If you’re looking to age in place like the majority of older Americans,1 we recommend purchasing a medical alert system. It can provide extra safety and independence. Most providers offer mobile systems for seniors who want protection when they are out and about, but an in-home system is often cheaper, so it is worth considering if you’re a homebody. Below, we’ll take a look at the best in-home medical alert systems for seniors and share our insights on how to select the right one for you or a loved one.
Our Top 6 Providers for In-Home Medical Alert Systems
How We Chose the Best In-Home Medical Alert Systems
With dozens of medical alert systems out there, it can be mind-boggling to figure out which one is right for you. Well, take a sigh of relief. We’ve done the heavy lifting by researching the ins and outs of the most popular in-home medical alert systems. To make our top six, these in-home medical alert systems had to have a glowing reputation, cater to a variety of budgets, offer an extensive in-home range, and provide unique perks or features. Without further ado, here are our top contenders!
Our editor Taylor Shuman’s grandma testing out Classic Guardian
For seniors who don’t mind paying a higher monthly cost for a top-tier system, Medical Guardian provides optimal in-home medical alert protection. If you have flexibility in your budget, you can custom-fit your system to your needs and lifestyle with various add-ons. Keep in mind that Medical Guardian doesn’t offer a free trial period like most companies, so be sure Medical Guardian is best for you before purchasing.
Call to speak with a Medical Guardian representative. Get your questions answered, products recommended, and ask about current deals and promotions.
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.
Testing the Bay Alarm Medical’s Mobile Help Button
If you’re on the hunt for a great deal on an in-home medical alert system, don’t pass up Bay Alarm Medical. Its transparent prices get two thumbs up from us. No, you won’t get all the latest and greatest features with an in-home system from Bay Alarm Medical, but you will get reliable medical alert protection to keep you safe and independent. Visit our latest Bay Alarm Medical review to learn more.
Call to speak with a Bay Alarm Medical representative. Get your questions answered, products recommended, and ask about current deals and promotions.
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.
Our Editor Jeff Hoyt with the LifeFone Voice in Necklace system
LifeFone’s comprehensive in-home systems are affordable and backed by decades of experience, making it a solid choice for seniors looking for quality and value. Plus, if automatic fall detection is important to you, LifeFone’s prices can’t be beat. However, you’ll want to look elsewhere if your primary language is not English or Spanish, since LifeFone’s call centers don’t provide additional language support.
Unboxing my Aloe Care Health Smart Hub
Aloe Care Health systems are designed for caregivers by caregivers. Features like activity monitoring, an integrated mobile app, and two-way communication via the Smart Hub keep caregivers and seniors connected and supported. You will pay a pretty penny for these advanced features, but remote caregivers may find them worth the money. To learn about our firsthand experience with an Aloe Care system, read our in-depth review.
Philips Lifeline HomeSafe Standard
Philips Lifeline has earned its stripes in the medical alert industry, but it brings more to the table than just an excellent reputation. Its caregiver mobile app, professional installation, and trusted service are all benefits of a Philips Lifeline in-home system. Though it’s not the cheapest provider, when we tested out Philips Lifeline’s systems, we were impressed with the high quality and reliable medical alert protection they offered.
WellBe Smart Speaker
If you’re an older adult who needs medical alert protection and assistance with keeping track of your health care details, this system can do both. WellBe’s Smart Speaker and watch make a great pair for active seniors who want to boost their protection. If you need fall detection, though, you’ll want to consider another provider on this list.
Every second, an older adult experiences a fall.2 Fall detection in your medical alert system can quickly get you the help you need in the event of a fall, which also gives your loved ones peace of mind that you’ll be safe even when they’re away. Fall detection can be added to most in-home medical alert systems for an extra $5 to $15 per month, depending on the provider.
The fall detection monitor is worn around the neck as a pendant and can detect when the wearer has experienced a fall. (It doubles as a help button, meaning it can summon help when pressed.) When this motion-sensing technology in the pendant detects a fall, it automatically triggers a call to the monitoring center. The device doesn’t require the wearer to press their help button when they fall, which is an important feature if you have fallen and are unconscious.
If you think fall detection may be best for you or a loved one, check out our list of the best medical alert systems with fall detection.
To connect users to an emergency response agent, medical alert systems have to be serviced by a landline or mobile connection. Typically, a landline in-home medical alert system is the less expensive of the two. It is also great for those who live in rural areas where they may not have the best cellular coverage. Not all providers offer landline systems, but most we’ve reviewed, like Bay Alarm Medical and Medical Guardian, offer both connection options.
Cellular in-home medical alert systems are a bit more expensive, but ideal for individuals who don’t have a landline. Just make sure that whichever provider you select has good cellular coverage in your area. The last thing you want in an emergency is to realize you have spotty coverage! In case you’re looking for a mobile system, we’ve compiled a list of the best medical alert systems for seniors; most of these brands offer cellular in-home systems.
We realize medical alert systems are an investment. You’ll pay for your service every month, and possibly for some initial equipment and activation fees, so it is important to select a provider that jives with your budget. Monthly service rates for a basic in-home system can be as low as $20, but they can climb to $60 per month if you select an advanced system with all the bells and whistles.
Though Medicare Part B covers durable medical equipment,3 unfortunately, medical alert systems don’t fall under that category. If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan (Medicare Part C), ask your provider if they offer any coverage for medical alert systems. Another option we recommend is checking with your local Area Agency on Aging, which may offer resources, referrals, or discounts on in-home medical alert systems.
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
Since graduating from Harvard with an honors degree in Statistics, Jeff has been creating content in print, online, and on television. Much of his work has been dedicated to informing seniors on how to live better lives. As Editor-in-Chief of the personal… Learn More About Jeff Hoyt
AARP. (2019). 2018 Home and Community Preferences: A National Survey of Adults Ages 18-Plus.
CDC. (2021). Injury Prevention & Control.
Medicare.gov. (2021). Durable medical equipment (DME) coverage.