Choosing Medical Alert Devices For Elderly People

Medical alert devices for elderly provide safety at the press of a button and peace of mind for older adults living alone or managing health conditions that make them susceptible to falls. These systems connect them with a 24/7 call center that will dispatch emergency services or a care recipient when needed, helping people remain independent longer without resorting to assisted living or nursing home facilities; yet with so many choices available it can feel daunting when selecting one of these alert devices.

Medical alert systems do not come in one size fits all form; price and functionality play an equal role when looking at package options. Equipment included depends on whether or not you opt for an at-home or on-the-go system.

Home security systems typically consist of a base unit connected to your landline phone and a help button worn around the neck or wrist, with most systems preprogrammed to contact emergency services or trusted friends in an emergency situation. More robust options may also include GPS tracking that enables monitoring staff and loved ones in case of an incident or disaster.

Mobile or on-the-go systems can be beneficial to those who tend to be on their feet more often. These systems operate through cellular networks instead of your traditional landline phone, giving you access to help whenever it's needed while also remaining compact and lightweight enough for carrying in your purse or bag while remaining available for an emergency situation. Some even come as smartwatches which serve as watches, activity trackers and messengers.

Fall detection features of medical alert systems can be lifesaving. A fall detection sensor, typically an accelerometer, detects movement when activated by the system and can identify falls from sitting down or standing up. However, this feature should only be considered for individuals at high risk of falling as it will not detect falls that result from standing or sitting up alone.

When selecting a provider, be sure to consider their customer service reputation and return policy. Some companies even provide online chat support that may come in handy if you have questions regarding pricing or features before buying. You should also look up real customer experiences on verified third-party review sites for added assurance.

Make sure your selected system will fit within your current phone plan and work with existing medical devices and home automation. Medicare Parts A and B typically don't cover medical alert devices; however, you could inquire with local area agencies on aging to see if they provide coverage or partial reimbursement of such devices.

Our team evaluated 23 top-rated medical alert providers, comparing price, range and connectivity; at-home and mobile systems; accessories and add-ons available; price; range and connectivity; at-home vs mobile system availability and accessories and add-ons available - and ultimately chose LifeStation due to both traditional in-home systems with help buttons in homes as well as mobile options that feature help button necklaces or wristbands with one of the quickest response times in the industry.