What Are Medical Alerts with Fall Detection?
Medical alerts with fall detection provide an additional safety net for those who may need additional help after a fall. These medical alert systems come with a fall detection pendant that uses special technology to detect when a person’s position changes. Some fall detection pendants will automatically contact a monitoring specialist even if you can’t press the button for help.
Many medical alert providers make these pendants waterproof so they can be worn while showering. It’s important to remember that you must be within range of your base station or mobile device to signal for help. That’s why it’s essential to consider your medical needs, lifestyle, system range, and features when choosing a provider.
Medical Alerts with Fall Detection: Our Top 5 Picks
- Medical Guardian – Best Overall
- LifeFone – Best for Additional Caregiver Services
- LifeStation – Best for Alexa Voice Control
- Bay Alarm Medical – Best Value
- MobileHelp – Best Equipment Options
Why Fall Detection Is Important
Fall detection is a helpful add-on for any medical alert system. This special service allows you or a loved one to receive immediate assistance in the event of a fall. According to the National Council on Aging, “falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries for older Americans.” The CDC reports that “[1] in [4] Americans aged 65+ falls each year.” Even if injuries are not sustained in a fall, many seniors discontinue enriching life activities they were once interested in due to fear. Having a fall detector device can help reassure seniors, whether they’re home or away, that help is available 24/7 so they can continue to enjoy life’s activities.
Compare the Best Medical Alerts with Fall Detection
| Monitoring starts at | $29.95/mo. | $24.95/mo. | $21.95/mo. | $19.95/mo. | $19.95/mo. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equipment starts at | No upfront equipment cost | No upfront equipment cost | No upfront equipment cost | No upfront equipment cost | No upfront equipment cost |
| Fall detection cost | Additional $10/mo. | Additional $5/mo. | Additional $10/mo. | Additional $10 | Additional $10/mo. |
| Contract | None | None | None | None | None |
| Connectivity | Landline or Cellular | Landline or Cellular | Landline or Cellular | Landline or Cellular | Landline or Cellular |
| Range | 1,300 ft. | 1,300 ft. | 1,000 ft. | 1,000 ft. | 600 ft. |
| Trial period | None | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days |
Our take
Medical Guardian is a trusted name that offers a fantastic service. This system features a simple one-press emergency button, which alerts the monitoring center instantly. Every package features a simple base unit with a button to call for help, as well as a neck pendant or wristwatch that can be used to call for help whenever and wherever needed.
Medical Guardian doesn’t require a contract, and the flexible pricing structure makes it a great choice.
What we like
- Medical necklace included in basic package
- Landline or cellular options
- Month-to-month agreement
What we don’t like
- No trial period
- Costs more for fall detection
- Activity detection not available with all home packages
Our take
LifeFone is a medical alert system provider that has been around since 1976, and over the years it’s developed a solid reputation and an expansive line of equipment. In addition to its in-home and cellular systems, it offers an in-home plus on-the-go all-inclusive unit for the most flexibility. Its caregiver tools and apps provide extra options such as medication reminders, GPS tracking and activity assurance.
What we like
- Flexible equipment options
- Provides extra tools to supplement medical alert system
- No contracts
What we don’t like
- Call monitoring center is not third-party recognized
- Automatic fall detection feature causes frequent false alarms
- Monthly payments increase with feature and service add-ons
Our take
LifeStation stands out when it comes to integration with smart devices and apps. The Find My Loved One app helps caregivers locate a loved one whenever needed. LifeStation also partners with Uber Health, which books rides to medical appointments.
LifeStation’s flexible billing options without contracts make it ideal for those who want to avoid being locked into a long-term agreement. One downside to LifeStation is that the alert system has a limited range of up to 500 feet, so it might not work for those with larger homes or gardens.
What we like
- Alexa integration
- Find My Loved One app
- Landline or cellular monitoring options
What we don’t like
- Relatively limited range
- Limited package and equipment options
Our take
Bay Alarm Medical offers a strong range of alert system packages. Each package comes with 24/7 monitoring and a necklace or wristwatch alert system. If you want to include your spouse, Bay Alarm offers free protection for both of you. For a more comprehensive package, you can add extra wall buttons or fall detection. You can also upgrade to cellular protection rather than a landline.
What we like
- Complimentary spouse monitoring
- 2019 CES Innovation Award Honoree
- Many packages and devices
What we don’t like
- Costs more to add cellular monitoring
- Costs more for fall detection
Our take
MobileHelp features optional smartwatch integration that monitors your health with a built-in Samsung Health app. MobileHelp also offers more equipment options than many of its competitors, but these options do drive the price up. The good news is that there aren’t any upfront costs for most packages, unlike many competitors.
What we like
- Many device and package options
- Price decreases when paid quarterly, semi-annually, or annually
- No up-front equipment fee for most packages
What we don’t like
- Fall detection costs extra
- Packages and pricing change frequently
How Much Do Medical Alerts with Fall Detection Cost?
Medical alerts with fall detection typically cost between $20 and $40 per month depending on the provider. Fall detection service is usually added on to your chosen plan for around $5 to $10 per month, although some providers factor fall detection into their plans so you don’t have to pay an additional fee.
Frequently Asked Questions About Medical Alerts with Fall Detection
How are falls detected?
Most fall buttons or pendants detect falls through sensors. These sensors have accelerometers that detect motion and speed. When someone falls, their movement is abrupt, and a sensor can determine that abrupt movement from normal movements like sitting or walking.
Is a medical alert system with fall detection worth it?
We believe these systems are a good option for those who are prone to falls or have ambulatory challenges. With a fall button or pendant, as long as the wearer is in range of their base station or mobile device, they can get immediate assistance.
