Best Medical Alert Systems With Fall Detection for Seniors

Overview

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 all of its five 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 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.

Our editor's grandma wearing her Mini Guardian system with fall detection

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 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.

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 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

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 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.

Medical Guardian Pricing and Products

Overview

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.

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

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

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, 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

Overview

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 $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 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

Charging the Lively Mobile2

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.

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

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 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.

Our Editor Jeff Hoyt with the LifeFone Wearable Pendant

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

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, 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.

Alert1-In-Home-System

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