What Are Medical Alerts With Fall Detection?
Medical alerts with fall detection provide an additional safety net for those who may need help after a fall. These medical alert systems come with a fall detection pendant that uses unique sensor 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 to call for help.
Some medical alert pendants are 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.
Why Fall Detection Is Important
Fall detection is a helpful add-on for any medical alert system. This 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 both fatal and non-fatal injuries for people aged 65+.” The CDC reports that “one out of four older adults will fall each year in the United States.”
Even if injuries are not sustained in a fall, many seniors will stop participating in enriching life activities they were once interested in because of the overwhelming fear of falling. Having a fall detector device can help reassure older adults that help is available 24/7 — whether they’re home or away. Medical alerts with fall detection empower older adults to continue enjoying life’s activities.
Compare the Best Medical Alerts with Fall Detection
 LifeFone |  LifeStation Medical Alert Systems |  Bay Alarm |  MobileHelp | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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 |
Minimum Range
| 1,300 ft. | 1,300 ft. | 500 ft. | 1,000 ft. | 1,300 ft. |
Trial period | None | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days |
Our take
Medical Guardian is a trusted name that offers a reliable service. This system features a simple one-press emergency button, which alerts the monitoring center instantly. Every at-home package features a base unit with a button to call for help. You’ll also get a neck pendant or wristwatch that you or your loved one can use to call for help whenever and wherever needed. Mobile units offer flexibility and 4G LTE connectivity that reaches anywhere a cellular phone could get a signal.
Medical Guardian doesn’t require a contract, and the flexible pricing structure makes it a great choice.
Pros
- Medical necklace included in the basic package
- Landline or cellular options
- Month-to-month agreement
Cons
- 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. 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 on-the-go, all-inclusive unit that can also be used at home for the most flexibility. Its caregiver tools and apps provide extra options such as medication reminders, GPS tracking and activity assurance.
Pros
- Flexible equipment options
- Provides extra tools to supplement medical alert system
- No contracts
Cons
- 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
- Best for Alexa Voice Control
LifeStation Medical Alert Systems
BBB ratingA+Starting at$21.95/moOur 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 long-term agreements. One downside to the LifeStation alert system is its limited range of up to 500 feet. This alert system may not be the best option for anyone with larger homes or who spends a lot of time outside.
Pros
- Alexa integration
- Find My Loved One app
- Landline or cellular monitoring options
Cons
- Relatively limited range
- Limited package and equipment options
Our take
Bay Alarm Medical offers several medical alert packages. Each package comes with 24/7 monitoring and a necklace or wristwatch alert system. Bay Alarm also offers free spouse protection. You can add extra wall buttons or fall detection. You can also upgrade to cellular protection rather than a landline.
Pros
- Complimentary spouse monitoring
- 2019 CES Innovation Award Honoree
- Many packages and devices
Cons
- Costs more to add cellular monitoring
- Costs more for fall detection
Our take
MobileHelp offers options for landline and cellular connections. While you won’t have to pay any upfront costs for many of the company’s devices, there is a monthly fee for automatic fall detection.
Pros
- Many device and package options
- Price decreases when paid quarterly, semi-annually, or annually
- No upfront equipment fee for most packages
Cons
- Fall detection costs extra
- Some monitoring devices are bulky and can be heavy
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 an add-on feature for your chosen plan and costs around $5 to $10 per month. However, 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
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.
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.