Best Medical Alert Systems for Seniors With Dementia

Testing out Medical Guardian's MGMini Lite

Overview

Medical Guardian offers several at-home and on-the-go medical alert systems. Each system is backed by the company’s impressive customer service and a 24/7 urgent response team. When I pressed my system’s help button, the monitoring professionals already had access to all of my information. These agents can share information about the user’s dementia, other medical conditions, medications, allergies, and preferred hospital with emergency services. I appreciate this information exchange, especially for seniors with medical conditions that require a little extra care.

For older adults with dementia, the MGMini Lite is one of my favorite systems. This system is about as simple as it gets. It has one large button used to call for help, and that’s about it. Nothing complicated. It’s a water-resistant mobile unit worn on the wrist that features advanced location detection with GPS, Wi-Fi, and LTE technology. This sophisticated monitoring is especially important for an individual at high risk of wandering.

The battery lasts up to 36 hours, which is somewhat short compared to other mobile medical alert systems. For comparison, Bay Alarm Medical’s SOS Mobile system lasts up to six days. Still, 36 hours is sufficient with daily charging. The one downside is that it took around three hours for my MGMini Lite to fully charge.

Dementia-Friendly Features

I’ve personally tested out all five of Medical Guardian’s systems, and I’ve found that the MGMini Lite is one of the best choices for seniors with dementia. It’s a simple bracelet-style device that straps onto your wrist and has one large button on the front, as well as a two-way speaker. It’s very simple, so there’s not much to remember. The button even has a bright blue ring that lights up when pressed so you’ll know that you’ve done it correctly. The MGMini Lite is small and lightweight, so I often forgot I was wearing it. This is perfect for those with dementia; the less irritating or noticeable the system is, the less likely the user is to take it off.

Trying out Medical Guardian's MGMini Lite

I tested out this waterproof device in different locations at various times of day and night, and I was typically able to connect with an agent at the Medical Guardian monitoring center in less than 20 seconds. I will say, it took a full minute to reach someone when I tested the system out in my home. I don’t have great Verizon reception (which MGMini Lite runs on) at my house, so that was likely why. Otherwise, I had no trouble using the system. You’ll want to make sure you have solid Verizon service in your area before purchasing.

Medical Guardian’s agents were always helpful and friendly, whether or not I was testing for an emergency or simply reaching out with a question. The speaker was also quite loud, and I had no trouble hearing the person on the other end of the line.

» Dive Deeper: 2024 Medical Guardian review

One of my favorite features for caregivers and loved ones is the MyGuardian mobile app. Through this app, you can monitor the user’s location, check the device’s status and power level, see a history of emergency calls placed, create a care plan, and more. This is especially useful if your loved one has dementia. If you can’t get in touch with them, you can easily check in on them through the app. I used the app to track my system and create a call chain of the people I wanted to be contacted in case of an emergency. The app was simple to navigate and easy to use.

Checking my system's location in Medical Guardian's MyGuardian mobile app

Battery Life

The MGMini Lite has a 36-hour battery life, which falls short of comparable wearable devices from LifeFone and MobileHelp, but it’s still a solid amount of time. I tested the MGMini Lite over the course of a week, and I only needed to charge it five times. I found it easiest to wear the device throughout the day and charge it when I went to sleep. Since I kept the charger by my bed, I was still able to reach the button if there was an emergency in the middle of the night.

The one thing I didn’t like was the charging time. When I tried to charge the device during the day, it was painfully slow to get the device from zero to 100 percent. It took just over three hours. I will say, a few hours is pretty standard for mobile medical alert systems, but it feels long. So, if you prefer to charge your medical alert device during the day, just keep in mind that you’ll need to wait a while to have a full battery.

Charging the MGMini Lite

Pricing

At $44.95 per month, the MGMini Lite is one of Medical Guardian’s more expensive systems, and there’s also an equipment fee of $149.95. Still, I think it provides excellent value for those living with dementia, along with their families. Plus, these prices are on par with similar mobile plans from carriers like Aloe Care Health. Medical Guardian offers other GPS systems that are great for those with dementia, including MGMini, a mobile system worn around the neck, and MGMove, a smartwatch system. They both cost $39.95 per month plus equipment fees.

Looking for an in-home system? You can choose from cellular and landline options starting at $32.95 per month. Just know that with in-home systems, if your loved one wanders away from home, they won’t be able to use their system, and you won’t be able to track their location.

» Pricing Info: Medical Guardian prices and deals

To help prevent fall-related injuries, I’d recommend adding fall detection for $10 per month. Studies show that those with dementia are at a much higher risk of falling, so this feature is essential, in my opinion.1 In the event of a fall, the system will automatically detect it and call for help, even if the user is unable to press their help button.

I will say, the fall detection works very well — almost too well at times. My grandma, who owns a Medical Guardian system, has experienced many instances when her system thinks she has fallen but she hasn’t. Luckily, she can just let the operator know that it was a false alarm. However, this is something important to note if it would be confusing or stressful for your loved one with dementia. During testing, the MGMini Lite detected my simulated fall correctly around 70 percent of the time.

Bay Alarm Medical's SOS Mobile with fall detection is small and portable

Overview

Bay Alarm Medical offers inexpensive systems that still come packed with top-of-the-line features. Prices start at $19.95 per month for their in-home system and $29.95 for their on-the-go systems. I’ve tested their mobile and in-home systems, and I’m a big fan of both. That said, I think their on-the-go offerings (particularly the SOS Mobile) are a better fit for many seniors with dementia, especially if your loved one has a tendency to get lost.

» Our Full Review: Bay Alarm Medical alert system review 2024

Bay Alarm Medical’s SOS Mobile is available as a solo device or in a bundle with the in-home system. If your loved one is more of a homebody, it may make sense to bundle so that you get the best of both systems. Just be prepared for the higher cost of a bundling plan, plus equipment fees.

Dementia-Friendly Features

Bay Alarm Medical primarily made this list for the SOS Mobile, an on-the-go system worn as a necklace. The device comes with your choice of an AT&T or Verizon connection, so I would opt for the cellular provider with the best service in your area. This will provide extra assurance that your loved one is always protected, regardless of their location. I appreciated having options, as I have great AT&T coverage in my area, while Verizon service is pretty limited.

Similar to Medical Guardian, the lightweight device comes with a caregiver tracking app: I could pinpoint the location of my device, view my location history, and receive low-battery notifications right in the app. All of these features can help you keep tabs on your loved ones, which is helpful if you’re concerned about them wandering or missing appointments.

When I tested out the caregiver app, I was really happy with the results. I could get real-time information on my grandma’s location. We spent the day apart to see how accurate it was, and she was amazed that I knew she had been to the grocery store and the pharmacy! We were also really happy with the prompt and professional treatment we got from the customer service team.

Navigating Bay Alarm Medical's companion mobile app

The SOS Mobile device comes as a wearable lanyard pendant with a large red button and speaker. Alternatively, seniors can wear the help button using a more subtle belt clip. I tested out the fall detection using both the lanyard and the belt clip, and the results were similar to what we experienced with Medical Guardian’s MGMini Lite. With the lanyard, it picked up on eight of our 10 test falls. With the belt clip, it was a lot less likely to pick up on falls.

Battery Life

The SOS Mobile outperforms both Aloe Care Health and Medical Guardian when it comes to battery life. Bay Alarm Medical claims that you can get up to six days on one charge. While I didn’t quite hit that number, I got around 5.5 days on one charge, which I’m very happy with. This means that the device can stay running for the better part of a week without needing to be charged. This is a great fit for seniors who may struggle to remember to plug in their devices. With such a long battery life, however, the infrequency of charges might make it harder for some seniors to create a consistent charging schedule. Still, having a device that’s more likely to have a charge for longer is a plus in my book.

Charging Bay Alarm Medical’s SOS Mobile system

Pricing

If you want to get a high-quality medical alert system at an affordable price, I’ve found that Bay Alarm Medical strikes a great balance between budget-friendly devices and value. The SOS Home starts at just $19.95 per month with no equipment fees, but this doesn’t really help if your loved one leaves the house on a regular basis. That’s why I think the SOS Mobile is a better option, even though it’ll cost you more. SOS Mobile starts at $29.95 per month, and you can add fall detection for an extra $10 per month (the same as Medical Guardian). The one-time equipment fee is just $99, which is about $50 cheaper than Medical Guardian’s MGMini Lite device.

» Price Guide: Bay Alarm Medical cost and pricing

If you want to bundle the SOS Home and SOS Mobile (it includes fall detection by default), your plan will cost $54.95 per month. Another option is Bay Alarm Medical’s SOS All-In-One system, which also provides at-home and on-the-go coverage. This system starts at $39.95 per month without fall detection. If you opt for either of the bundles, your equipment fees will vary between $169 and $199. While shopping online for Bay Alarm Medical systems, I liked the pricing transparency and felt like I knew exactly what I was paying for by the time I reached the checkout. No surprise fees here! If you’re worried about losing or damaging your device, you can also add affordable protection plans for as little as $2.95 per month.

LifeFone At Home Landline or Cellular Equipment

Overview

LifeFone offers six different medical alert systems designed to meet seniors’ needs, whether they are homebodies or spend time out and about. You can add fall detection to any in-home system for just $5 per month — half of what this feature costs with Medical Guardian or Bay Alarm Medical. As previously mentioned, I consider that a must-have feature for those with dementia, considering they face a higher risk of falling than older adults without dementia.

While the company offers a variety of systems, the company’s at-home options are some of my top picks for homebodies. They’re simple, easy to use, and even feature temperature monitoring to protect you from emergencies other than falls.

» Related Reading: 2024 LifeFone review

I love that this company cares about family, too. In fact, spouses can receive a pendant and monitoring for free with basic service. That means you can get two monitoring services for the price of one. My experience with customer service was always positive, further demonstrating LifeFone’s commitment to its customers.

Dementia-Friendly Features

Not only does LifeFone offer six great plans for seniors, but its affordable fall detection is a big plus for older adults with dementia. If you go with the at-home system (my personal favorite), the base has a range of up to 1,300 feet. I put this to the test, and the wearable device was still working when I walked upstairs to the opposite end of the house.

» Helpful Resource: Best medical alert systems for seniors with hearing loss 

LifeFone’s At-Home unit comes with a 32-hour backup battery that will kick in if and when the power goes out. Navigating the house in the dark during a power outage could make falls more likely, so I appreciate this backup protection. I tested the backup battery out by unplugging my system from a power outlet, and it still worked like a charm!

In addition to waterproof pendants and bracelets, the base unit has a room temperature sensor. If the temperature in the room drops below or rises above the temperature limits you’ve set, an alarm will sound. This feature can help save lives in the event of a fire or even alert others if the heater has stopped working during colder months.

Battery Life

Since the base unit of LifeFone’s At-Home unit plugs right into the wall, you don’t have to worry much about batteries. What I really liked about LifeFone’s system was the longevity of the help button devices. Whether you choose the pendant or the bracelet, the battery can last for up to three years. LifeFone will even monitor the remaining life of your battery and send you a new one when it starts to run low. My grandma and I agreed that this was a fantastic feature for seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia. You don’t ever have to worry about charging anything, and even if the power goes out, you’ll still have backup support until the electricity comes back on.

If you want an on-the-go system, LifeFone has four options with battery lives ranging from one to 10 days. There’s a wrist worn system, two pendant options, and a smartwatch system. The At-Home & On-the-Go, VIPx system, which can be worn like a necklace, lasts a whopping 10 days. That’s very impressive for a mobile system, and nearly twice as long as the battery life offered by Bay Alarm Medical’s SOS Mobile.

Pricing

LifeFone’s prices range from $29.95 to $49.95 per month for month-to-month plans with no upfront activation or equipment fees. These are competitive prices compared to the other brands on our list. There are even discounts available for quarterly and annual payment plans. You can also choose from a number of helpful add-ons, like a caregiver app with location tracking, a medication reminder service, and daily check-in calls.

» Learn More: LifeFone medical alert system cost and pricing

If your loved one stays at home most of the time, the At-Home package with fall detection is our top pick. In addition to the base unit, it comes with a lanyard pendant or a bracelet. At just $29.95 per month for the landline option or $34.95 per month for the cellular option, it’s an excellent value, and fall detection only tacks on an extra $5 monthly. You can save a few bucks per month if you select a quarterly or payment plan. Even with a monthly plan, you can save a lot by choosing fall detection with LifeFone, as it’s $6 per month cheaper than MobileHelp’s fall detection.

MobileHelp Base Unit

Overview

MobileHelp is known for their Duo alert systems designed for two users, but the company made this list thanks to their high-tech touch-screen system, the MobileHelp Touch Classic. The touch-screen device features a rotating picture gallery, cognitive games, and access to 24/7 emergency monitoring services. Since many people with dementia report issues with medication management, we love that MobileHelp lets users add medication reminders to their system.2 You’ll need to pay extra for this feature, though. If you want to keep things simple and don’t want a touch-screen system, MobileHelp has plenty of other simple at-home and on-the-go systems to choose from.

» Related Reading: Medication dispensers for seniors

MobileHelp’s touch-screen system also comes with a mobile unit, so the user can stay protected no matter where they are.

Dementia-Friendly Features

If you’re willing to pay a bit more for the Touch Duo plan, I’d recommend it. You might as well get all the bells and whistles if you have wiggle room in your budget! The in-home touch-screen system has a bright display and large, clear icons that make it easy for you or your loved one to set medication reminders, call for help, send messages to close contacts, play brain games, and more. I enjoyed using the MobileHelp Touch device, as it basically functions like a simplified tablet. The system also comes with a separate mobile unit, so you’ll have protection on the go.

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I paid the extra $11 for fall detection and tested it out using the mobile pendant included with the Touch Duo plan. During our tests, I simulated 10 falls, and it detected every single one. Customer support was always fast to respond and extremely friendly. While these tests don’t mean that the Touch Duo system will always detect a fall (fall detection devices are never 100 percent accurate), it was very reliable in my experience.

Battery Life

The touch screen base station plugs into the wall, so you won’t have to worry about battery life. When unplugged, it should hold power for around 30 hours. MobileHelp’s wearable help button for the home system has a built-in battery that doesn’t require charging. Instead, it’s designed to last for up to five years, which is even longer than LifeFone’s in-home pendants. Unlike LifeFone, MobileHelp doesn’t track the battery life for you, which means you’ll need to request a new battery whenever the LED light starts flashing amber (that’s the low battery signal).

The mobile unit that comes with the Touch Duo system has a battery life that lasts around 24 hours, which is six hours shorter than Medical Guardian’s MGMini Lite. I could easily recharge the system by setting it in its charging cradle. It took a few hours to fully charge.

Pricing

Depending on the system you choose, prices for MobileHelp’s systems range from $19.95 to $54.95 per month. MobileHelp’s large product lineup makes it easy to find a system that best meets your needs. You can enhance your system with add-ons like fall detection for $11 per month or a 24/7 telehealth platform, MDLIVE, for $9.95 per month. While I love the add-ons, MobileHelp’s fall detection is pricier than most other providers, including Medical Guardian and LifeFone. Keep an eye on the cost as you pick accessories because it can quickly add up.

» Our Full Review: MobileHelp medical alert system review [2024]

My top pick for seniors with dementia is the MobileHelp Touch Duo, which gives you the touch screen unit, a mobile unit, and a wearable help button. Unfortunately, you won’t get any discounts on your premiums by paying more in advance, but you can get the $49.95 activation fee waived by making quarterly, biannual, or annual payments. MobileHelp will even let you try out the system with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

The one thing I didn’t like about MobileHelp was the cost of different add-ons. Some of the add-ons, like location detection, are standard with basic plans from Bay Alarm Medical. With MobileHelp, location detection comes at no charge with the MobileHelp Connect portal — but there’s a catch. The standard (free) version of MobileHelp Connect only covers 30 location requests per month.

» For Location Tracking: Best GPS medical alert systems of 2024

Essentially, you (as a caregiver) use up a location “ping” every time you want to know your loved one’s location using the mobile app. If you need to check their location more than 30 times in a month, you’ll have to pay an additional $6 per 30 requests. This isn’t ideal if you like to check up on your loved one multiple times per day.

Other add-ons that aren’t included with the free version of MobileHelp Connect are fall detection ($11 per month), medication reminders ($6 per month), and additional activity tracking ($6 per month). Even if you sign up for MobileHelp Connect Premium, which costs $72 per year, you won’t get those features for free; you’ll just get some of them at a discounted rate. So, if you’re looking for a medical alert system that won’t nickel-and-dime you for all the extra perks, you may want to opt for Bay Alarm Medical or Aloe Care Health.

The Aloe Care Health Smart Hub

Overview

Aloe Care Health uses new technology to keep older adults safe and connected with their loved ones. They offer in-home and on-the-go systems with advanced monitoring, including fall detection and motion sensors. My uncle helped me test out Aloe Care Health’s systems, and we were impressed with the sleek equipment. The Smart Hub, Aloe Care Health’s in-home base unit, looks more like a smart speaker than a medical alert system. If you want something discreet, it’s a great option.

I’m also a big fan of the companion mobile app. It has a very modern feel and is easy to use. Through the app, I received real-time updates on my uncle’s movements throughout the home. If the system didn’t detect movement in the morning at the time when he normally got up, I would receive an alert in the mobile app. This is crucial data if you’re concerned about your loved one falling, wandering, or forgetting to complete daily activities like bathing and eating.

» Learn More: What are activities of daily living?

Aloe Care Health may be new to the medical alert system game, but this company truly understands what older adults and their caregivers need. For families most concerned with falls, we recommend the Essentials Plus package for at-home and on-the-go protection. While quite pricey at $59.99 per month with a $349.99 equipment fee, it offers the most robust protection.

» Also Check Out: Aloe Care Health review

Dementia-Friendly Features

Seniors with dementia and their loved ones can really benefit from Aloe Care Health’s Smart Hub. When using the system, my uncle could connect with an emergency response professional simply by saying “emergency” three times. Or, he could press the button on his help pendant. Whether he used his voice or pressed the button, he was able to connect with an Aloe Care Health agent in an average of 30 seconds.

My uncle testing out the Aloe Care Health Smart Hub and help pendant.

I think this voice-activated system is ideal for those who may misplace their phone or forget to wear their help button. Plus, I could place check-in calls to the Smart Hub using the mobile app. My uncle could then use the Smart Hub’s two-way speaker to talk with me. If you haven’t heard from your loved one and want to check in, this is an easy way to make sure they’re doing OK. You can also share updates with other family members and caregivers through the mobile app to keep everyone in the loop.

» Related Reading: Best medical alert systems with voice activation

In the event that your loved one loses their device, it comes with a Find My Device feature to help you track its location. Additionally, you can keep track of your loved one at any time using the Live Locator feature, which is a big step up from the limited GPS features that come with MobileHelp’s systems. The mobile app also offers notifications when your loved one is moving around the house, and you can write check-in notes to keep track of how the user is feeling. All of these features are excellent for those with dementia who may need some extra monitoring.

Testing out the Aloe Care Health app

We really loved that fall detection is treated as an essential component of Aloe Care Health’s medical alert systems, rather than an optional add-on. I tested the fall detection out, and it performed about as well as I expected — it correctly recognized eight out of 10 test falls. If you want a reliable medical alert system with fall detection that won’t cost extra, Aloe Care Health’s Mobile Companion 2 is our top pick.

» Useful Resource: Best medical alert systems with fall detection for seniors

Battery Life

The Smart Hub just needs to be plugged into an outlet, but it also comes with a backup battery if the power goes out. I unplugged the system from power and the backup battery kicked in immediately. The unplugged Smart Hub was still working the next day without issue. The Mobile Companion 2 has a five-day battery life, which makes it a big step up from Medical Guardian’s MGMini Lite, which only lasts for about a day and a half before it needs to be charged.

Pricing

Aloe Care Health’s pricing ranges from $39.99 to $59.99 per month, plus upfront equipment costs ranging from $149.99 up to $349.99. While I definitely had sticker shock when I first saw Aloe Care Health’s prices, I think the advanced features are worth the cost. That said, if you opt for the at-home and on-the-go plan (Essentials Plus), you’ll pay more than $400 upfront for the equipment and first month of service. That’s a lot more expensive than a provider like Bay Alarm Medical, which charges equipment fees ranging from $99 to $199.

» Price Guide: Aloe Care Health medical alert systems

If you want a more budget-friendly option that’s still good for seniors with dementia, we recommend the Mobile Companion 2. This on-the-go plan costs $44.99 per month, plus a one-time equipment fee of $149.99. The best part? Fall detection is built into the Mobile Companion 2 pendant and comes at no extra charge! I also love the look of this system. Similar to the Smart Hub, it’s sleek and a lot less clunky than other medical alert systems I’ve tested.