Compare Medical Alert Systems Reviews

Medical alert systems connect to a 24/7 monitoring center when users press a device’s help button. The system then notifies emergency services or loved ones.

GetSafe doesn’t require wearable devices and lets you place help buttons around the home, including on a wall-mounted base unit, or on a phone app.

Price

Medical alert systems (also called personal emergency response systems) are designed to quickly connect users with a monitoring center in an emergency. This can help ensure that the user gets medical attention, receives help from a loved one or gets in touch with a caregiver.

The cost of a medical alert system will vary depending on the type of device and how many extra features you want to add, such as fall detection or a mobile device with GPS that can track a user's location even without a phone signal. Most devices require a monthly subscription fee, and some include upfront equipment costs as well.

A budget-friendly option is Bay Alarm Medical, which has low prices and offers a variety of devices, including an in-home landline system that doesn't have long-term contracts or activation fees. The company also has a cellular option that doesn't require a landline, and it includes the cost of cellular service in the monthly fee.

Convenience

A medical alert system is a smart purchase for seniors who live alone, especially those with poor hearing or eyesight. It also benefits people with declining cognitive function like dementia or Alzheimer's who may lose their way or wander from home.

The top medical alert systems offer a choice of in-home and mobile devices that run on either landline or cellular connections. Many of them are GPS-enabled to help authorities locate a user if they're lost or injured.

medical alarms seniors Some companies have one-time equipment costs, while others require upfront purchasing but charge a monthly fee for ongoing monitoring. Some have extra cost add-ons for fall detection, wellness calls and other features. Check the pricing structure to make sure it fits your budget. Many companies also offer a risk-free trial period to let you try out a device before you commit to a contract.

Technology





Medical alert systems connect users to 24/7 monitoring centers that can dispatch emergency responders or contact loved ones when a help button is pressed. Some systems also have GPS capabilities, which can alert monitoring staff and users' caregivers to a user's location in an emergency.

Some systems have fall detection, which is helpful since one senior falls every 11 seconds, according to the National Council on Aging. Medical Alert offers an add-on for this feature that includes a pendant worn around the neck or wrist and a base unit. The company designed the devices to work together, reducing the risk of losing or forgetting one of the pieces.

Lively has a smartphone-like device that can communicate with the 24/7 call center through voice activation, as well as monitor things like room temperature and air quality. The company's products are more expensive than some of its competitors but it has fast response times, which its surveys showed were important to most consumers.

Monitoring

If you opt for a monitored system, consider whether you want an at-home device or one that can work on the go. Many of the top medical alert systems have a cellular connection, which allows monitoring staff and loved ones to locate users when they press their help button.

Some systems offer optional fall detection, which survey respondents said is an important feature. If your system offers it, make sure you understand the monthly costs and if any extra fees are included or not.

GetSafe is an at-home device that works without a pendant or wristband, which may be better for those who find these devices uncomfortable. Its large in-home range and easy-to-use app earn it our Best At-Home System designation. It also features a unique way to activate a response: pulling a cord, pushing a button or saying "Call 911." In addition, its devices are water-resistant and compatible with most home security cameras. You can try this system risk-free for 30 days.