Best In-Home Medical Alert Systems of 2020
Our experts researched and reviewed 15 in-home medical alert devices and narrowed the list to their top 5 recommendations.
Updated November 7, 2019
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Top 5 Highest Ranked In-Home Medical Alert Systems
Here are the Best In-Home Medical Alert Systems for 2020
- Medical Guardian - Best In-Home Medical Alert Overall
- MobileHelp - Best In-Home Technology
- Bay Alarm Medical - Most Affordable In-Home Medical Alert
- LifeStation - Easiest to Use Home Medical Alert
- Philips Lifeline - Best Home Medical Alert Brand
How We Chose the Best In-Home Medical Alert Systems
To help you make a confident and informed purchase, we have come up with the top 5 in-home medical alert system brands by evaluating several criteria like affordability, ease of use, response times, and service. Learn more about the brands that made the top of our list!
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1. Medical Guardian
Overview
Medical Guardian is a leading provider of medical alert systems for seniors. As far as in-home systems go, they carry three different models: Classic Guardian, Home Guardian, and Family Guardian.
Classic Guardian is a cost-efficient medical alert system that will keep you safe in and around your home for less than $1 per day. It connects to your landline telephone. The base station operates with a wearable medical alert help button that can be pushed up to 1,300 feet away from the base station. Pressing the button will connect you to Medical Guardian’s 24-hour monitoring center.
Home Guardian relies on AT&T’s nationwide cellular network to wirelessly connect you to Medical Guardian’s 24-hour monitoring center. It is ideal for those who are home a lot but do not have a landline phone. The base station is super easy to install, and operates with a wearable emergency button that can be pushed up to 600 feet away from the base station.
Finally, Family Guardian offers a few more perks that are useful for families that the Classic and Home Guardian don’t come with. This model uses three in-home safety sensors, allowing family members, caregivers, and friends to stay in-the-know on a loved one’s activity levels and health at all times. Family Guardian has a corresponding phone app, which enables users to get instant notifications if the safety sensors detect that your aging loved one may need medical assistance or isn’t going about their normal routine. The medical alert help button on Family Guardian can be pushed up to 1,300 feet away from the base station to connect with Medical Guardian’s 24-hour monitoring center. Compared to Classic and Home Guardian, Family Guardian costs a little more averaging out to about $2.58 per day. This is still great value considering the added features.
Pros
- No contract required
- No installation/activation fees
- Package includes online monitoring of location & health
- 24-hour emergency support
- Advanced activity monitoring system
Cons
- No pill reminder option
- No carbon monoxide & smoke detection options
- Fall detection is not standard in any plan
- Upgrade options fewer than competitors
Pricing
Medical Guardian offers fair pricing. The final cost will depend on not only the system you choose, but also any additional add-on options you may choose like fall detection. This brand offers different pricing plans, monthly being the most expensive and annually being the best value.
Classic Guardian’s current subscription rates are as follows:
- $29.95/month
- $89.85/quarter
- $179.70/six months
- $329.45/year
Home Guardian’s current subscription rates are as follows:
- $34.95/month
- $104.85/quarter
- $209.70/six months
- $385.45/year
Family Guardian’s current subscription rates are as follows:
- $79.95/month
- $239.85/quarter
- $479.70/six months
- $879.45/year
Bottom Line
Medical Guardian offers affordable in-home monitoring for aging seniors. Some of the stand-out features found in Medical Guardian systems include activity monitoring, automatic monthly tests, 24-hour support, and an optional fall detection function as an add-on. With a cancel anytime policy and reasonable service rates, there’s no harm to give Medical Guardian a try!
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2. MobileHelp
Overview
Unlike some competitors, MobileHelp does not require a landline for service. Even their in-home medical alert systems rely on AT&T cellular connectivity to operate in the home. The 4G connection is linked with Rapid Response to provide users with round-the-clock monitoring. Add-ons can get pricey, but so long as you stick with the essentials, MobileHelp can be an affordable and practical choice.
MobileHelp Classic is a cellular in-home medical alert system that can be installed in seconds for 24/7 emergency monitoring. It features 2-way communication in your home, and comes with 1 help button. Equipment is included at no cost so long as you are actively subscribed to the service plan.
MobileHelp Duo is a package deal including both the in-home medical alert system, as well as the cellular one for on-the-go. This is ideal for seniors who spend a good chunk of time at home, but also like to explore the outdoors sometimes.
Pros
- No long-term contracts
- Each system comes with MobileHelp Connect, which allows authorized caregivers to receive alerts when an emergency button is pushed
- No landline needed
- Affordable plans available
- Quick response time of 17 seconds
Cons
- Reliable AT&T wireless reception needed
- No in-house medical monitoring center
Pricing
MobileHelp boasts reasonable prices, and two different in-home options that are suitable for families. If you or your aging loved one is mostly home-bound, then you can take advantage of MobileHelp Classic’s attractive subscription rates:
- $19.95/month
- $98.85/three months
- $179.70/six months
- $359.40/year
MobileHelp Duo protects you at home and while you are out and about at the following subscription rates:
- $41.95/month
- $119.85/three months
- $221.70/six months
- $443.40/year
As you can see, MobileHelp Duo is significantly more expensive than MobileHelp Classic, so you and/or your family member will have to evaluate your lifestyle to determine the best fit.
MobileHelp offers automatic fall detection as an add-on feature for an extra $10/month with any system. People who spend a lot of time on their own and are prone to falls may benefit greatly from having this additional protection. The automatic signal will get you medical help in case you fall and are unable to push a help button.
Bottom Line
If you are shopping for a medical alert system that will provide you optimal safety in the home, immediate response, professional service, and leading technology, then MobileHelp may be a promising option. The company even offers a 30-day risk-free trial! So if this is your first time purchasing a medical alert system and you aren’t sure which one to commit to, you can easily give MobileHelp a try to ensure it’s right for you.
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3. Bay Alarm Medical
Overview
Bay Alarm Medical has a long history in the medical alert system industry. As you might imagine, they have earned the trust of many in the 70+ years they have been in business! Bay Alarm Medical is an appealing choice to a plethora of seniors because they offer affordable pricing, innovative options, and no upfront equipment costs.
This company’s in-home system boasts 2-way communication, 32-hour battery backup, and easy installation. The help button is 100% waterproof, has a signal range of up to 1,000 feet, and is designed to last 5 years without any recharging. It is also available with automatic fall detection. Auto fall technology detects when you fall and lose consciousness so that you can still get the medical assistance you need even if you aren’t physically able to summon help. In addition to the wearable help button, Bay Alarm Medical’s in-home medical alert system includes a wall button. It’s not always convenient to wear a button at all times. The wall button is designed to widen your safety net and keep you protected at all times. Many people strategically place the wall button low to the ground in places like the bathroom or bedroom. This way, in the event of a fall, the button is within reach.
Pros
- Attractive and affordable pricing
- No upfront equipment cost
- Free monitoring for spouse
- Industry-leading medical alert technology
- Backed by one of the USA’s most reliable 24-hour medical emergency call centers
Cons
- Response time could be improved
- High equipment replacement cost if not covered by warranty
Pricing
Bay Alarm Medical’s in-home medical alert system starts at $19.95/month for basic protection. It includes 24/7 USA-based monitoring, as well as free shipping for semi-annual plans. Their preferred protection plan, which comes with 24/7 USA-based monitoring, free shipping for semi-annual plans, and a wall button 4-pack, is $29.95/month. Lastly, their premium protection plan costs $39.95/month. In addition to everything that’s offered in the preferred protection plan, users get access to auto fall detection, and a free lockbox, which is a $39.95 value.
Bottom Line
Bay Alarm Medical’s monthly rates never change thanks to its price-lock guarantee. Take advantage of Bay Alarm Medical’s 30-day trial period to test out their in-home medical alert system to see if it works well for you. With no start-up costs or minimum length contracts, giving Bay Alarm Medical a go is a no-brainer. Plus, if you have a spouse or an additional family member within the same household needing coverage, all you have to do is pay for a second button and you’ll get free monitoring for it!
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4. LifeStation
Overview
LifeStation is a well-regarded medical alert system brand that you can count on to provide peace of mind at all times. Fast response times, budget friendly packages, and impressive features are just a few of LifeStation’s perks! Seniors can get a personalized emergency plan, and message alerts set up for their caregivers or family members.
When it comes to in-home medical alert systems, LifeStation offers two different tiers: In-Home Traditional and In-Home Plus. In-Home Traditional is their most popular system that operates with your landline to get you help at the push of a button. In-Home Plus works for people without traditional landlines, but provides the same monitoring and protection features as the Traditional tier.
Pros
- System is easy to use and install
- No long-term contracts or upfront equipment costs
- UL listed
- 30-day money back guarantee
- 20-second response time
Cons
- No integration with third-party security or smart home devices
Pricing
The base pricing for LifeStation’s in-home landline medical alert system starts at $19.95/month. If you don’t have a landline at home, you can pay $5 extra per month to get a wireless connection. Both options come with an emergency button, and necklace and wristband attachments. Automatic fall detection, which sends an alert if you fall and need assistance, can be added onto any plans for an extra $10-15 per month.
Bottom Line
LifeStation often runs promotions offering free activation, so you can dodge those fees while taking advantage of free shipping and their 30-day money back guarantee. With activation fees waived, you could essentially get started with LifeStation without paying anything upfront besides the monthly fee! Stay protected in your home and get quality care with LifeStation’s exceptional in-home medical alert systems.
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5. Philips Lifeline
Overview
Philips Lifeline has been around since the 1970’s. Since then, they have continued to innovate and provide quality products and services to meet the growing needs of senior care. This company offers two different tiers of in-home protection: HomeSafe Standard and HomeSafe with AutoAlert.
HomeSafe Standard includes a personal alert button which gives you access to a highly trained response associate if you press it. You can pick either a pendant style button, or a button on a slim, lightweight wristband.
HomeSafe with AutoAlert boasts an extra layer of protection. In addition to HomeSafe Standard’s features, this tier can automatically send a signal to the Philips Lifeline Response Center if a fall is detected. Seniors living at home and are prone to fall accidents can get that added peace of mind with HomeSafe with AutoAlert!
Pros
- Incredible response time of 12 seconds
- Response associates are well-trained
- In-house monitoring center
- Uninterrupted support
- Well-established company with a solid reputation
Cons
- Activation fees apply
- Higher monthly cost than competitors
- No integration with smart security or home devices
- No Five Diamond Certification
Pricing
HomeSafe Standard can be as low as $29.95/month with a one-time activation fee of $50, while HomeSafe with AutoAlert can be as low as $44.95/month with a one-time activation fee of $50. With Philips Lifeline, there are no long-term contracts to worry about.
Bottom Line
Regardless of what your lifestyle or needs are, Philips Lifeline can provide you and your family members safety assurance and an excellent user experience. Highly trained professionals respond to alerts within 12 seconds, which is ideal in emergency situations where time is of the essence!
Why You Should Invest in an In-Home Medical Alert System
The benefits of in-home medical alert systems are endless when it comes to senior care. The improvements in technology over the years allow the elderly to have access to 24-hour care, without necessarily hiring help or being confined to a nursing home. In-home medical alert systems provide the elderly and their families a sense of safety, in the comfort of their own homes.
Here are some of the main perks of investing in an in-home medical alert system:
24-Hour Monitoring
Many in-home medical alert systems are equipped with 24-hour monitoring capabilities that will execute tasks like reminding users to take their medications on time. In case of an emergency, the system will alert an emergency contact so that seniors always feel secure, and their families or caregivers are always in-the-know.
Affordable
Compared to monthly dues that come with staying at a nursing home or an assisted living facility, in-home medical alert systems are affordable considering the variety of benefits, features, and overall safety they provide. Having an in-home medical alert system can even eliminate the need for hiring a caregiver!
Emergency Help
In-home medical alert systems are programmed to alert relatives or first aid responders if an accident takes place at home. If you find yourself in a situation where you need medical help, you can simply push the button on your wearable and summon emergency assistance.
Peace of Mind
Not only do in-home medical alert systems give seniors peace of mind that they are always protected, they also assure their families that their elderly loved one is always in check no matter the time of day.
Privacy & Independence
As people get older, staying active and busy with fun activities plays a big part in overall mental health and happiness. That can be difficult to do when you are confined in an assisted living facility or a nursing home, though. The reality is, not only are these facilities more expensive in the long run, they are often not as comfortable as living in your own home. Stay secure while enjoying the comforts of being in your own space with an in-home medical alert system!
Summary
The advent of in-home medical alert systems has made 24-hour care much more feasible for families and aging loved ones. In fact, they have become essential life-saving tools for older people and those with medical concerns. Rather than hiring a full-time caregiver staying at a nursing home, seniors can use a medical alert system to stay safe and call for help when needed in their own homes. Being able to live at home longer means prolonged independence, greater happiness, and you’ll even be able to save tons of money in the long run!