Best Medical Alert Systems With Fall Detection for Seniors
Medical Guardian offers our favorite medical alert systems with fall detection thanks to their high-tech features and variety of options.
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- Prices starting at $29.95 per month
- At-home and on-the-go options available
- Fall detection costs $10 per month
- Prices starting at $24.95 per month
- At-home and on-the-go options available
- Fall detection costs $10 per month
- Prices starting at $24.95 per month
- At-home and on-the-go options available
- Fall detection costs $9.99 per month
- Easy-to-use systems
- Lifetime warranty
- Seasonal promotions
- Discounted monthly rates for vetearns
- Prices starting at $28.95 per month
- Unique features: Service donation program for veterans
Our team of senior tech and fall-prevention experts tested the industry’s best medical alert systems and narrowed down the list to our top picks with fall detection.
Our team of senior tech and fall-prevention experts tested the industry’s best medical alert systems and narrowed down the list to our top picks with fall detection.
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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 families. My team of tech experts and I evaluated more than a dozen fall-detection systems based on important factors such as price, fall-detection efficacy, response times, in-home range, caregiver features, and more. In this guide, we’ll look at the best medical alert systems with fall detection and give you our hands-on experience with each provider so you can make an informed decision.
Our editor's grandma wearing her Mini Guardian system with fall detection
Our Top Medical Alert Systems With Fall Detection
Our Methodology
How We Tested the Medical Alert Systems
Our medical alert team spent over 200 hours researching and testing more than a dozen medical alert systems with fall detection. We then purchased systems from our list of top providers to get a week of hands-on experience with each one.
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 removed 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 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.
How We Chose the Best Medical Alert Systems With Fall Detection
The medical alert systems on this list needed to meet the below criteria:
- Pricing: The companies on our list offer competitive pricing on their systems, ranging from basic in-home systems to more advanced on-the-go options. You can expect to pay $5 to $10 more per month for fall detection. We evaluated monthly prices, equipment fees, fall detection costs, any additional fees, and ways to save.
- Setup: We tested our top picks right out of the box to see how easy they would be to set up for an older adult or their caregiver. We included systems we easily set up and started using in under 10 minutes.
- In-home range: In-home range is a big factor for home-based medical alert systems. The larger the range, the farther you can go from the base unit while still being protected. We set up each system in the kitchen of a two-story, four-bedroom, 1,700-square-foot home and evaluated the coverage range by testing the system in different parts of the home.
- Caregiver features: Mobile companion apps, text alerts, and similar features make it easier for caregivers to know the status of an older adult. The brands on this list include extra features to make things easier for older adults and their caregivers.
- Battery life: Most medical alert pendant batteries last for a year or more, but mobile systems need to be charged every day or every few days. Most home-based systems also have backup batteries if the power goes out. We considered overall battery life, types of batteries, and how convenient each system is to keep up and running.
You can visit our medical alert system methodology guide to learn more about our hands-on testing process.
Why Trust Us
Our team of senior tech experts and fall-prevention experts has tested dozens of medical alert systems over the years. We’re always researching and trying out the latest technology designed to keep seniors safe. We also consulted with Linda Schlenker, an occupational therapist with over three decades of experience advising seniors and caregivers on the benefits of medical alert systems. Schlenker approved all the medical alert systems on our list. She and her patients have extensive experience using these systems, and they know first-hand how they can save lives.
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Medical Guardian
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Bay Alarm Medical
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Lively
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LifeFone
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Alert1
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| Rating | 4.8 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4.0 |
| Prices starting at | $29.95 per month | $24.95 per month | $24.95 per month | $29.95 per month | $28.95 per month |
| Fall detection fee | $10 per month | $10 per month | $9.99 per month | $5 per month | $10 per month |
| GPS location | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Water-resistant devices | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| In-home coverage range | Up to 1,400 feet | Up to 1,000 feet | N/A | Up to 1,300 feet | Up to 400 feet |
| Average response time | 15 seconds | 15 seconds | 12 seconds | 30 seconds | 32 seconds |
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1. Medical Guardian - Best systems with fall detection
What we like most
- Prices starting at $29.95 per month
- At-home and on-the-go options available
- Fall detection costs $10 per month
Medical GuardianOverview:Overview
Medical Guardian has fall detection on all five of its alert systems, so there are options for different needs and budgets. Whether you want an at-home or on-the-go system, Medical Guardian lets you add fall-detection capabilities.
Current Deal: New customers can get 75 percent off the MGMini by paying for a year of service in advance. This deal also comes with a free month of service, shipping, and a lockbox.
I love the company’s 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. With five 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.
Testing out Medical Guardian's MGMini Lite
Pros & Cons:Pros About Medical Guardian
- Variety of fall-detection options available
- Customizable, high-tech systems
- Large in-home coverage range
- No hidden fees or long-term contracts
- Easy to set up and use
- U.S.-based monitoring center
Cons About Medical Guardian
- May experience false alarms with automatic fall detection
- No free trial
- Pricier premium systems
- Need strong AT&T or Verizon coverage for cellular or on-the-go systems
Our Hands-on Testing:Setup and Testing
Medical Guardian’s systems are easy to set up and use on your own. I’ve tried all five 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!
Setting up our MGClassic system was as easy as plugging it in!
She also tried the MGMini, 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 not something you want happening regularly! My grandma now makes sure to keep her pendant nearby, even if she takes it off, so she can cancel any false alarms.
Expert InsightsFrom Linda Schlenker, M.S., M.A., O.T.RSome people I have worked with are hesitant to have fall detection because they are concerned with false alarms. While this can happen, I still firmly believe it is better to risk a false alarm here and there than to need help and be unable to call for it.Expert InsightsFrom Linda Schlenker, M.S., M.A., O.T.RSome people I have worked with are hesitant to have fall detection because they are concerned about false alarms. While this can happen, I still firmly believe it is better to risk a false alarm here and there than to need help and be unable to call for it.Features for Caregivers
All five 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 MGMini. 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 MGMini system and found it simple and accurate.
Battery Life
Remembering to charge devices is a struggle for anyone — especially 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
Even the MGClassic and MGHome Cellular systems, 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 your medical alert system must keep chugging along like normal.
» Related Reading: Best Cellular Medical Alert Systems
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.
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 $10 per month $10 per month $10 per month $10 per month $10 per month Fall detection built in or requires extra pendant Built in Built in or pendant Built in Pendant Pendant Equipment fee $199.95 149.95 $149.95 $149.95 No -
2. Bay Alarm Medical - Best GPS fall detection
What we like most
- Prices starting at $24.95 per month
- At-home and on-the-go options available
- Fall detection costs $10 per month
Bay Alarm MedicalOverview:Overview
Bay Alarm Medical’s powerful GPS-equipped mobile devices are the reason the company made our list. It offers three mobile systems: SOS Micro, SOS All-In-One 2, and SOS Smartwatch. Fall detection can be added to each system. If a fall is detected or the button is pressed, your location can be pinpointed 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 $29.95 monthly, Bay Alarm Medical offers some of the more affordable GPS systems on the market.
» Learn About: Best medical alert systems for active seniors
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, 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.
Trying out Medical Guardian's MGMini Lite
Current Deal: Bay Alarm Medical offers discounts seasonally. Select plans are currently 30 percent off, with free ground shipping and one month of free service.
Pros & Cons:Pros About Bay Alarm Medical
- Fall detection on a variety of systems
- Affordable pricing
- Caregiver tracking app
- 30-day risk-free trial
- No contracts
- Bundle package options and discounts
- Comprehensive language support
Cons About Bay Alarm Medical
- Small product lineup
- Equipment fees on select systems
- Middle-of-the-road battery life
Our Hands-on Testing: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 that, since many older adults don’t own a smartphone or want to deal with connecting another device to their phone.
I pressed the SOS button for five seconds to place a test call. 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
Testing out Bay Alarm Medical's SOS Smartwatch
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 2, SOS Micro, 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 All-In-One 2 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).
FYI: We also named Bay Alarm Medical one of the best medical alert systems for seniors with hearing loss.
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 Micro: Up to 36 hours per charge
- SOS All-in-One 2: 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 Micro SOS Smartwatch SOS All-In-One 2 Monthly pricing $24.95 $29.95 $34.95 $34.95 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 $129 -
3. Lively - Best mobile fall detection
What we like most
- Prices starting at $24.95 per month
- At-home and on-the-go options available
- Fall detection costs $9.99 per month
LivelyOverview:Overview
Lively made our list for its on-the-go medical alert system 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 $79.99, 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 whenever, 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.Prices range from $24.99 to $34.99 per month, $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
Charging the Lively Mobile2
Pros & Cons: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
- Mobile device is not very aesthetic
- Fall detection is available on only one device
Our Hands-on Testing: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.)
» For More Discretion: Best Medical Alert Bracelets
Conducting a test call was as simple as pressing the emergency button. My grandma and I placed calls 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.
Testing out the Lively Link app's location tracking feature
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. LifeFone - Most affordable fall detection
What we like most
- Easy-to-use systems
- Lifetime warranty
- Seasonal promotions
LifeFoneOverview:Overview
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 charge around $10 for fall detection.
Expert InsightsFrom Linda Schlenker, M.S., M.A., O.T.RFall detection is absolutely critical, and it is wonderful that LifeFone makes this feature affordable. A double bonus is that they offer a price lock guarantee so there are no surprises with the bill in years to come.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. LifeFone offers fall detection on all its medical alert systems, so your choices aren’t limited, unlike with other providers we’ve reviewed.
Our Editor Jeff Hoyt with the LifeFone Wearable Pendant
Pros & Cons: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
- Slower response times than some competitors
- Add-on equipment can get expensive
- No language support
- No Five-Diamond monitoring center certification from The Monitoring Association (TMA)
Our Hands-on Testing: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 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 tested it while running errands and 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.
» Also Check Out: Best Medical Alert Systems for Seniors With Dementia
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 $43.95 $41.95 $43.95 $47.95 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 -
5. Alert1 - Best fall detection for two users
What we like most
- Discounted monthly rates for vetearns
- Prices starting at $28.95 per month
- Unique features: Service donation program for veterans
Alert1Overview:Overview
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, plus discounted bundles for in-home and on-the-go systems.
» Find a Deal: Best Affordable Medical Alert 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.
Alert1-In-Home-System
Pros & Cons:Pros About Alert1
- Fall detection included in select packages
- No equipment fees
- 30-day risk-free trial
- U.S.-based call center with TMA Diamond Certified operators
- Variety of payment options
- Affordable spouse monitoring
- Language support for 190 languages
Cons About Alert1
- Best rates require an annual subscription
- No lifetime warranty
- Limited in-home range
- Limited caregiver features
Our Hands-on Testing: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.
» You Might Like: Best Medical Alert Systems for Veterans
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 unable to reach her. Being able to check her location and ensure 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 who have memory loss or 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 Wristband 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 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Additional price of fall detection $10 per month Included $10 per month Included $10 per month Included Fall detection built in or requires extra pendant Pendant Pendant Built in Built in Built in Built in and Pendant Equipment fee No No No No No No
How to Choose the Best Medical Alert System With Fall Detection
We’ve tested the best fall-detection systems on the market, but it’s still important to do your research before making a purchase. When choosing a system, there are many important factors to consider.
Most providers don’t require you to sign a contract, but make sure to read the fine print. You can typically pay month to month and cancel your service at any time. Just keep in mind that some companies offer discounts and incentives for customers willing to pay for a year of service in advance. Alternatively, some medical alert systems require you to sign a long-term contract no matter what, but, in our experience, they aren’t ideal because your needs can change at any time.
Brand Reputation
We don’t recommend any medical alert system company unless they offer quality products and services that we’ve tested. If you find a different brand that suits your needs, read reviews and ensure that they can be trusted. Don’t waste money on a company that offers lackluster devices, poor customer service, or unreliable fall detection — especially when your safety or the safety of a loved one is on the line.
Your Budget
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 extra for the bells and whistles, consider how your needs and budget meet. It can help you find a system that won’t break the bank but still offers the kind of features you require.
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, a quality provider needs to be there to help around the clock.
In-Home Range
Nearly 80 percent of falls that result in emergency department visits occur in the home. There are plenty of on-the-go systems that can be used at home, but most home-based systems use a base station and wearable pendant or call button that must be within range to function. The larger the range, the farther you can wander from the base station without losing the connection. Larger ranges allow you to move around your home, go to the mailbox, or tend to the garden while staying protected.
Maximum in-home ranges vary by system. Here’s a quick rundown of the maximum ranges for our top medical alert systems with fall detection:
- Medical Guardian: up to 1,400 feet
- Bay Alarm Medical: up to 1,000 feet
- Lively: N/A (on-the-go system only)
- LifeFone: up to 1,300 feet
- Alert1: up to 400 feet (600 feet without fall detection)
Editor Jeff Hoyt testing Wearable Pendant
Watch our video below to learn more about important considerations when choosing a medical alert system.
Do I Need Automatic Fall Detection?
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. If you’re asking yourself whether you need fall detection, remember that someone in this age group 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. 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.
Testing out a Medical Guardian fall detection help pendant
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. Starkey sends an alert message to your selected family and friends if the wearer falls.
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 tell 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 or the pendant being worn incorrectly. 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 usually 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 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.