Emergencies are inevitable, but these top medical alert systems equip you with fast, 24/7 assistance to get you help when needed most. Medical alert systems are creating technology-leading wearables, buttons and home equipment to help you when accidents occur.
If you’re in need of immediate medical assistance, you should be able to press a button to monitoring professionals for help. Most medical alert systems are equipped with a base station or cellular signals for built-in two-way audio to clearly speak with professionals. Your monitoring center professionals will then send emergency responders on your behalf. If your medical alert system isn’t professionally monitored, when you press the button it will call from a list of pre-selected contacts. Make sure you understand how the medical alert system and it’s features work before buying so you’ll know what to do in the event of an emergency.
When considering medical alert systems, factor in the time it will take to get emergency assistance. While most medical alert systems offer professional monitoring, it may take from seconds to minutes before a professional can assist you. Response times from agents vary depending on the medical alert system’s provider.
Some medical alert systems are designed with base stations that connect to your home’s landline to signal for help when you press a button to speak to emergency responders or to a cellular network. If you’re considering a landline system, it’s important to know how far the range extends from the home console or base station to stay within reach if accidents happen. If you’re on the go, consider a system with a cellular connection. Medical alert systems with 4G LTE or other cellular connections allow you to call for help anywhere using GPS technology to notify emergency responders of your location.
The best medical alert systems offer professional monitoring services to notify your listed loved ones and emergency responders on your behalf for a monthly fee. Most medical alert system monitoring costs can range from $20/mo. up to $90/mo. depending on the provider. If you opt not to have professional monitoring, some providers include a one-press button to immediately call your pre-determined emergency contacts.
Medical systems are not ‘one size fits all.’ Think about what features you may want now and in the near future. Evaluate any disorders and hindrances such as dementia or amnesia to find the best easy-to-use medical alert system with the features you need. Some ailments may require your medical alert system to be catered to health concerns including fall detection, more visible visual alerts or automatic activity monitoring to regularly check on loved ones.
Some medical alert systems have hefty monthly costs that can add up. Additional costs may include equipment, professional monitoring and fall detection to automatically send an alert for help if your medical alert detects a fall without pressing a button or calling. Some monthly fees can range from as little as $30/mo. up to $90/mo. on a month-to-month basis. Be cautious of any long-term contracts, activation and cancellation costs found in the terms and conditions.
Unfortunately, most Medicare plans don’t cover medical alert systems as they aren’t listed as essential medical equipment. However, coverage costs and reimbursements can depend on your Medicare plan, private insurance provider and state.
The Medical Guardian medical alert system is designed with a one-press emergency button and GPS technology to identify your device’s location to send help as quickly as possible. Medical Guardian’s medical alert system also is equipped with low-battery notifications, Medical Guardian’s alert watch also offers Text-to-Speech Messaging for hands-free texting and read-aloud messaging to pre-selected contacts. This medical alert also sends automated doctor’s appointment and medication reminders.
Key Features
Read our full overview of Medical Guardian here.
The Bay Alarm Medical system detects signals up to 1,000 feet with four different medical alert systems to help protect you at all times – whether in the car, home or on the go with AT&T 4G LTE. Simply push the button and 24/7 professional monitoring to assist you by alerting your emergency contacts and emergency responders on your behalf.
Key Features
Read our full overview of Bay Alarm here.
The Mobile Help medical alert is a cellular system without long-term contracts and activation fees. Mobile Help offers both in-home and mobile medical alert equipment The MobileHelp Smart Watch includes a built-in Samsung Health app to monitor your heart rate and set fitness and dietary goals for better health.
Key Features
Read our full overview of Mobile Help here.
The ADT Health medical alert system offers both landline and cellular systems that feature. both home and ‘On-The-Go’ options to give you 24/7 protection in the event of an emergency. This waterproof medical alert system also offers fall detection and monitoring professionals trained specially for seniors.
Key Features
Read our full overview of ADT Health here.
The Get Safe medical alert system offers both traditional and hardwired medical alert systems for your home using a 4G LTE cellular network. If you need help, you’ll be able to push a voice-activated button or pull a cord to get emergency medical attention. Get Safe also offers waterproof alert buttons with a 5-year battery. Get Safe offers a variety of medical alert equipment including wearable ‘Help’ buttons, indoor cameras and voice-enabled consoles installed throughout your home.
Key Features
The Life Alert medical system detects signals within 800 feet and is equipped with 24/7 professional monitoring to help keep you safe. The medical system bracelet and pendant wearables are both waterproof to help you with any medical emergencies. Life Alert also has a mobile app so you can quickly reach their monitoring service using your smartphone. Their on-the-go medical alert systems are designed with GPS technology to send help to the right place without giving step-by-step directions.
Key Features
Read our full overview of Life Alert here.
GreatCall provides an array of packages and mobile devices with smart features to help keep seniors independent. This leading provider offers 24/7 access to nurses and doctors and brain games to support seniors’ mental health.
GreatCall’s easy-to-use waterproof senior-friendly devices include the Jitterbug phone with a 5Star Urgent Response button and voice typing feature, as well as the Lively Mobile Plus, a mobile call button for emergency medical assistance. Their agents are certified by the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch to safely and effectively get seniors the help they need when they need it most.
Key Features
Philips Lifeline offers leading medical alert features to keep seniors healthy and independent including 24/7 access to Trained Care Specialists and fall detection. Philips Lifeline systems are equipped with two-way voice audio, location technologies and a water-resistant help button.
Seniors will have peace of mind and medical assistance whether at home or on the go with a variety of landline or wireless system options. Month-to-month billing plans and personalized response plans are available to alert a neighbor or emergency responders for the help you need when you need it.
Key Features
What is a medical alert system?
A medical alert system is a piece of hardware connected to software to signal an emergency. The most popular medical alerts are wearables with a one-press button connected to a professional monitoring center that will assist in getting help.
How do I know if I need a medical alert system?
Medical alert systems are designed for older adults who live alone, are prone to falling or have a medical condition that may impact day-to-day activities. Medical alert systems are designed to provide peace of mind just in case an emergency happens. Feel free to consult with your doctor about any recommendations based on your health and daily activities.
I have a home security system, do I need a medical alert system?
While most fully-monitored home security systems include a ‘Panic’ button to signal for help, keep in mind it’s not specially designed for medical attention. This button also may be built into your security system console, making it ineffective if you’re away from home or not close to the console when the accident occurs.
Before buying a medical alert device the following questions should help you decide on a plan and provider to best meet your medical needs.
Input your search keywords and press Enter.
