Best Medical Alert Systems With Fall Detection for Seniors
Our experts tested 20 medical alert systems with fall detection and narrowed down the list to our top picks in 2024.
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- Fall detection offered with most systems
- No long-term contracts
- Fall detection costs $10 per month
- Built-in GPS for quick location detection during a fall
- Affordable pricing
- Plenty of bundling options
- Optional health and safety packages for enhanced medical assistance
- Fall detection costs $9.99 per month
- Compatible with Apple Watches
- Caregiver monitoring
- Voice-activated features
- Robust Alexa features
- Easy-to-use systems
- Lifetime warranty
- Seasonal promotions
- Language support in 190+ languages
- Wide variety of systems
- Simple payment plans
Contents
More than 25 percent of American adults ages 65 and older fall each year, and falls are the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries for older Americans.1 If you’re concerned about yourself or your aging loved one falling, consider a medical alert system with fall detection. Fall detection is a popular, lifesaving feature that helps seniors live more safely at home and provides peace of mind to their caregivers and family.
We definitely think it’s worth considering. Our medical-alert team has researched and conducted hands-on testing for more than a dozen medical alert systems, including those with fall detection. Whether you’re looking for a system that fits your budget or one with the latest and greatest features, this guide will help you choose the best medical alert system with fall detection for your needs. We’ll provide insights on our experience with the systems, along with details on pricing and features.
Our Top Medical Alert Systems With Fall Detection
Our Methodology: How We Tested the Best Medical Alert Systems With Fall Detection
A medical-alert expert from our team tested each of the systems on our list, so we can provide useful insights on the pros and cons of each system. We also collect feedback on systems from older adults, including our editor’s grandma, whenever possible.
Here’s how we tested the fall-detection devices:
- We charged the system and tested the normal help button response time without fall detection.
- We put the fall-detection pendant around our neck and simulated a fall. (Don’t worry, we just fell onto a couch. No testers were harmed in the making of this article!)
- We took off the fall-detection pendant and dropped it from various heights, letting it fall to the ground. We also tested dropping the pendant in the shower or a bowl of water to ensure it was waterproof. Falls are a lot more likely to occur in the bathroom, so that was important.
- After simulating a fall or dropping the pendant, we waited for the monitoring center to respond, counting the seconds as they passed.
- We repeated this 10 times for each alert system.
You can visit our medical alert system methodology guide to learn more about our hands-on testing process.
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1. Medical Guardian - Best systems with fall detection
What we like most
- Fall detection offered with most systems
- No long-term contracts
- Fall detection costs $10 per month
Medical GuardianOverview
Medical Guardian offers a wide variety of fall-detection options to meet the needs of all sorts of seniors. The company offers fall detection on five out of its six alert systems, including the ones I’ve tested myself. Whether you want an at-home system or an on-the-go system, Medical Guardian lets you add fall-detection capabilities.
The American company has been around for 15 years, providing peace of mind and protection to 200,000 seniors and their caregivers. We love its vast product line and friendly customer-service representatives. With Medical Guardian’s plans, you won’t find any hidden fees or long-term contracts, which earns two big thumbs-up from us. With six medical alert systems to choose from starting at $29.95 per month and just $10 per month to add fall detection, Medical Guardian provides top-quality protection at a variety of price points.
Pros About Medical Guardian
- Option for built-in or pendant fall detection with select systems
- Variety of fall-detection options available
- Customizable features
- High-tech systems
- Smartwatch option
- Diverse product lineup
- Large in-home coverage range
- No hidden fees
- No long-term contracts
- Easy for my grandma to set up and use by herself
- U.S.-based monitoring center
Cons About Medical Guardian
- My grandma experienced several false alarms while wearing the fall-detection pendant
- No free trial
- Pricier premium systems
- Need strong AT&T or Verizon coverage for cellular or on-the-go systems
Setup and Testing
Medical Guardian’s systems are easy to set up and use on your own. I’ve tried all six of the company’s systems, including MGClassic, its only landline system. It just needed to be plugged into a phone jack and an outlet before being powered on. My grandma set it up without any trouble. Nothing needed to be assembled or mounted!
She also tried Mini Guardian, one of the company’s on-the-go systems. After setting the mobile unit on the charger for a few hours, she put it on like a necklace and wore it on a walk with her dog. The system is a little bigger than a box of Tic-Tacs, with a rope lanyard. It’s smaller than some mobile medical alert systems we’ve tested, such as Lively’s Mobile2 system, but it’s not exactly stylish. Luckily, it’s small enough that my grandma tucked it under a sweater and you couldn’t tell she was wearing it.
My grandma dropped the system on the ground to test the fall detection, and she was connected to an operator in just 15 seconds. She found that the fall detection works well — almost too well in some instances. There were multiple times when she bent over or set the pendant down and the system recorded what it thought was a fall and called for help. Luckily, she could cancel the call with the press of a button.
Not so luckily, there was one occasion when she set the pendant down, walked into another room, and didn’t realize the system recorded a fall. About 20 minutes later, first responders showed up at her front door asking if she was OK. I appreciated the fast response, but it’s definitely not something you want happening on a regular basis! My grandma now makes sure to keep her pendant nearby even if she takes it off, so she can cancel any false alarms.
FYI: False alarms are a bit of a drawback, but fall detection is still worth the peace of mind in case of an actual fall. False alarms are pretty standard with medical alert systems, so it isn’t unique to Medical Guardian.
Features for Caregivers
All six Medical Guardian systems include access to the MyGuardian customer-care portal and app. The wearer and invited members of their Care Circle can chat, set up activity reminders, enable auto-pay, and more. Caregivers can also access GPS location history, battery history, and connectivity history if their loved one uses the Mobile 2.0 or Mini Guardian. I love that Medical Guardian makes it easier for everyone on a senior’s care team to stay connected and up to date. I used the portal to check on my grandma when she wore the Mini Guardian system and found it to be simple and accurate.
Battery Life
Remembering to charge devices is a struggle for anyone — especially for older adults who may not already be in the habit of charging things like a cell phone or smartwatch. Fortunately, Medical Guardian’s systems offer a long battery life.
- Fall-detection pendant: Up to three years (not rechargeable)
- MGMove: Up to 24 hours
- MGMini Lite: Up to three days
- MGMini: Up to five days
- Mobile 2.0: Up to five days
Even the MGClassic and MGHome Cellular system, which plug into an outlet in your home, have a 32-hour backup battery to get you through power outages. We tested the backup battery by unplugging the MGHome Cellular system. Once unplugged, we received an audible notification that the system was running on its backup battery. Backup batteries are standard, so you’ll find the feature on other in-home alert systems from companies such as Bay Alarm Medical and LifeFone. I appreciate this added layer of protection in case of a storm or power outage. You’re at even higher risk of a fall if your house is dark during a power outage, so it’s important that your medical alert system keeps chugging along like normal.
To learn more about Medical Guardian, visit our hands-on Medical Guardian review.
Did You Know? Unlike some home security systems, medical alert companies don’t charge for false alarms. It’s OK if your system falsely detects a fall and alerts the monitoring center. Just let them know you’re safe and don’t need assistance. You won’t be hit with an unexpected false alarm fee!
Medical Guardian Pricing and Products
MGMove MGMini MGMini Lite MGHome Cellular MGClassic Monthly pricing $39.95 $39.95 $44.95 $37.95 $29.95 Fall detection available No Yes Yes Yes Yes Additional price of fall detection N/A $10 per month $10 per month $10 per month $10 per month Fall detection built in or requires extra pendant N/A Built in or pendant Built in Pendant Pendant Equipment fee $199.95 149.95 $149.95 $149.95 No Call Medical Guardian
Call to speak with a Medical Guardian representative. Get your questions answered, products recommended, and ask about current deals and promotions.
Visit MedicalGuardian.com
Answer a few questions on Medical Guardian's website to get a quote on the best product and plan for you. This process is slower than calling a representative.
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2. Bay Alarm Medical - Best GPS fall detection
What we like most
- Built-in GPS for quick location detection during a fall
- Affordable pricing
- Plenty of bundling options
Bay Alarm MedicalOverview
Bay Alarm Medical’s powerful GPS-equipped mobile devices are the reason the company made our list. It offers three mobile systems — SOS Mobile, SOS All-In-One, and SOS Smartwatch — and fall detection can be added to each system. If a fall is detected or the button is pressed, your location can be pinpointed exactly and help will be sent straight away. Falls can happen anywhere and at any time, so your system should be equipped for on-the-go use — especially if you’re active. Starting at just $34.95 per month, Bay Alarm Medical offers some of the more affordable GPS systems on the market.
Do you spend most of your time at home? The SOS Home can be upgraded to include fall detection. When we tested the SOS Home, an operator picked up our test call in just 20 seconds, which is well within the industry standard of 15 to 45 seconds. With fast response times, a 30-day risk-free trial, no long-term contracts, and Bay Alarm Medical’s affordable pricing (talk about perks!), I get the sense that the company truly cares about its customers.
Pros About Bay Alarm Medical
- Fall detection on a variety of systems, including a smartwatch
- Affordable pricing
- Caregiver tracking app with SOS Mobile
- 30-day, risk-free trial
- No contracts
- 24-hour emergency-response center
- Discreet smartwatch system
- Bundle package options and discounts
- Comprehensive language support
Cons About Bay Alarm Medical
- Small product lineup
- Equipment fees on select systems
- I experienced middle-of-the-road battery life compared to some other brands
Setup and Testing
Bay Alarm Medical systems are easy to install and use. When I tested the SOS Smartwatch, I learned that you don’t even need a smartphone or other internet-connected device to use it. Just plug it into the charging cradle and turn it on — no extra setup required. That’s similar to other medical alert watches, including Medical Guardian’s MGMove. I’m a big fan of this, since many older adults don’t own a smartphone or want to deal with connecting another device to their phone. To place a test call, I pressed the SOS button for five seconds. An operator answered within 10 seconds — five seconds faster than Medical Guardian! The SOS Smartwatch is one of the few watches on the market that includes fall detection, and I appreciate the extra feature.
» Read More: Best Medical Alert Watches
Features for Caregivers
The Bay Alarm Medical app keeps users and their caregivers connected, and it’s free with any subscription. Caregivers can update emergency contacts and manage billing, and caregiver tracking is available for SOS All-In-One, SOS Mobile, and SOS Smartwatch users. Caregivers can view their loved one’s exact location, check the device’s battery life, and ring into the device in case it’s misplaced. I am notorious for misplacing things, and my testing experience with the SOS Mobile was no different. I couldn’t remember where I put the system one afternoon, so I used the mobile app to check its location and ring it. The device made a noise, and I realized I’d left it in the car (whoops).
Battery Life
Bay Alarm Medical understands the importance of reliable, long-lasting batteries. Let’s take a look at what its systems offer.
- In-Home Auto Fall Detection Button: Up to two years
- SOS Mobile: Up to six days per charge
- SOS All-in-One: Up to three days per charge
- SOS Smartwatch: Up to 18 hours per charge
If the battery in your fall-detection button runs low, it’ll send a notification to Bay Alarm Medical’s monitoring station. Someone will get in touch to let you know it’s time to replace the battery. Bay Alarm’s systems offer decent battery life — longer than providers such as Lively, but shorter than Medical Guardian. Some of Medical Guardian’s mobile systems last up to five days, which is great for those (ahem, me) who always forget to charge their devices.
» Learn more: Bay Alarm Medical Review
Bay Alarm Medical Pricing and Products
SOS Home SOS Mobile SOS Smartwatch SOS All-in-One Monthly pricing $24.95 $34.95 $34.95 $39.95 Fall detection available Yes Yes Yes Yes Additional price of fall detection $10 per month $10 per month $10 per month $10 per month Fall detection built in or requires extra pendant Pendant Built in Built in Pendant Equipment fee No $99 $159 $119 Call Bay Alarm Medical
Call to speak with a Bay Alarm Medical representative. Get your questions answered, products recommended, and ask about current deals and promotions.
Visit BayAlarmMedical.com
Answer a few questions on Bay Alarm Medical's website to get a quote on the best product and plan for you. This process is slower than calling a representative.
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3. Lively - Best mobile fall detection
What we like most
- Optional health and safety packages for enhanced medical assistance
- Fall detection costs $9.99 per month
- Compatible with Apple Watches
LivelyOverview
Lively made our list for its on-the-go medical alert system that comes with optional fall detection, and its mobile app that can be accessed on other devices. The Lively Mobile2 is an all-in-one, on-the-go device with optional fall detection built in. You can use it anywhere — yes, my grandma even used it in the shower! The alert system also has an urgent-response button, two-way talk, and enhanced location detection. Lively has an equipment fee, but at $49.99, it won’t break the bank.
Lively’s two health and safety packages offer various services, including Nurse On-Call, a telehealth service, and Lively Link, which enables caregiver tracking and enhanced communication for your support network. Fall detection is offered as an add-on service with either package for an additional $9.99 per month. Nurse On-Call is one of my favorite features Lively offers. Users can receive medical advice from nurses or doctors at any time, day or night. For people who have mobility issues or struggle getting in to see their doctor on short notice, the feature is a huge plus. It’s also something you won’t find from other popular providers, such as Medical Guardian or Bay Alarm Medical.
Lively makes an already powerful, fall-detection-equipped Apple Watch even more senior-friendly. You can download the Lively App on the popular smartwatch and access Lively’s health and safety services with a monthly subscription. Prices range from $24.99 to $34.99 per month, which is $10 to $20 less than comparable systems from companies such as Medical Guardian and LifeFone. It’s important to note, however, that Lively offers only one medical alert system (and two phones), so you may want to consider another provider on our list if you want a system customized to your needs.
» Read More: Best Smartwatches for Seniors
Pros About Lively
- Purchase online or at a Best Buy store
- Unique lineup of health and safety features
- No long-term contracts
- Easy to set up and use
- 24/7 monitoring
- One-year limited warranty for all devices
- You can add Lively services to your Apple Watch
Cons About Lively
- Equipment and activation fees
- Service may not be available in remote or rural areas
- My grandma didn’t love the look of the device
- Fall detection is available on only one device
Setup and Testing
Setting up the Lively Mobile2 with fall detection is a breeze. I just turned on the device, placed it in the charger, and waited for it to say “setting up device; please wait.” It flashed a green light and an automated voice told me that setup was complete. My grandma put the device around her neck, and it was ready to go. (You can put the Lively Mobile2 device in your purse or clip it to your pocket or keys, but you must wear it as a necklace for fall detection to work.)
Conducting a test call was as simple as pressing the emergency button. My grandma and I placed calls from inside the home, on a walk around town, and on a hike through the woods with no issues. It took only around 12 seconds for a monitoring agent to respond. That’s two seconds slower than Bay Alarm Medical and three seconds faster than Medical Guardian’s response times. Simulated falls were successful, too, resulting in an automatic call to Lively’s urgent-response team.
Features for Caregivers
All health and safety plans include Lively Link app access, which gives caregivers real-time updates. Simply install the Lively Link app on your smartphone, and you can see the user’s exact location, get instant update notifications when they’re on the move, receive alerts if there’s an emergency, and monitor the device’s battery levels.
Battery Life
According to Lively, a full charge offers up to 80 hours of standby time. Our testing, however, found that 24 hours was more realistic. I’d suggest charging the device daily to make sure it’s always ready to go. Thankfully, the charging dock’s drop-in design is easy to use — no messing around with small connectors! Read our Lively review for more details on this provider.
Lively Products and Pricing
Lively Mobile2 Health & Safety Packages Pricing $24.99 to $34.99 per month Fall detection available Yes Additional price of fall detection $9.99 per month Fall detection built in or requires extra pendant Built in Equipment fee $79.99 -
4. Alexa Together - Best variety of fall detection options
What we like most
- Caregiver monitoring
- Voice-activated features
- Robust Alexa features
Alexa TogetherOverview
I found that Alexa Together is a great system for people who like to customize. The in-home system uses Alexa equipment from Amazon, such as the Echo, Echo Dot, or Echo Show 8, along with a free Alexa app and an Alexa Together subscription ($19.99 per month) for emergency monitoring and caregiving services. The system offers great features such as remote caregiver monitoring and smart-home appliance and device integration. Seniors can call for help and use all of Alexa’s standard features — such as adding items to their grocery list, checking the weather, or playing music — with the sound of their voice.
» Learn About: Alexa Together Review
Fall detection requires a separate piece of equipment you’ll have to buy from a third party. The third-party equipment has an up-front cost, but it doesn’t have a monthly fee. That was a bit disappointing, since all the other medical alert systems we tested come with fall detection that works right out of the box. Purchasing another device from a different company is a bit of a hassle. Amazon recommends three very different systems: a neck pendant, touchless motion sensors that adhere to the wall, or a fall-detection privacy-preserving camera system. As long as you have an Alexa Together subscription, any of those options will work by sending an alert through the Alexa device to the urgent-response center if it senses a fall.
Pros About Alexa Together
- Multiple fall-detection options
- No additional monthly fee for fall detection
- Low monthly monitoring fees
- Discount with annual plan
- Minimal learning curve if the user already has Alexa devices
- Caregiver monitoring available through the Alexa App
- Reminders for medication and appointments
Cons About Alexa Together
- We had trouble using third-party fall-detection equipment during testing
- Fall detection is available only through third parties
- No on-the-go fall detection
- Requires two Amazon accounts
- Wall sensor fall detection not recommended if you have pets
Setup and Testing
My grandma and I installed an Echo Show 8 and set up a free trial of Alexa Together. The process took only a few minutes, and it’s easier to do if you or your loved one already have an Amazon account. Setting up the SkyAngelCare fall-detection pendant was a bit trickier though. I’d only recommend that option only for tech-savvy seniors with a strong wireless internet connection or those who have loved ones nearby to provide hands-on installation assistance.
Reading through some Amazon reviews also revealed that installing and testing the Vayyar wall sensors may require some patience and assistance from customer service. Reviews also indicate that the AltumView is easy to install and backed by an excellent customer-service team, so that’s likely the most user-friendly option for fall detection with Alexa Together.
Features for Caregivers
Alexa Together brings caregivers and loved ones together. The system is most worthwhile if the user has caregivers or loved ones who want to check in and provide support. Thanks to the Circle of Support feature, secondary users — such as family and caregivers — can track the user’s activity, create alerts and reminders, initiate video calls, and receive daily alerts, such as if your loved one placed an emergency call or used Alexa to listen to music.
» Learn About: Using Alexa for Seniors
My grandma and I also discovered another important feature during our hands-on review: When we didn’t use any Alexa devices for a period of time, the secondary user (family or caregiver) received a notification. The message said there hadn’t been activity on the user’s Alexa devices and encouraged a check-in phone call.
Battery Life
Alexa Together is solely an at-home system, so the majority of compatible devices are plugged into the wall and rely on a wireless internet connection. That means charging and tracking battery life isn’t a concern. The devices simply need to remain plugged in. The SkyAngelCare pendant we tested, however, does require charging. It lasts up to 24 hours on a single charge and takes two hours to fully charge. Thankfully it comes with an easy-to-use charging cradle.
Alexa Together Pricing and Products
Vayyar SkyAngelCare AltumView Monthly pricing $19.99 $19.99 $19.99 Fall detection available Yes Yes Yes Fall detection built in or requires extra pendant Wall sensor Pendant Privacy-preserving camera system Equipment fee $163.22 (recommended to purchase four) $169.77 $249.99 -
5. LifeFone - Most affordable fall detection
What we like most
- Easy-to-use systems
- Lifetime warranty
- Seasonal promotions
LifeFoneOverview
Offering a price-lock guarantee, lifetime warranty, and fall detection add-ons starting at $5 per month, LifeFone was an obvious choice for affordable fall detection. LifeFone prices start at just $24.95 per month with an annual plan and no device or activation fees, making it one of the most economical options on our list. Plus, the price to add fall detection is one of the least expensive we’ve seen. Bay Alarm Medical, Medical Guardian, and Lively all charge around $10 for fall detection.
Although it is a low-cost option, LifeFone still delivers reliable service and quality on-the-go and at-home medical alert systems. Our editor-in-chief, Jeff Hoyt, tested the systems and can attest to that. Unlike other providers we’ve reviewed, LifeFone offers fall detection on all its medical alert systems, so your choices aren’t limited.
Pros About LifeFone
- Fall detection starting at $5
- U.S.-based monitoring center
- Affordable with no activation fees
- Carbon monoxide and smoke detection can be added
- Large 1,400-foot in-home coverage range
- Lifetime price-lock guarantee
- Lifetime equipment warranty
Cons About LifeFone
- We experienced slower response times with LifeFone than other competitors
- Add-on equipment can get expensive
- No language support
- No Five-Diamond monitoring center certification from The Monitoring Association (TMA)
Setup and Testing
Setting up LifeFone’s systems couldn’t be easier. Jeff tested the At-Home and On-The-Go system, plus a fall-detection pendant. He simply plugged in the At-Home base unit, turned it on, and put on the pendant. Jeff’s test call went through with no issues. The mobile unit needed to fully charge before it was ready to go. Jeff gave it a try while out running errands, and he was connected to the response center in around 30 seconds. The response time is about twice as long as we experienced with the other providers on our list, such as Lively and Bay Alarm Medical. Since every second counts, that was a bit of a drawback.
Features for Caregivers
Caregiver features vary depending on the device and add-ons you choose. LifeFone VIPx users can purchase the VIPx Caregiver app for an additional $8 per month. Caregivers can track location, monitor activity, and see button presses and battery levels. Safe Watch Active includes a text-to-locate feature, enabling caregivers to locate their loved ones via text message. LifeFone also has a $19-per-month daily check-in service. This is unique for the industry, and you can even customize the check-in to your needs, whether you need a medication reminder or you just want to make sure your loved one is OK. That’s excellent for people with memory loss or older adults who don’t have a cell phone.
Battery Life
LifeFone silently supervises the fall-detection pendant’s battery life and will replace it (for free!) when it falls below 20 percent. The company supervises its rechargeable fall-detection products, too, sending a text and email reminder when the battery runs low. It’s a feature some other providers, such as Bay Alarm Medical, offer, and it’s super useful in case you forget to charge your devices.
- Fall-detection pendant: One year
- VIPx with fall detection: Up to 10 days per charge
- VIP Active with fall detection: Up to five days per charge
- At-Home and On-the-Go Safe Watch Active: Up to 24 hours per charge
LifeFone’s at-home systems should remain plugged in at all times, but the backup battery lasts up to 32 hours during a power outage. Read our latest LifeFone review for more information about this provider.
LifeFone Products and Pricing
At-Home Landline At-Home Cellular At-Home & On-the-Go, VIP Flex At-Home & On-the-Go, VIP Active At-Home & On-the-Go, VIPx At-Home & On-the-Go Safe Watch Active Monthly pricing $29.95 $34.95 $45.95 $43.95 $45.95 $49.95 Fall detection available Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Additional price of fall detection $5 per month $5 per month $5 per month $5 per month $5 per month $5 per month Fall detection built in or requires extra pendant Pendant Pendant Built in Built in Pendant Built in Equipment fee No No No No No No -
6. Alert1 - Best fall detection for two users
What we like most
- Language support in 190+ languages
- Wide variety of systems
- Simple payment plans
Alert1Overview
Some providers require you to purchase two separate systems with fall detection at full price, but Alert1 offers discounted rates for spouses and roommates. That earned them a spot on our list. The medical alert provider offers packages with automatic fall detection already included, as well as discounted bundles for in-home and on-the-go systems.
If your spouse or another senior in your home is also in need of fall detection, Alert1 may be a great option. Alert1 prices start at just $10 extra per month for the second user. That can save you around $10 to $30 per month compared to purchasing two individual alert systems, which adds up over time. With a 30-day refund policy and month-to-month options, you can return your device if you’re not fully satisfied — no questions asked. I’m a sucker for a good deal, and I’d highly recommend Alert1 if you are too.
Pros About Alert1
- Fall detection included in some packages at no extra cost
- 30-day refund policy
- U.S.-based call center with TMA Diamond Certified operators
- Bundled and month-to-month options
- Variety of payment options
- Affordable spouse monitoring
- Language support for 190 languages
- Cancel anytime
Cons About Alert1
- Best rates require an annual subscription
- No returns after 30-day trial period
- No lifetime warranty
- Limited in-home range
- Limited caregiver features
Setup and Testing
I set up and tested the In-the-Home + Fall Detection system and the On-the-Go + Fall Detection system. Both were a cinch to complete thanks to the helpful installation videos on Alert1’s website. I tested each with a quick press of the emergency button and found that response times averaged around 20 seconds, just a few seconds longer than Bay Alarm Medical and Medical Guardian.
The On-the-Go system’s GPS feature is especially impressive. An operator could see my exact location during a test call, even during a walk on the beach. The location tracking is really useful in instances where you can’t get ahold of your loved ones. My grandma sometimes leaves her phone at home or puts it on silent, and I’m not able to reach her. Being able to check her location and make sure she’s all right provides added peace of mind, and she doesn’t have to deal with me pestering her several times a day! Location tracking is also excellent for people with memory loss who are prone to wandering.
Features for Caregivers
Caregiver features are limited with Alert1, but customers can create a Circle of Care with neighbors, friends, family, and other caregivers. You can decide who Alert1 contacts first in case of an emergency. I wish Alert1 offered more caregiver features, since the features provide greater peace of mind and protection. I love knowing I can check in on my grandma at any time if I can’t get ahold of her.
Battery Life
Alert1 systems include low-battery detection. When your fall-detection pendant or system sends a low-battery signal to Alert1, the company replaces the battery or sends you a new button free of charge. No need to fret about dead batteries. Here’s the expected battery life of each fall-detection system:
- Fall-detection pendant: Up to two years
- On-the-Go with GPS + Fall Detection: Up to five days per charge
Alert1’s In-the-Home system also has a 24-hour backup battery. Your fall-detection pendant and in-home system will still work even if the power is out from a bad storm.
» Learn More: Alert1 Review
Alert1 Products and Pricing
In-the-Home In-the-Home + Fall Detection On-the-Go with GPS On-the-Go with GPS + Fall Detection On-the-Go Wrist Watch with GPS + Pedometer In-the-Home + On-the-Go + Fall Detection Monthly pricing $28.95 $38.95 $38.95 $48.95 $38.95 $58.95 Fall detection available No Yes Yes Yes No Yes Additional price of fall detection N/A Included $10 per month Included N/A Included Fall detection built in or requires extra pendant N/A Pendant Built in/td> Built in N/A Built in and Pendant Equipment fee No No No No $179 No
Important Considerations When Purchasing a Medical Alert System With Fall Detection
After our research and testing, we chose the best medical alert systems with fall detection that met three important criteria.
- No long-term contracts: With these companies, you’ll be able to cancel your service at any time. Other medical alert systems may require you to sign a contract that locks you in long term, which we’re not big fans of. After all, your needs could change at any time.
- Great value: There’s nothing worse than paying good money for a product, only to find out the value doesn’t match the price tag. Whether you need a medical alert system that provides simple protection at a low price or you don’t mind spending a little extra for all the bells and whistles, we’ve made sure these medical alert systems are worth the investment. If it’s not worth the cost for our friends and family, we won’t recommend it to you either!
- 24/7 monitoring: Falls can occur at any time, which is why it’s oh-so-important that your alert system with fall detection is linked to a 24/7 professional monitoring center. Whether a fall occurs in the middle of the night or the afternoon, all the providers on our list will be there to help around the clock.
Do I Need Automatic Fall Detection?
If you’re asking yourself whether you really need fall detection, keep in mind that a person 65 or older experiences a fall every second. Since falls happen so frequently among older adults, we highly recommend medical alert systems with automatic fall detection. If you’ve already experienced a fall or have had a loved one fall, you know how scary it can be — especially if they live alone. Fall detection gives seniors added protection and provides peace of mind for caregivers when they’re away.
We think all older adults should be protected with fall detection, but it’s especially important if you or your loved one has recently experienced any of the medical events listed below. Research has shown they can be precursors to a fall.
Cognitive Decline
If you’ve noticed a decline in cognitive function or mental health in yourself or an older adult in your life, it can be a precursor for a fall. Seniors experiencing symptoms of depression are at a 30 percent higher risk of falling,2 and those living with Alzheimer’s are also at an increased risk.3
Hearing Loss
Seniors with hearing loss are three times more likely to fall than those without hearing loss.4 That’s due to less spatial awareness, which makes tripping and falling more likely. If you’ve experienced hearing loss, fall detection may be useful.
Pro Tip: Think you could benefit from hearing aids and fall detection? Starkey offers Livio AI hearing aids that come equipped with fall detection. If the wearer falls, Starkey sends an alert message to your selected family and friends.
History of Falls
Seniors who have fallen before are twice as likely to fall again in the future.5 Certain medications, vision impairments, clutter in the home, and improper footwear can all contribute to a history of falling.
» Learn About: Fall Prevention for Seniors
Is Automatic Fall Detection Accurate?
Fall detection sensors are calibrated to account for patterns in drops and falls. Metrics such as speed, impact, angle, distance, and motion detected after a fall are all factored in by the fall-detection sensor. Based on the information gathered from these metrics, the device determines whether a fall occurred. Upon detecting a fall, the system will connect the wearer to a trained operator, who will then determine if emergency medical assistance should be dispatched.
Fall-detection sensors are programmed to avoid triggering due to small motions, but the system isn’t always 100 percent accurate. If a false alarm is triggered, you can just communicate with the emergency operator that everything is fine and you don’t need assistance. No biggie!
Quick Tip: Want to compare our top picks for medical alert systems with fall detection to other providers? Visit our list of the best medical alert systems in 2024.
On the flip side, since automatic fall detection isn’t perfect, sometimes the sensor doesn’t detect when the wearer falls. It can happen for a variety of reasons, such as low batteries, the pendant being worn incorrectly, or that the sensor was unable to detect the fall. That’s why it’s so important for wearers to always press their medical alert button when a fall occurs. That will ensure the emergency operator is notified and help is sent ASAP.
How Much Does Automatic Fall Detection Cost?
Since automatic fall detection is available as an add-on feature to the medical alert systems we listed above, you’ll want to consider the price of the medical alert subscription as well. An annual subscription plan typically costs $19.95 to $50 or more per month. Adding automatic fall detection to your plan will add $5 to $10 per month to your bill. That wide price range makes fall detection accessible and worthwhile for most seniors — even those living on a fixed income.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How much does fall detection cost?
Most medical alert system providers charge $5 to $10 extra per month to add automatic fall detection to your monthly subscription.
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Does fall detection work?
Yes, fall detection works — but not 100 percent of the time. In the event of a fall, wearers should always press their medical alert button if possible.
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Who should have automatic fall detection?
Seniors who have a history of falling or have precursors that may make them more likely to fall should consider adding automatic fall detection to their medical alert system.
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Does fall detection work in the shower?
Yes, the majority of fall-detection pendants are waterproof and can be worn in the shower. That’s ideal since bathrooms can be slippery and bathing can pose a safety hazard for some older adults.
CDC. (2023). Older Adult Falls Data.
ScienceDirect. (2017). Depressive symptomatology and fall risk among community-dwelling older adults.
The Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation. (2011). People with Alzheimer’s at High Risk of Falls and Injury.
John Hopkins Medicine. (2020). Hearing Loss Linked to Three Fold Risk of Falling.
CDC. (2023). Facts About Falls.