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
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.
What we like
- Multiple options based on customer lifestyles
- Landline and cellular options
- Month-to-month payments for monitoring
What we don’t like
- Activity detection not available with all home packages
- No trial period
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 has been operating for over 40 years. The company claims to have the fastest response time in the medical alert industry, thanks to fully U.S.-based monitoring centers and 24/7 service. Consumers Advocate ranked it among its top 10 picks for medical alert systems in 2020, and the brand has over 3,400 five-star reviews. LifeStation has established partnerships with some of the largest senior services and medical providers in the nation. These include Aetna, American Legion and Kaiser Permanente. LifeStation offers in-home and mobile medical alert options you can choose from.
What we like
- U.S.-based monitoring centers
- Major brand partnerships
- Flexible billing and no contracts
What we don’t like
- No CO2 or smoke alerts
- Fall detection costs extra
- No speakers on some wearable devices
Our take
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.
What we like
- Complimentary spouse monitoring
- 2019 CES Innovation Award Honoree
- Many packages and devices
What we don’t like
- Additional cost to add cellular monitoring
- Additional cost for fall detection
- Relatively expensive
Our take
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.
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.
