free activation, free shipping, and discounts on monthly monitoring.
ADT has a variety of systems, including on-the-go and in-home models and add-on features, such as fall detection and home temperature monitoring. If you already have an ADT home security system, make sure you mention it to your customer representative, as you may be eligible for a discount on an ADT medical alert system.
| Product name | Prices starting at | Connection type | Designed for | Fall detection |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medical Alert Basic | $29.99 per month | Landline | In-home use | Not available |
| Medical Alert Plus | $35.99 per month | Cellular (AT&T) | In-home use | $10 per month |
| On-the-Go | $39.99 per month | Cellular | On-the-go use | $10 per month |
We would recommend ADT’s medical alert systems for the following seniors:
To learn more about ADT’s offerings, visit our latest ADT Health review.
You’ve probably heard of Alexa, Amazon’s voice assistant, and you might even have an Alexa-enabled speaker in your home. If you have an Alexa product or are interested in purchasing one, Alexa Together is our top pick for your medical alert needs. Alexa Together can be accessed from any Alexa-enabled device for $19.99 per month. Subscribers can use all of Alexa’s standard voice-activated features, plus several medical alert features. This system is excellent for those with mobility or vision issues, as you can control all features with the sound of your voice.
FYI: Amazon is offering a 30-day risk-free trial for Alexa Together!
As mentioned, you can use any Alexa-enabled device with Alexa Together. Below are a few of our favorite Amazon Echo devices that pair well with Alexa Together.
| Product name | Prices starting at | Connection type | Designed for | Fall detection |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Echo (4th Gen) | $19.99 per month;
$49.99 for equipment |
Wi-Fi/Bluetooth | The central hub of your home or space where you spend the most time | With additional equipment |
| Echo Dot (5th Gen) | $19.99 per month;
$59.99 for equipment |
Wi-Fi/Bluetooth | Compact spaces | With additional equipment |
| Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen) | $19.99 per month;
$129.99 for equipment |
Wi-Fi/Bluetooth | Video chat and entertainment | With additional equipment |
We recommend this high-function subscription coupled with an Alexa-enabled device for the following users:
For more details on how this in-home system works, read our 2023 Alexa Together review.
Medical Alert offers one of the industry’s best mobile apps. The ability to track a medical alert subscriber’s whereabouts, emergency calls, and device status adds an extra level of assurance for family members and caregivers. Medical Alert’s mobile app lets the user’s loved ones do just that. With the added peace of mind, you won’t feel the need to check in on your aging loved ones multiple times a day, and they won’t feel like you’re hovering. All you have to do is open the mobile app straight from your smartphone to view their call history and device status, create testing schedules, build an emergency contact list, and check their real-time location. Medical Alert offers other essential features for their at-home and on-the-go systems, including optional fall detection, GPS location tracking, and waterproof help buttons. Plus, setup for every system is as simple as it gets, requiring just one or two plugins. With all of these great features, Medical Alert was an easy top pick. Best of all, Medical Alert’s pricing is hard to beat!
Current Deal: Medical Alert is offering free shipping, a free lockbox, and a protection plan for as low as $1 per month for new customers.
| Product name | Prices starting at* | Connection type | Designed for | Fall detection |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home System (Landline) | $27.95 per month | Landline | In-home use | $10 per month |
| Home System (Cellular) | $37.95 per month | Cellular (AT&T) | In-home use | $10 per month |
| Mobile System | $47.95 per month | Cellular (AT&T) | In-home and on-the-go use | $10 per month |
* All plans require a one-time $79 programming fee. Discounts available for semi-annual and annual payment plans.
With easy-to-use systems, a top-of-the-line mobile app, and affordable monthly rates, we’d recommend Medical Alert for the following seniors:
If Medical Alert sounds like the right choice for you, see our full Medical Alert review.
LifeFone is a top contender, as they offer one of the largest in-home coverage ranges in the industry. It’s essential for older adults to be able to call for help during an emergency, no matter where they are in the house. At 1,400 feet, LifeFone’s range from its base station to wearable help buttons is two or even three times the in-home coverage of many of its competitors. Plus, LifeFone’s signal range is the same for both its cellular and landline systems. Oftentimes, companies offer a larger coverage range for landline systems when compared to their cellular options, which is frustrating for those without a landline. You can enhance your systems even further with automatic fall detection starting at $5 per month, which is very affordable for the industry. LifeFone’s systems have several other great perks that put them on our list, including a caregiver mobile app, features for those with hearing or visual impairments, and up to a 16-day battery life for the At-Home & On-the-Go, VIPx system. In addition, they recently added a smartwatch medical alert system to their lineup.
Current Deal: You can save $60 on the Preferred or Ultimate package as an AARP member!
| Product name | Prices starting at | Connection type | Designed for | Fall detection |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| At-Home Landline | $29.95 per month | Landline | In-home use | $5 per month |
| At-Home Cellular | $34.95 per month | Cellular (AT&T) | In-home use | $5 per month |
| At-Home & On-the-Go | $39.95 per month | Cellular (AT&T) | In-home & on-the-go use | $10 per month |
| At-Home & On-the-Go, VIP Active | $43.95 per month | Cellular (AT&T or Verizon) | In-home & on-the-go use (all-in-one system) | $5 per month |
| At-Home & On-the-Go, VIPx | $45.95 per month | Cellular (AT&T or Verizon) | In-home & on-the-go use | $5 per month |
| At-Home & On-the-Go Smartwatch Active | $49.95 per month | Cellular (AT&T) | In-home & on-the-go for active users | $5 per month |
LifeFone’s affordable and versatile at-home and on-the-go systems will be a great match for many different types of users in their golden years:
For more information, take a look at our full LifeFone review.
Lively’s unique senior-friendly phones with built-in medical alert technology put them on our list. One of the main complaints we hear from seniors time and time again is that they don’t want to wear or carry a medical alert device everywhere they go. Lively is one of the only providers that offers cell phones equipped with medical alert features to solve this problem; older adults can stay protected and connected on the go with one simple device designed with their needs in mind.
Did You Know: You can buy Lively products at brick-and-mortar stores including Walgreens and Best Buy.
Subscribers can choose from several health and safety packages to add to their phones. Lively’s monthly cost for these plans depends on the level of medical alert features you want, so it’s easy to find something to fit your budget. These features range from automatic fall detection and 24/7 monitoring to medication reminders and concierge services like a personal operator to call Lyft rides. Or, if you just want a senior-friendly cell phone, you can pay for the phone and a talk, text, and/or data plan without paying for any added medical alert features. Lively’s cell phones run on Verizon’s network, so if you have solid coverage in your area you’ll be set.
Lively also has a standalone medical alert system for those who don’t want a phone and just want to stay protected. Additionally, they offer their health and safety services for popular devices you might already own like iPhones, Apple Watches, and Alexa-enabled devices.
| Product name | Device cost | Health & Safety Package price range | Designed for | Fall detection |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jitterbug Smart3 | $149.99 | $24.99 to $34.99 per month | Smartphone with touchscreen | No |
| Jitterbug Flip2 | $99.99 | $24.99 to $34.99 per month | Flip phone | No |
| Lively Mobile Plus | $49.99 | $24.99 to $34.99 per month | Standalone medical alert device | $9.99 per month |
| Lively on iPhone or Apple Watch* | N/A | $29.99 per month | Mobile app that lets you access health and safety features on an iPhone or Apple Watch | No, but the Apple Watch does offer fall detection. |
| Lively on Alexa-enabled devices | N/A | $24.99 per month | Alexa smart speaker | No |
* Mobile app subscription doesn’t come with an Apple Watch or iPhone.
With more and more seniors purchasing cell phones and looking for ways to stay connected, Lively is a good choice for the following older adults:
For more details about Lively’s offerings head over to our Lively medical alert system review.
Aloe Care Health’s systems are ideal for adult children and caregivers who worry about their loved one living on their own. This medical alert system leverages modern technology to provide ultimate at-home support for independent seniors and their caregivers. Family and friends in the designated Care Circle can see real-time updates on their loved one via the Aloe Care Health app. Viewers can see recent movement in the home, the temperature, air quality, and check-in notes. They can even call their loved one directly through the base station called the Smart Hub.
Did You Know: Aloe Care Health offers a free month of service to U.S. military members and essential workers.
We love Aloe Care Health’s voice-activated emergency response. If seniors need help and cannot press their care button, they can repeatedly say, “emergency.” Aloe Care Health’s Smart Hub will connect them to an emergency response professional and alert caregivers of the event. For seniors who want fall detection, the Mobile Companion is a great option. For even more protection, the Total Care system includes a Smart Fall Sensor and two motion sensors.
| Product name | Equipment cost | Monthly service fee | Connection type | Designed for | Fall detection |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essentials | $149.99 | $29.99 | Wi-Fi or 4G LTE | In-home use | Not Included |
| Essentials Plus | $249.99 | $39.99 | 4G LTE and GPS | In-home and on-the-go use | Included |
| Total Care | $349.99 | $49.99 | Wi-Fi, 4G LTE, and GPS | In-home and on-the-go use | Included |
| Mobile Companion Go | $99.99 | $29.99 | Wi-Fi, 4G LTE, and GPS | On-the-go use | Included |
Aloe Care Health is ideal for:
For a closer look at this provider, check out our latest Aloe Care Health review.
MobileHelp made our list thanks to their Duo alert systems designed specifically for two users. They offer a versatile lineup of medical alert systems designed for both at-home and on-the-go use, whether you need protection for just yourself or for a partner as well. While many companies will require you to pay an extra fee or purchase two separate systems to add a spouse, MobileHelp offers multiple two-in-one systems. That way, you and a spouse or roommate will be covered at one affordable monthly rate. Whether you both spend your days out and about or you’re homebodies, MobileHelp’s Duo plans will keep you protected at all times. MobileHelp also offers a high-tech touchscreen system, MobileHelp Touch. This system is enabled with medication reminders, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities, and other health and safety features for those who need a little more coverage.
Current Deal: MobileHelp is currently offering one month of free service and 50 percent off fall detection. Talk about a deal!
Visit our MobileHelp pricing guide to learn more about this provider’s monthly rates and packages.
| Product name | Prices starting at | Connection type | Designed for | Fall detection |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MobileHelp Classic | $19.95 per month | Cellular (AT&T) | At-home use | $11 per month |
| MobileHelp Wired Home | $24.95 per month | Landline | At-home use | Not available |
| MobileHelp Micro | $39.95 per month | Cellular (AT&T) | Discreet on-the-go use for one user | $11 per month |
| MobileHelp Duo | $41.95 per month | Cellular (AT&T) | At-home & on-the-go for one or two users | $11 per month per person |
| Mobile Duo | $44.95 per month | Cellular (AT&T) | On-the-go for two users | $11 per month per person |
| MobileHelp Solo | $37.95 per month | Cellular (AT&T) | On-the-go for one user | $11 per month |
| MobileHelp Touch Classic | $54.95 per month | Cellular (AT&T) | At-home & on-the-go use with touchscreen and advanced health and safety features for one user | $11 per month |
| MobileHelp Touch Duo | $54.95 per month | Cellular (AT&T) | At-home & on-the-go use with touchscreen and advanced health and safety features | $11 per month per person |
Whether you’re looking for a system for yourself alone or you and a partner, there are several users that would benefit from a MobileHelp system:
If MobileHelp sounds like a good fit for you, check out this year’s MobileHelp review for more details.
Many seniors equate medical alert systems with one brand — Life Alert. Along with this brand recognition, comes longevity. Life Alert has been selling medical alert systems for 35 years. In short, Life Alert’s standing in the market helps some older adults feel more secure. We do recommend digging a little deeper to determine if Life Alert’s systems are right for you.
Life Alert offers three products; two can be purchased only in conjunction with its at-home base unit. Additionally, the base unit cannot be purchased on its own in most cases. This can get pricey with monthly fees costing between $49.95 and $89.95 per month. To use Life Alert, you will need to sign a three-year contract and pay up to $197 for delivery and installation, something we don’t see with other providers. However, you will not be charged a fee for their equipment, and we were impressed with a few features on the equipment, especially the mobile device’s 10-year battery life. While most on-the-go systems require daily charging, seniors using Life Alert will never need to stop to charge their device!
| Product name | Prices starting at | Connection type | Designed for | Fall detection |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Master Unit | $49.95 per month* | Cellular or landline | At-home use | N/A |
| Mobile + GPS | $20 per month** | Cellular | On-the-go use | N/A |
| Help Button | $20 per month** | Cellular | Use in shower/bathroom | N/A |
*You are required to bundle the master unit with add-ons in most cases.
**Add-ons cannot be purchased on their own; they must be bundled with the master unit.
Take a look at our Life Alert review to get more details on these systems.
After more than 300 hours of research, testing, and group discussion of all the medical alert devices we could get our hands on, our team narrowed down the list to our top picks. We evaluated each system for quality, reliability, speed of emergency responses, price, aesthetics, extra perks, and overall value to create a well-rounded ranking for each product. We placed test calls to each response center and during the purchase process spoke to customer service representatives at each company.
In addition to evaluating every medical alert system based on our research and hands-on testing, each company had to meet the standard requirements we find most important for all medical alert systems. Check out our requirements for making the cut below:
For more details on medical alert systems, jump down to our guide to choosing a medical alert system below.
So what exactly is a medical alert system and why do you need one? Personal medical alert systems are designed to keep seniors safe and prevent life-threatening injuries from falls and other health emergencies that become more common as we age. Systems typically come with a base unit equipped with a help button and two-way speaker, and a wearable help pendant or bracelet.
During an emergency, all the user has to do is press the help button on the base station or pendant and they’ll be connected to the company’s 24/7 monitoring center. A live operator will help the user get the assistance they need based on the situation, whether it’s a family member, neighbor, or first responders. If the operator is unable to get a response from the user, they’ll send help straight away. Some systems are designed for in-home or on-the-go, while others are a hybrid of the two, so users can stay protected whether they’re at home or traveling.
Learn more about medical alert systems in our “Introduction to Medical Alert Systems” video below.
According to research, 1 in 4 seniors experience a fall every single year, which is also the leading cause of life-threatening injuries for older adults1. Plus, over 800,000 hospitalizations occur each year because of falls2. Because falls are a very prevalent and serious danger to older adults, it’s important to be prepared for falls even before they happen. That’s where medical alert systems come in. They can literally save the user’s life by sending help immediately after a fall. These systems give both seniors and their loved ones an added layer of peace of mind and protection, especially for older adults who live alone or away from family.
There are several types of medical alert systems tailored to meet the needs of different users. To decide which system is best for you and feel confident in your choice, here are the main criteria to consider.
In-home alert systems will either run on a landline or cellular connection. If you live in an area with spotty cellular coverage, a landline system will be ideal for a steady and reliable connection. However, if you don’t have a landline or would rather not have to connect your system to a phone jack, a cellular system is a great option. For those looking for an on-the-go system, essentially all mobile systems run on a cellular connection, so again, you’ll want to ensure that the provider you choose uses a cellular network that’s reliable in your area.
If you want a system that can be used on the go, you’ll need to decide how you want to carry or wear the system, as there are a few different options on the market. The first option is an all-in-one wearable system that can be put on like a necklace. These systems are great for those who don’t want to deal with keeping track of multiple pieces of equipment. However, they’re typically a bit bulkier than other options since everything is built into one piece of equipment.
The second option is a two-piece system that comes with a help button that can be worn as either a necklace or bracelet and a small, portable base station. For these systems, the base station is typically small enough to be thrown in a purse or put in a pocket, and the pendant is small and lightweight. These two-piece systems are good for those who want a more discrete pendant. Just know that you’ll have to remember both pieces of equipment whenever you leave the house, and you’ll need to keep the portable base station close by.
The last option is an all-in-one smartwatch system. The best medical alert watches function similarly to Apple Watches, as they track user activity and allow you to send and receive messages, but they also have medical alert features like a help button and 24/7 monitoring. Medical Guardian, Bay Alarm Medical, and WellBe are currently the three major medical alert providers that offer a smartwatch option, so it’s pretty unique.
Pro Tip: If you’re looking for this high-tech option, you’ll want to consider Medical Guardian’s MGMove smartwatch, Bay Alarm Medical’s SOS Smartwatch, or WellBe’s smartwatch.
Medical alert providers typically offer automatic fall detection pendants in certain packages or as an add-on feature. With fall detection, the user won’t even have to press a button after a fall. The pendant will detect the downward motion followed by inactivity and automatically connect to the monitoring center. This is a useful feature for any users, but especially for those more prone to falls due to health conditions or mobility issues. When choosing a system, look into the company’s fall detection options. Consider if the person you’re buying for will need, or feel more secure with, fall detection and determine whether or not this add on will fit in your budget. To help your search, we’ve compiled a list of the best medical alert systems with fall detection.
Many providers, like Aloe Care Health and Bay Alarm Medical, offer companion mobile apps that pair up with your medical alert system. If you want to be able to keep track of your aging family member and receive real-time alerts to any incidents, you’ll want to make sure you choose a company and package that comes with mobile app access. Each app offers different features, but some of the most standard include GPS tracking, user call history, and real-time alerts for emergency calls.
You’ll need to make sure that the medical alert system you choose fits in your budget. The cost of a medical alert system varies greatly by the provider and type of system you choose. You’ll find that the most affordable systems on the market start at around $20 per month. For mobile GPS systems or more advanced in-home systems with activity monitoring or other unique features, prices typically jump to about $30 to $50 per month.
In addition to monthly monitoring fees, you’ll also need to consider the cost of any add-on equipment or features. Fall detection, the most common add-on feature, typically costs around $10 per month, while some providers offer it for a few bucks more or less. Other add ons like protection plans, jewelry accessories, and additional equipment can cost anywhere from $5 to $15 per month, or you may just pay a one-time fee for extra equipment. Once you’ve chosen your ideal system, be sure to do the math and add up all of your monthly costs along with any upfront fees so you know what to expect on your bill.
Medical alert systems are built to be durable and last for years to come, so typically there isn’t a lot of required maintenance. Most help pendants have batteries that last for a few years, and providers will usually replace them when they die at no extra cost. If your system is malfunctioning and it’s not due to user error or intentional damage, most providers will fix or replace the equipment for free.
When choosing a system, be sure to check the company’s warranty and what exactly it covers. Some providers offer a lifetime warranty that will cover all maintenance, while others are more limited or short term. Many companies that don’t have lifetime warranties offer monthly protection plans instead for around $5 per month that will cover expensive equipment replacements.
A medical alert system usually comes with one or more devices that helps the user stay safe. The device comes in the form of a bracelet, necklace or pendant. It is connected to a speaker that allows the user to come into contact with a trained operator with the simple press of a button. The trained operator can determine whether to send emergency help.
It’s not uncommon for people to believe that seniors are the only ones to benefit from wearing a medical alert system. Truth is, though, anyone of any age can benefit from a medical alert system, particularly those who want peace of mind in knowing they will receive around-the-clock protection during medical emergencies, fires, and break-ins.
The most important aspect to look for in a medical alert system is reliability. No matter how well the medical alert system performs, unless it’s connected to a live agent who can instantly take your call, then the system will prove of little value. Beyond reliability, it’s important to look for a system that is easy to use and install. Always get a system that offers a backup battery, as well. With a backup battery, you obtain peace of mind in knowing the system will still operate during a power outage.
A medical alert system is worn by the user. Many systems also come with a base in which the medical alert device sends a signal to. All the user has to do to call for help is press the HELP button on the base or device being worn. Once the signal from the device reaches the base, it is immediately forwarded to the system’s monitoring center, which includes trained emergency response operators. The operator will answer your call and using two-way voice communication, you will hear the operator ask you questions. If you can speak, you tell the operator what type of help you need. If you can’t speak, you can simply stay on the line with the operator in silence. The operator will assess the situation and determine what type of emergency help to send.
You should shop for a medical alert system that comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee and a hassle-free return policy. Also, check the provider’s ranking with the Better Business Bureau.
Medical alert systems are available in many forms. Some connect to a home’s landline, some are wireless, and some are considered mobile. A landline medical alert system comes with a phone cord that connects from the base device to the phone jack on your wall. Wireless medical alert systems connect to a wall outlet and works off of a cellular network, meaning you don’t have to connect it to a landline. Mobile medical alert systems come with a mobile device that easily fits in your hand or is worn around the neck or wrist. You get a carrying pouch as well and a charging cradle along with a power cord. No matter the type of system that you choose, fall detection is usually optional. Please keep in mind that wireless systems usually work all throughout the United States. Mobile systems work all throughout the 50 states, however, they only work outside of the country when you are in an area that has cellular network coverage.
Medical alert systems cost $19.95 to $49.95 per month on average. Prices will vary by provider and the type of system that you choose.
No, not all medical alert systems require a landline. While some systems do run on a landline, there are other systems that use a cellular connection or Wi-Fi.
Yes, they do! And that’s another great reason you need one. You never know what situation you may find yourself in. Sometimes, GPS tracking may be the difference between saving your life and losing it. Anything from memory loss to a seizure can cause you to wander off to places where you aren’t safe, but with a medical alert system with GPS tracking, both you and your caregivers can keep track of your location. If you go missing, your caregivers will know to call your monitoring service provider to get your GPS coordinates.
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
For over five years, Taylor has been writing, editing, and researching products and services covering topics such as senior care and technology, Internet and the digital divide, TV, and entertainment, and education. Her research on media consumption and consumer behavior has been… Learn More About Taylor Shuman
National Council on Aging. (2022). Get the Facts on Falls Prevention.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, Aug). Facts About Falls.
