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Best Medical Alert Systems With Fall Detection for Seniors

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Best systems with fall detection
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It’s expected that the medical alert systems industry is well on its way to making over $26.43 billion in revenue by 2023.1 With the popularity of medical alert systems on the rise, medical alert companies are offering more features and options to keep seniors living safely at home for as long as possible. Fall detection is one of those popular, life-saving features. Since around 25 percent of older adults fall each year,2 selecting a system with fall detection is something we’d highly recommend.

When shopping for a medical alert system for yourself, or a loved one, fall detection is an important feature to consider. We’ve researched and assessed more than a dozen medical alert systems on the market and included the top systems offering fall detection. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly system or one that is ideal for two people, this guide will take you through all the details when choosing the best medical alert system with fall detection for your needs.

  • 1. Medical Guardian - Best systems with fall detection

    Medical Guardian offers a wide variety of fall detection options to meet the needs of all sorts of seniors. In fact, they offer fall detection on four out of their five alert systems. This includes landline and cellular at-home systems and two on-the-go systems.

    Mobile Guardian

    Time and time again, Medical Guardian ranks as one of our top picks for fall detection!

    This American company has been around for 15 years, providing innovative safety solutions to 200,000 seniors and their caregivers. Offering both mobile and on-the-go medical alert systems and top-rated customer service, they were an easy pick as one of the best providers with fall detection. 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.

    To learn more about Medical Guardian, visit our hands-on Medical Guardian review.

    Ease of use Equipment Service & Response Features & Tech Pricing
    Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent
    Please scroll to the right for more info.
    Pros
    • Customizable features
    • High-tech systems
    • Smartwatch option
    • Diverse product lineup
    • Large in-home coverage range
    • No hidden fees
    • No long-term contracts
    • U.S.-based monitoring center
    Cons
    • No free trial
    • Pricier premium systems

    Medical Guardian Pricing and Products

    Mini Guardian MGMove Mobile 2.0 Home 2.0 Classic Guardian
    Prices  starting at $44.95 per month $39.95 per month $44.95 per month $37.95 per month $29.95 per month
    Fall detection available Yes No Yes Yes Yes
    Additional price of fall detection $10 per month N/A $10 per month $10 per month $10 per month
    Fall detection built-in or requires extra pendant Built-In N/A Pendant Pendant Pendant
    Equipment fee $149.95 $199.95 No $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.

  • 2. Bay Alarm Medical - Best GPS fall detection

    Bay Alarm Medical’s SOS Mobile comes with your choice of AT&T or Verizon service. This powerful GPS-equipped  mobile device is the reason Bay Alarm Medical made our list. If a fall is detected or the button is pressed, the wearer’s location can be pinpointed exactly and help will be sent straight away. As we’ve mentioned, falls can happen anywhere at any time, so your system should be equipped for on-the-go use, especially if you’re an active senior. Starting at just $29.95 per month, this is also one of the more affordable GPS systems on the market.

    Our Editor Jeff Hoyt wearing the Bay Alarm Medical Fall Detection Pendant

    Our Editor Jeff Hoyt wearing the Bay Alarm Medical Fall Detection Pendant

    The SOS Home can also be upgraded to include fall detection for those who spend most of their time at home. With a 30-day risk-free trial, no long-term contracts, and Bay Alarm Medical’s affordable pricing (talk about perks), this company has a reputation for providing customer-centered service.

    Head to our latest Bay Alarm Medical review to learn more about this provider.

    Ease of use Equipment Service & Response Features & Tech Pricing
    Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent
    Please scroll to the right for more info.
    Pros
    • Affordable pricing
    • Caregiver tracking app with SOS Mobile
    • 30-day risk-free trial
    • No contracts
    • 24-hour emergency response center
    • Unique smartwatch system
    • Bundle package options
    • Bundle discounts
    Cons
    • Small product lineup
    • Equipment fees on select systems

    Bay Alarm Medical Pricing and Products

    SOS Home SOS Mobile SOS Smartwatch SOS All-in-One
    Prices starting at $24.95 per month $29.95-$29.95 per month $34.95 per month $37.95 per month
    Fall detection available Yes Yes No Yes
    Additional price of fall detection $10 per month $10 per month N/A $10 per month
    Fall detection built-in or requires extra pendant Pendant Built-In N/A Pendant
    Equipment fee No $159 $255 $159

    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.

  • 3. Lively - Best mobile fall detection

    Lively made our list for their on-the-go medical alert system that comes with optional fall detection and their mobile app that can be accessed on other devices. The Lively Mobile Plus is an all-in-one, on-the-go device with optional fall detection built in. The alert system also has an Urgent Response button, two-way talk, and enhanced location detection. While Lively does have an equipment fee, at $49.99, it won’t break the bank.

    Lively’s two Health & 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.

    Second, Lively enhances an already powerful, fall-detection-equipped Apple Watch. You can download the Lively App on this popular smartwatch and access Lively’s Health & Safety services with a monthly subscription. Prices range from $24.99 to $34.99 per month. So, while Lively doesn’t provide fall detection directly, it makes a device with fall detection even more senior-friendly.

    Want a closer look at this provider? Read our Lively review.

    Ease of use Equipment Service & Response Features & Tech Pricing
    Excellent Above Average Excellent Excellent
    Please scroll to the right for more info.
    Pros
    • Purchases can be made online or at a Best Buy store
    • Turn your smartphone into a mobile medical alert device
    • A unique lineup of health and safety features
    • Customize your plan and safety features
    • Sleek design
    • 24/7 monitoring through 5Star Urgent Response
    Cons
    • Equipment and activation fees
    • Service may not be available in remote or rural areas

    Lively Products and Pricing

    Lively Mobile Plus
    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 $49.99
  • 4. Alexa Together - Best variety of fall detection options

    Overview

    Alexa Together is a great system for those who like to customize. The in-home system utilizes 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’s functionality includes remote caregiver monitoring and smart home appliance and device integration. Caregivers can check in on their loved one’s activity, set reminders, make video calls, and more, while seniors can call for help and use all of Alexa’s standard features with the sound of their voice.

    FYI:

    FYI: To learn more about all of Alexa Together’s features and fall detection options, read our review of Alexa Together.

    Fall detection requires a separate piece of equipment purchased through a third-party provider. Unlike with other medical alert systems, fall detection does not require an additional monthly fee. However, it does have an upfront equipment cost for a compatible system. Amazon recommends three very different systems: a neck pendant, touchless motion sensors that adhere to the wall, and a camera system. As long as your Alexa Together subscription is active, any of these fall detection options will work by sending an alert through the Alexa device to the Urgent Response center if a fall occurs.

    Ease of use Equipment Service & Response Features & Tech Pricing
    Above Average Excellent Excellent Above Average
    Please scroll to the right for more info.
    Pros
    • Multiple fall detection options
    • Low monthly monitoring fees
    • No additional monthly fee for fall detection
    • Caregiver monitoring available through the Alexa App
    • Reminders for medication and appointments
    Cons
    • Equipment costs are somewhat high
    • Users may get confused with three different providers
    • No on-the-go fall detection

    Alexa Together Pricing and Products

    Vayyar SkyAngelCare AltumView
    Prices starting at $19.99 per month $19.99 per month $19.99 per month
    Fall detection available Yes Yes Yes
    Fall detection built-in or requires extra pendant Wall sensors Pendant Camera system
    Equipment fee $227.29 $169.99 $199.99
  • 5. LifeFone - Most affordable fall detection

    Offering a price lock guarantee, lifetime warranty, and fall detection add-ons starting at $5 a month, LifeFone was an obvious choice when searching for the most affordable fall detection option. 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 that we’ve seen. Though it is a low-cost option, LifeFone still delivers reliable service and quality on-the-go and at-home medical alert systems.

    Read our latest LifeFone review for more information about this provider.

    Our Editor Jeff Hoyt with the LifeFone Wearable Pendant

    Our Editor Jeff Hoyt with the LifeFone Wearable Pendant

    Ease of use Equipment Service & Response Features & Tech Pricing
    Above Average Above Average Above Average Above Average
    Please scroll to the right for more info.
    Pros
    • Lifetime price guarantee
    • Large in-home coverage range
    • No extra fees
    • Lifetime warranty for all equipment
    • Inexpensive fall detection
    • Features for hearing and visually-impaired users
    • Great ongoing promotions and deals
    • Free spouse monitoring
    • 30-day battery life for mobile GPS system
    Cons
    • Accessories and add-ons can get pricey

    LifeFone Products and Pricing

    At-Home Landline At-Home Cellular At-Home & On-the-Go At-Home & On-the-Go, VIP Active At-Home & On-the-Go, VIPx At-Home & On-the-Go Smartwatch Active
    Prices starting at $29.95 per month $34.95 per month $39.95 per month $43.95 per month $45.95 per month $49.95 per month
    Fall detection available Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
    Additional price of fall detection $5 per month $5 per month $10 per month N/A $5 per month $5 per month
    Fall detection built-in or requires extra pendant Pendant Pendant Pendant Built in Pendant Built in
    Equipment fee No No No No No No
  • 6. Alert1 - Best fall detection for two users

    While some providers require you to purchase two separate systems with fall detection at full price, Alert1 offers discounted rates for spouses and roommates, which 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. This can save you around $10 to $30 per month (wowza) when 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. We’re suckers for a good deal, so if you are too, we’d highly recommend Alert1.

    Head to our hands-on Alert1 review for a closer look at this company.

    Ease of use Equipment Service & Response Features & Tech Pricing
    Below Average Below Average Average Below Average
    Please scroll to the right for more info.
    Pros
    • Support for 190 languages
    • 30-day battery life for on-the-go system
    • Great deals when paying annually or quarterly
    • No hidden fees
    • Customized emergency responses
    • Bundle options
    • Month-to-month and long-term options
    • Extensive add-on features and equipment
    Cons
    • Best rates require an annual subscription
    • No returns after trial period ends
    • Limited warranty
    • Monitoring center is not company owned

    Alert1 Products and Pricing

    In-the-Home In-the-Home + Fall Detection On-the-Go On-the-Go + Fall Detection On-the-Go Wrist Watch with GPS + Pedometer In-the-Home + On-the-Go + Fall Detection
    Prices Starting at $28.95 per month $38.95 per month $38.95 per month $48.95 per month $38.95 per month $58.95 per month
    Fall detection available No Yes No Yes No Yes
    Additional price of fall detection N/A Included N/A Included N/A Included
    Fall detection built-in or requires extra pendant N/A Pendant N/A Built-In N/A Built-In and Pendant
    Equipment fee No No No No $179 No

How We Selected the Best Medical Alert Systems With Fall Detection

After our research and testing, we chose the best medical alert systems with fall detection that met four important criteria.

  1. 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. With these companies, you’ll have the freedom to cancel your service at any time.
  2. Mobile option: Since many falls happen outside of the home, it’s important that you have fall protection both in the home and on the go. These providers offer systems that can be used in both settings.
  3. 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!
  4. 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 of the providers on our list will be there to help around the clock.
Active Guardian

Our Editor Jeff Hoyt testing out one of the many systems with fall detection we rated during our research!

Do I Need Automatic Fall Detection?

If you’re asking yourself, “Do I really need fall detection?” keep in mind that every second a person 65 or older experiences a fall.3 Since falls happen so frequently among older adults, we highly recommend medical alert systems built with automatic fall detection. The feature gives seniors added protection and provides peace of mind for caregivers when they’re away.

Fall detection is an innovative technology built into wearable pendants that detect a fall even if the user is unconscious and/or unable to press their medical alert button. When a fall is detected, trained operators are alerted and can assess the situation within seconds, dispatching emergency services and alerting caregivers if needed.

Though we like to think all older adults should be protected with fall detection, it is 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, this can be a precursor for a fall. For seniors who have symptoms of depression, it can increase their chance of falling by up to 30 percent4 and those living with Alzheimer’s are also at an increased risk.5

Hearing Loss

Seniors with hearing loss are three times more likely to fall than those without hearing loss.6 This is due to less spatial awareness, which makes tripping and falling more likely. If you’ve experienced hearing loss, fall detection may be useful.

History of Falls

For seniors who have fallen before, they are twice as likely to fall again in the future.7 Certain medications, vision impairments, clutter in the home, and improper footwear can all contribute to a history of falling.

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 or not 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.

Though fall detection sensors are programmed to avoid triggering due to small motions, 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 do not need assistance. No biggie!

Quick Tip:

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 2023.

On the flip side, since automatic fall detection isn’t perfect, sometimes when the wearer falls the sensor may not detect the fall. This can happen for a variety of reasons such as low batteries, the pendant being worn incorrectly, or simply that the sensor was unable to detect the fall. Due to this margin of error, it’s encouraged that wearers always press their medical alert button when a fall occurs, if possible. This ensures that the emergency operator is notified and help is sent ASAP.

What Does Automatic Fall Detection Cost?

Since automatic fall detection is available as an add-on feature to the medical alert systems we’ve listed above, you’ll want to consider the price of the medical alert subscription as well. If you choose an annual subscription plan, you can expect to pay around $19.95 to $45 per month, depending on your chosen system and provider. To add automatic fall detection, most medical alert system providers add $5-$10 per month to your bill. With that wide of a price range, we’ve found that automatic fall detection is accessible and worth the investment, even if you’re shopping on a budget. We’d definitely recommend fall detection if it works for your wallet.

FAQs

  • How much does fall detection cost?

    Most medical alert system providers charge around $5-$10 extra per month to add automatic fall detection to your monthly subscription.

  • Does fall detection work?

    Yes, fall detection works, but it does not work 100 percent of the time. In the event of a fall, wearers should always press their medical alert button if possible.

  • 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 getting automatic fall detection added to their medical alert system.

  • Does fall detection work in the shower?

    Yes, the majority of fall detection pendants are waterproof and can be worn in the shower. This is ideal since bathrooms can be slippery and bathing can pose a safety hazard for some older adults.

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Reviewed By

Linda Schlenker

Senior Safety Expert

Linda’s Acclaimed Career in Senior Care Linda Schlenker is a comforting voice for seniors and caregivers across the U.S. For nearly three decades, Linda has helped seniors remain safe in their own homes, while helping them to regain priceless independence and peace… Learn More About Linda Schlenker

Written By

Morgan Redding

Writer and Editor

Morgan has been writing about the senior living industry for the past five years. In addition to over 400 hours of research on topics like medical alert systems, health insurance, and technology for older adults, she also brings her previous experience working… Learn More About Morgan Redding